scholarly journals Conservation of threatened San Joaquin antelope squirrels: distribution surveys, habitat suitability, and conservation recommendations

2021 ◽  
pp. 345-366
Author(s):  
Brian L. Cypher ◽  
Erica C. Kelly ◽  
Reagen O’Leary ◽  
Scott E. Phillips ◽  
Lawrence R. Saslaw ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Habitat Loss ◽  
Habitat Suitability ◽  
Ground Cover ◽  
Ground Squirrels ◽  
Suitable Habitat ◽  
Habitat Suitability Model ◽  
Habitat Conditions ◽  
Kangaroo Rats ◽  
California Ground Squirrels

The San Joaquin antelope squirrel (Ammospermophilus nelsoni: SJAS) is listed as Threatened pursuant to the California Endangered Species Act due to profound habitat loss throughout its range in the San Joaquin Desert in California. Habitat loss is still occurring and critical needs for SJAS include identifying occupied sites, quantifying optimal habitat conditions, and conserving habitat. Our objectives were to (1) conduct surveys to identify sites where SJAS were present, (2) assess habitat attributes on all survey sites, (3) generate a GIS-based model of SJAS habitat suitability, (4) use the model to determine the quantity and quality of remaining habitat, and (5) use these results to develop conservation recommendations. SJAS were detected on 160 of the 326 sites we surveyed using automated camera stations. Sites with SJAS typically were in arid upland shrub scrub communities where desert saltbush (Atriplex polycarpa) or jointfir (Ephedra californica) were the dominant shrubs, although shrubs need not be present for SJAS to be present. Sites with SJAS usually had relatively sparse ground cover with >10% bare ground and Arabian grass (Schismus arabicus) was the dominant grass. SJAS were more likely to occur on sites where kangaroo rats (Dipodomys spp.) were present and burrow abundance was greater, but SJAS were less likely to be present on sites with California ground squirrels (Otospermophilus beecheyi). Based on our habitat suitability model, an estimated 5,931 km2 of high or moderately high quality habitat and 4,753 km2 of lower quality habitat remain. To conserve SJAS, we recommend (1) conducting additional SJAS surveys on sites not surveyed but with suitable habitat, (2) conserving unprotected lands with suitable habitat, (3) managing vegetation on occupied sites if necessary, (4) restoring disturbed lands to increase suitability for SJAS, and (5) conducting translocations of SJAS to unoccupied sites with suitable habitat.

scholarly journals Conservation of endangered Tipton kangaroo rats (Dipodomys nitratoides nitratoides): status surveys, habitat suitability, and conservation recommendations

2021 ◽  
pp. 382-397
Author(s):  
Brian L. Cypher ◽  
Scott E. Phillips ◽  
Tory L. Westall ◽  
Erin N. Tennant ◽  
Lawrence R. Saslaw ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Habitat Loss ◽  
Habitat Suitability ◽  
Ground Cover ◽  
Suitable Habitat ◽  
Kangaroo Rats ◽  
Habitat Suitability Modeling ◽  
Kangaroo Rat ◽  
Live Trapping ◽  
Medium Quality

The Tipton kangaroo rat (Dipodomys nitratoides nitratoides; TKR) is listed as endangered both Federally and by the state of California due to profound habitat loss throughout its range in the southern San Joaquin Valley of California. Habitat loss is still occurring and critical needs for TKR include identifying occupied sites, quantifying optimal habitat conditions, and conserving habitat. Our objectives were to (1) conduct surveys to identify sites where TKR were extant, (2) assess habitat attributes on all survey sites, (3) generate a GIS-based model of TKR habitat suitability, (4) use the model to determine the quantity and quality of remaining TKR habitat, and (5) use these results to develop conservation recommendations. We surveyed for TKR on 44 sites by live-trapping and detected TKR on 15 sites. Sites with TKR tended to have larger alkali scalds and no obvious sign of past tilling compared to sites without TKR. Also, sites with TKR usually had relatively sparse ground cover and seepweed (Suaeda nigra) was present. The non-protected Heermann’s kangaroo rat (Dipodomys heermanni), a larger competitor, was either absent or present in relatively low numbers at sites with TKR, and when present its abundance was inversely related to that of TKR. Based on our habitat suitability modeling, an estimated 30,000 ha of moderately high or high quality TKR habitat and 60,000 ha of lower or medium quality habitat remain. However, habitat is still being lost and conversion of at least one survey site with TKR occurred during this project. Recommendations for TKR conservation are to (1) conduct additional TKR surveys on unsurveyed but suitable sites, (2) conserve suitable habitat on unprotected lands, (3) manage vegetation on occupied sites if necessary, (4) restore disturbed lands to increase suitability for TKR, and (5) research methods and conduct translocations of TKR to unoccupied sites with suitable habitat.

