Track: Ecology, Conservation, and Archaeology
A GIS Model for Identifying Potential Black-tailed Prairie Dog Habitat in the Northern Great Plains Shortgrass Prairie
Jonathan ProctorBill Haskins
We analyzed four habitat variables in relation to prairie dog colony locations on Montana's Charles M. Russell and UL Bend National Wildlife Refuges using an ArcInfo GIS. A classification tree and logistic regression searched for patterns between prairie dog presence and vegetation, slope, soil texture, and soil depth. Both tests found vegetation and slope to correlate well with prairie dog presence. Soil texture correlated only minimally, and soil depth did not appear to be a significant factor. We developed a model with six habitat categories based on the classification tree results and applied it to the study site. The model was then extrapolated to south Phillips County, Montana. Management implications for the study site and south Phillips County are discussed, with special consideration given to the ongoing black-footed ferret reintroduction program.
Jonathan Proctor
Predator Project
POB 6733
Bozeman, MT 59771
USA
Telephone: (406)587-3389
Fax: (406)587-3178
E-mail: jonathan@wildrockies.org