[an error occurred while processing this directive]



KS-GAP: Progress on the Vertebrate Layer in Kansas

by

Glennis A. Kaufman, Jack F. Cully, Jr., Raymond S. Matlack, Nicole M. Gerlanc, and Mayee Wong

Abstract

The goal of the national Gap Analysis Program (GAP) is to (1) provide assessment of the conservation status of native vertebrate species and natural land cover types and (2) facilitate the application of this information to land management activities. Each state, as part of the national GAP, is required to develop layers for (a) land cover, (b) predicted distributions of each terrestrial vertebrate species based on habitat associations, and (c) stewardship (areas managed for long-term biodiversity) and to overlay these layers in a Geographic Information System (GIS) for gap analysis. Currently, 48 of 50 states are involved in some stage of gap analysis. In Kansas, the land cover map of native vegetation is under development using three dates for each thematic mapper scene from the Landsat satellite. Development of the vertebrate layer also is underway. The first step in vertebrate modeling is to develop lists of mammals, birds, reptiles, and amphibians to be mapped. Once these are established, we will develop databases of location records (historical and current) and habitat associations for each terrestrial species. When KS-GAP is completed, the vertebrate layer will contain maps with error estimates that predict the distributions of breeding and/or wintering terrestrial vertebrate species in Kansas. This research is supported by the Biological Resources Division (U.S. Geological Survey) and Kansas Department of Wildlife and Parks.

[an error occurred while processing this directive]

March 20, 2000