scholarly journals Challenges in updating habitat suitability models: An example with the lesser prairie-chicken

PLoS ONE ◽  
2021 ◽  
Vol 16 (9) ◽  
pp. e0256633
Author(s):  
Catherine S. Jarnevich ◽  
Pairsa N. Belamaric ◽  
Kent Fricke ◽  
Mike Houts ◽  
Liza Rossi ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Land Cover ◽  
Habitat Suitability ◽  
Negative Relationship ◽  
Suitable Habitat ◽  
Habitat Suitability Model ◽  
Current Information ◽  
Land Cover Data ◽  
Prairie Chicken ◽  
Anthropogenic Development ◽  
Iteration Model

Habitat loss from land-use change is one of the top causes of declines in wildlife species of concern. As such, it is critical to assess and reassess habitat suitability as land cover and anthropogenic features change for both monitoring and developing current information to inform management decisions. However, there are obstacles that must be overcome to develop consistent assessments through time. A range-wide lek habitat suitability model for the lesser prairie-chicken (Tympanuchus pallidicinctus), currently under review by the U. S. Fish and Wildlife Service for potential listing under the Endangered Species Act, was published in 2016. This model was based on lek data from 2002 to 2012, land cover data ranging from 2001 to 2013, and anthropogenic features from circa 2011, and has been used to help guide lesser prairie-chicken management and anthropogenic development actions. We created a second iteration model based on new lek surveys (2015 to 2019) and updated predictors (2016 land cover and cleaned/updated anthropogenic data) to evaluate changes in lek suitability and to quantify current range-wide habitat suitability. Only three of 11 predictor variables were directly comparable between the iterations, making it difficult to directly assess what predicted changes resulted from changes in model inputs versus actual landscape change. The second iteration model showed a similar positive relationship with land cover and negative relationship with anthropogenic features to the first iteration, but exhibited more variation among candidate models. Range-wide, more suitable habitat was predicted in the second iteration. The Shinnery Oak Ecoregion, however, exhibited a loss in predicted suitable habitat that could be due to predictor source changes. Iterated models such as this are important to ensure current information is being used in conservation and development decisions.

scholarly journals The Extent of Seasonally Suitable Habitats May Limit Forage Fish Production in a Temperate Estuary

2021 ◽  
Vol 8 ◽  
Author(s):  
Mary C. Fabrizio ◽  
Troy D. Tuckey ◽  
Aaron J. Bever ◽  
Michael L. MacWilliams
Keyword(s):  
Chesapeake Bay ◽  
Habitat Suitability ◽  
Reference Points ◽  
Suitable Habitat ◽  
Habitat Conditions ◽  
Forage Production ◽  
Forage Fishes ◽  
Annual Variations ◽  
Suitable Habitats ◽  
Bay Anchovy

The sustained production of sufficient forage is critical to advancing ecosystem-based management, yet factors that affect local abundances and habitat conditions necessary to support aggregate forage production remain largely unexplored. We quantified suitable habitat in the Chesapeake Bay and its tidal tributaries for four key forage fishes: juvenile spotted hake Urophycis regia, juvenile spot Leiostomus xanthurus, juvenile weakfish Cynoscion regalis, and bay anchovy Anchoa mitchilli. We used information from monthly fisheries surveys from 2000 to 2016 coupled with hindcasts from a spatially interpolated model of dissolved oxygen and a 3-D hydrodynamic model of the Chesapeake Bay to identify influential covariates and construct habitat suitability models for each species. Suitable habitat conditions resulted from a complex interplay between water quality and geophysical properties of the environment and varied among species. Habitat suitability indices ranging between 0 (poor) and 1 (superior) were used to estimate seasonal and annual extents of suitable habitats. Seasonal variations in suitable habitat extents in Chesapeake Bay, which were more pronounced than annual variations during 2000–2016, reflected the phenology of estuarine use by these species. Areas near shorelines served as suitable habitats in spring for juvenile spot and in summer for juvenile weakfish, indicating the importance of these shallow areas for production. Tributaries were more suitable for bay anchovy in spring than during other seasons. The relative baywide abundances of juvenile spot and bay anchovy were significantly related to the extent of suitable habitats in summer and winter, respectively, indicating that Chesapeake Bay habitats may be limiting for these species. In contrast, the relative baywide abundances of juvenile weakfish and juvenile spotted hake varied independently of the spatial extent of suitable habitats. In an ecosystem-based approach, areas that persistently provide suitable conditions for forage species such as shoreline and tributary habitats may be targeted for protection or restoration, thereby promoting sufficient production of forage for predators. Further, quantitative habitat targets or spatial thresholds may be developed for habitat-limited species using estimates of the minimum habitat area required to produce a desired abundance or biomass; such targets or thresholds may serve as spatial reference points for management.

