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Track: Natural Resources and Conservation
Kelly Wetteroff
University of Missouri
16 Stewart Hall
Columbia, MO 65211
Telephone: 573-882-1404
Fax: 573-884-4239
Ron Drobney, Tim Haithcoat
Evaluating Vertebrate Distribution Modeling Within a GIS Framework
We will present a methodology for creating predicted vertebrate ranges for GAP analysis utilizing species-specific perceptions and spatial constraints based on measures of the environment and landscape within which they live. This methodology utilizes many more capabilities of GIS as well as incorporating statistical measures of landscape, as provided by FRAGSTATS, to refine the spatial extent of a species range. We will include discussions of scale, pitch, matrix measures, and landscape context and structure, as they relate to the selection and modeling of vertebrates within a GIS. Our pilot study area covers four counties in mid-Missouri. We have collected State-wide information on distributions habitat preferences for many species within each terrestrial taxon (including mammals, amphibians, reptiles, and birds) for the development of a comprehensive State-wide digital database. This database will be used in association with the known geographical range of each species modeled.
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