Abstract

Using GIS to Analyze a Predator-Prey Relationship
Track: Forestry, Wildlife, and Fisheries Management
Author(s): Rebecca Calliss

The common raven and desert tortoise are species both native to the Mojave Desert in southern California. Over the last several decades, however, the raven population has increased significantly, while the desert tortoise population has declined to the point where it has been listed as a threatened species by the US Fish and Wildlife Service under the Endangered Species Act. Prior studies have clearly demonstrated that predation by ravens is one cause of tortoise mortality; however, the correlation between raven population growth, predation locations, and surrounding features within the Mojave Desert (particularly anthropogenic) is less clear. This study focuses on collecting and analyzing spatial data on raven predation and habitat using ArcGIS in order to develop better management strategies for controlling raven population growth and increasing survival rates for desert tortoises. This project is a joint effort between the University of Redlands and the USFWS.

Rebecca Calliss
University of Redlands
1111 E. Central Ave Apt 17
Redlands , California 92374
United States
Phone: 618-889-1856
E-mail: rebecca_calliss@redlands.edu