scholarly journals Evaluation of Habitat Suitability for Rhino (Rhinoceros unicornis) in Orang National Park Using Geo-Spatial Tools

ISRN Ecology ◽  
2011 ◽  
Vol 2011 ◽  
pp. 1-9 ◽  
Author(s):  
Pranjit Kumar Sarma ◽  
B. S. Mipun ◽  
Bibhab Kumar Talukdar ◽  
Rajeev Kumar ◽  
Ajit Kumar Basumatary
Keyword(s):  
Habitat Suitability ◽  
National Park ◽  
Geographical Area ◽  
Suitable Habitat ◽  
Habitat Suitability Model ◽  
Swamp Forest ◽  
Secondary Sources ◽  
North East India ◽  
North East ◽  
Rhinoceros Unicornis

Orang National Park (Orang NP) is one of the important conservation areas in the Brahmaputra valley within North East India biogeographic zone covering an area of 78.8 km2. It is one of the prime habitats of one horned rhino (Rhinoceros unicornis) in its distribution range in south Asia. Satellite imagery of November 2008 was used to evaluate the rhino habitat pattern in the park. A habitat suitability model for one horned rhino was prepared using primary and secondary sources. Result indicates that out of total geographical area of the park 25.85% is covered by woodland. About 26.06% is covered by wet alluvial grassland and 17.97% is covered by dry savannah grassland. Similarly degraded grassland is covering 15.23% and eastern seasonal swamp forest is covering 1.72% of the park. About 8.22% of the park is covered by water body and 6.83% is covered by sandy area. The habitat suitability model for rhino shows that 25.13% of the park is most suitable habitat for rhino, 13.62% is moderately suitable and 61.23% is less suitable habitat for rhino in the park. This information will help the park managers to conserve rhino and its habitat in Orang NP.

scholarly journals Potential habitat connectivity for Malayan gaur (Bos gaurus) in a fragmented forest area in Peninsular Malaysia

2021 ◽  
Vol 42 (3(SI)) ◽  
pp. 798-805
Author(s):  
N.A.T. Ariffin ◽  
◽  
M.A. Mustapha ◽  
T.M. Taher ◽  
N.F. Khodri ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Habitat Suitability ◽  
Peninsular Malaysia ◽  
Forest Area ◽  
Suitable Habitat ◽  
Habitat Suitability Model ◽  
Fragmented Forest ◽  
Auc Value ◽  
Bos Gaurus ◽  
Suitable Habitats ◽  
Fragmented Forest Area

Aim: To predict the distribution of suitable habitats for Malayan gaur (Bos gaurus) at a highly fragmented forest area in Peninsular Malaysia and to identify the potential connectivity between suitable habitat patches. Methodology: Maximum entropy (MaxEnt) approach was used to predict the distribution of suitable habitats of the Malayan gaur. Gaur presence-only data and six environmental variables were collated for the habitat suitability modeling, and area under curve (AUC) value was used to estimate the performance of the model. The resulting model was then used to derive a potential connectivity map through least-cost analysis using Corridor Designer toolbox in ArcGIS 10.4. Results: The AUC value of the habitat suitability model was 0.84. Distance from urban areas indicated the highest relative contribution to the model (26.9%), followed by distance from water body (24.2%) land use (18.0%) elevation (14.3%), slope (14.0%) and lithology (2.6%). Predicted suitable habitats for gaur were found mostly in lowland forest areas, especially in the vicinity of rivers within forest reserves. A total of five wildland blocks were derived from the habitat suitability model, and several potential corridor swaths were identified connecting the wildland blocks. Interpretation: The absence of gaur occurrence in suitable habitats suggest that fragmented habitats greatly affected gaur distribution and population. Road network and agricultural lands are the major barriers of gaur movement as they are very sensitive towards disturbances and conflict. Thus, this research proposes potential connectivity at a regional scale for Malayan gaur for use in future planning in conservation, management and development.

scholarly journals Habitat Suitability Modeling for the Newell's Shearwater on Kauai

