Track: Ecology, Conservation, and Archaeology
GIS and Vertebrate Species Richness Maps and Models for the Arizona GAP Program
Scott B. McCarthyJohn Mangiameli , Michael R. Kunzmann, Willian L. Halvorson
GIS is a critical tool for examining 544 predicted species and richness maps for the Arizona GAP program. Arizona GAP vertebrate species richness maps were created using numerous data gathering procedures and GIS/remote sensing data extrapolation techniques that utilized vegetation, elevation, and location as primary predictors of species presence and absence. The challenge was to develop a meaningful way to present species richness surfaces in a clear concise manner that could be used by managers and the general public. This paper will discuss issues relating to data availability and quality as well as examine the usefulness of models and expert opinion in assessing individual species and richness map accuracies.
Scott B. McCarthy
USGS Biological Resources Division
125 Biological Sciences East
Tucson, AZ 85721
USA
Telephone: (520) 621-7282
Fax: (520) 670-5001
E-mail: McCarthy@nexus.srnr.arizona.edu