Wyoming Bioinformation Node |
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Wyoming Bioinformation Node |
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Welcome to the Wyoming Bioinformation Node's Species Atlas! This site contains distribution maps for all 445 terrestrial vertebrate species modeled in the Wyoming Gap Analysis Project along with Arc/Info export files for the individual species which can be downloaded and imported into your local GIS. Export files also exist which contain all species distribution information in one coverage, if you wish to download all species information in one file instead of individually.
To view an image of the distribution maps or download an individual species Arc/Info coverage, you may choose the appropriate taxonomic group in the left hand frame and step through a series of hierarchical menus until you find the species of interest, or you may use the search button also located in the left frame to search for a species' common or scientific name. Options also exist for searching for all species with a matching association to a habitat keyword (such as "Aspen", or "Mountain Sagebrush"), and you can search for specific species references (literature citations), as well.
How the species distribution maps were created
The vertebrate species distribution maps were predicted using a computer model, incorporating existing information on point locality records, range maps, and habitat conditions for each species. The modeling approach used included four steps:
1. The distributional limits of each species were defined by recording the species' presence or absence within a grid of hexagon-shaped cells (635 km2 in size) encompassing the state, based on point locality records and range maps.
2. A Wildlife-Habitat Relationships (WHR) database was developed, recording the association of terrestrial vertebrate species to features that had been digitally mapped within the state of Wyoming, including land cover (vegetation) types, riparian/aquatic habitats, and elevation.
3. The hexagon and WHR databases were combined by the use of a GIS in a spatial overlay process. Species distributions in the state were predicted on existence of associated habitat within hexagon cells where species are known or expected to occur.
4. Hardcopy maps of predicted species distributions were reviewed by over 60 acknowledged experts including state and federal biologists, university professors, and Audubon Society members, resulting in the final version of the maps included in this atlas.
For more details on the procedures used to collect and process information in the creation of the predicted species distributions, please refer to:
Merrill, E. H., T. W. Kohley, M. E. Herdendorf, W.A. Reiners, K.L. Driese, R.W. Marrs, S.H. Anderson. 1996. Wyoming Gap Analysis: a geographic analysis of biodiversity. Final Report, WY. Coop. Fish Wildl. Unit, Univ. WY., Laramie, WY.
Information about the Species Distribution Maps
The species distribution maps displayed in this frame are static images containing the predicted distributions of species overlaid with county boundaries. Two colors are present on the maps. The light green color indicates the predicted presence of the species based on the primary land cover type (i.e., land cover occupying the largest proportion of the area of each polygon) of the habitat polygon. The tan color represents the predicted presence of the species based on the secondary land cover (i.e., land cover occupying the second largest proportion of the area of each polygon).
Official disclaimer for GAP data
Although these data have been processed successfully on a computer system at the U.S.G.S. Biological Resources Division, no warranty expressed or implied is made regarding the accuracy or utility of the data on any other system or for general or scientific purposes, nor shall the act of distribution constitute any such warranty. This disclaimer applies both to individual use of the data and aggregate use with other data. The U.S.G.S Biological Resources Division shall not be held liable for improper or incorrect use of the data described and/or contained herein.
These data were compiled with regard to the following standards. Please be aware of the limitations of the data. These data are meant to be used at a scale of 1:100,000 or smaller (such as 1:250,000 or 1:500,000) for the purpose of assessing the conservation status of vertebrate species and vegetation cover types over large geographic regions. The data may or may not have been assessed for statistical accuracy. Data evaluation and improvement may be ongoing. The U.S.G.S. Biological Resources Division makes no claim as to the data's suitability for other purposes.