2014 ◽  
Vol 5 (2) ◽  
pp. 315-329 ◽  
Author(s):  
Jeff R. Troy ◽  
Nick D. Holmes ◽  
Joseph A. Veech ◽  
André F. Raine ◽  
M. Clay Green
Keyword(s):  
Habitat Suitability ◽  
Suitable Habitat ◽  
Habitat Suitability Model ◽  
Conservation Action ◽  
Habitat Suitability Modeling ◽  
Rock Fragments ◽  
The North ◽  
Isolation Index ◽  
Anthropogenic Threats ◽  
Privately Owned

Abstract The Newell's shearwater, or ‘A’o Puffinus newelli, is endemic to the main islands of the Hawaiian Archipelago and is listed as endangered on the International Union for Conservation of Nature Red List and as threatened under the U.S. Endangered Species Act. Using abiotic and biotic environmental variables, we developed a terrestrial habitat suitability model for this species on Kauai to predict habitat that could be suitable in the absence of anthropogenic threats. In addition, we developed a habitat/threat-isolation index incorporating information from our suitability model to identify regions of structurally suitable habitat with less exposure to certain anthropogenic threats (relative to other portions of the island). The habitat suitability model suggests that slope, density of rock fragments within the soil, and native vegetation cover are important factors associated with the current known distribution of the Newell's shearwater on Kauai, and that a moderate portion of the sloped interior terrain of Kauai could potentially be suitable nesting habitat for this species. The habitat/threat-isolation index identified the mountains on the north-central portion of the island as structurally suitable habitat most isolated from a combination of major anthropogenic disturbances (relative to other portions of the island). Much of this region, however, is privately owned and not designated as an official reserve, which could indicate a need for increased conservation action in this region in the future. This information is important for conservation biologists and private landowners because expanding efforts to control nonnative predators, as well as management of additional lands as reserves, may be necessary for the protection and preservation of the Newell's shearwater.

Habitat Suitability Modeling of the Federally Endangered Poweshiek Skipperling in Michigan

2016 ◽  
Vol 7 (2) ◽  
pp. 359-368 ◽  
Author(s):  
Clint D. Pogue ◽  
Michael J. Monfils ◽  
David L. Cuthrell ◽  
Benjamin W. Heumann ◽  
Anna K. Monfils
Keyword(s):  
United States ◽  
Land Cover ◽  
Habitat Suitability ◽  
Habitat Model ◽  
Suitable Habitat ◽  
Habitat Suitability Model ◽  
Habitat Suitability Modeling ◽  
Natural Land ◽  
Oarisma Poweshiek ◽  
Prairie Fen

Abstract The Poweshiek skipperling Oarisma poweshiek (Lepidoptera: Hesperiidae) is a historically common prairie butterfly with a range extending throughout the mesic prairies and prairie fens of the upper Midwestern United States and southern Manitoba, Canada. Rapid, range-wide declines have reduced the number of verified Poweshiek skipperling locations to seven, four of which occur in Michigan. To assist with monitoring and, ultimately, conservation efforts, we developed a habitat model using the software Maxent with ecological and geographical factors. Using a lowest-presence threshold methodology, our habitat suitability model indicated potentially high suitability in 26 of 138 prairie fens with no documentation of Poweshiek skipperling occurrence. The strongest predictors of suitable habitat in our model were prairie fen area and surrounding natural land cover. Wildlife managers can use results from this analysis to expand monitoring to include sites with suitable habitat where Poweshiek skipperling are not currently documented, in addition to identifying potential introduction sites.

scholarly journals Habitat-Suitability Model for the Yellow Rail (Coturnicops noveboracensis) in the Northern Gulf Coast of Alabama and Mississippi, USA

2020 ◽  
Vol 12 (5) ◽  
pp. 848 ◽  
Author(s):  
Kelly M. Morris ◽  
Eric C. Soehren ◽  
Mark S. Woodrey ◽  
Scott A. Rush
Keyword(s):  
Habitat Suitability ◽  
Gulf Coast ◽  
Geographic Area ◽  
Migratory Bird ◽  
Present Condition ◽  
Suitable Habitat ◽  
Habitat Suitability Model ◽  
Management Actions ◽  
High Conservation ◽  
Northern Gulf Coast

The yellow rail (Coturnicops noveboracensis) is a migratory bird of high conservation priority throughout its range and winters across the Atlantic and Gulf Coastal Plains regions of the southeastern United States. Although the winter ecology of this species has been recently explored, no studies have addressed their distribution and abundance in relation to suitable habitat capable of supporting this species during winter along the northern Gulf Coast of Alabama and Mississippi. The objectives of this study were to develop a habitat-suitability model for yellow rail wintering in the northern Gulf Coast of Alabama and Mississippi. We then used this model to evaluate the distribution of habitat suitable for supporting yellow rail in this geographic area. Using a multivariate approach that makes use of presence-only data through a maximum entropy framework we compared the distribution of where the focal species was observed to a reference set of the whole study area. Of the 784,657 ha over which our model was applied, only 1% (8643 ha) of this area was predicted suitable in its present condition, for supporting yellow rail in winter. Our analysis indicates that the yellow rail along the northern Gulf Coast of Alabama and Mississippi occupy a very narrow range of environmental conditions highlighting need for specific management actions to maintain and conserve suitable winter landscapes for this habitat-restricted species.

Predicting bycatch hotspots based on suitable habitat derived from fishery-independent data

2020 ◽  
Vol 641 ◽  
pp. 159-175
Author(s):  
J Runnebaum ◽  
KR Tanaka ◽  
L Guan ◽  
J Cao ◽  
L O’Brien ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Habitat Suitability ◽  
Mixed Model ◽  
Linear Mixed Model ◽  
Gulf Of Maine ◽  
Homarus Americanus ◽  
Management Tool ◽  
American Lobster ◽  
Suitable Habitat ◽  
Climate Conditions ◽  
Suitability Index

Bycatch remains a global problem in managing sustainable fisheries. A critical aspect of management is understanding the timing and spatial extent of bycatch. Fisheries management often relies on observed bycatch data, which are not always available due to a lack of reporting or observer coverage. Alternatively, analyzing the overlap in suitable habitat for the target and non-target species can provide a spatial management tool to understand where bycatch interactions are likely to occur. Potential bycatch hotspots based on suitable habitat were predicted for cusk Brosme brosme incidentally caught in the Gulf of Maine American lobster Homarus americanus fishery. Data from multiple fisheries-independent surveys were combined in a delta-generalized linear mixed model to generate spatially explicit density estimates for use in an independent habitat suitability index. The habitat suitability indices for American lobster and cusk were then compared to predict potential bycatch hotspot locations. Suitable habitat for American lobster has increased between 1980 and 2013 while suitable habitat for cusk decreased throughout most of the Gulf of Maine, except for Georges Basin and the Great South Channel. The proportion of overlap in suitable habitat varied interannually but decreased slightly in the spring and remained relatively stable in the fall over the time series. As Gulf of Maine temperatures continue to increase, the interactions between American lobster and cusk are predicted to decline as cusk habitat continues to constrict. This framework can contribute to fisheries managers’ understanding of changes in habitat overlap as climate conditions continue to change and alter where bycatch interactions could occur.

scholarly journals Predicting Impacts of Climate Change on Northward Range Expansion of Invasive Weeds in South Korea

Plants ◽  
2021 ◽  
Vol 10 (8) ◽  
pp. 1604
Author(s):  
Sun Hee Hong ◽  
Yong Ho Lee ◽  
Gaeun Lee ◽  
Do-Hun Lee ◽  
Pradeep Adhikari
Keyword(s):  
Climate Change ◽  
South Korea ◽  
Habitat Suitability ◽  
Management Strategies ◽  
Southern Region ◽  
Suitable Habitat ◽  
Invasive Weeds ◽  
Northern Regions ◽  
Suitable Habitats ◽  
Control And Management

Predicting the distribution of invasive weeds under climate change is important for the early identification of areas that are susceptible to invasion and for the adoption of the best preventive measures. Here, we predicted the habitat suitability of 16 invasive weeds in response to climate change and land cover changes in South Korea using a maximum entropy modeling approach. Based on the predictions of the model, climate change is likely to increase habitat suitability. Currently, the area of moderately suitable and highly suitable habitats is estimated to be 8877.46 km2, and 990.29 km2, respectively, and these areas are expected to increase up to 496.52% by 2050 and 1439.65% by 2070 under the representative concentration pathways 4.5 scenario across the country. Although habitat suitability was estimated to be highest in the southern regions (<36° latitude), the central and northern regions are also predicted to have substantial increases in suitable habitat areas. Our study revealed that climate change would exacerbate the threat of northward weed invasions by shifting the climatic barriers of invasive weeds from the southern region. Thus, it is essential to initiate control and management strategies in the southern region to prevent further invasions into new areas.

Sign in / Sign up

Export Citation Format

Share Document