Distribution of Herpetofauna and the WildlifeMapping Project: Making the Connection

1
Distribution of Herpetofauna and the
WildlifeMapping Project Making the Connection

• Karen K. Reay and Jeffrey B. Trollinger
• Virginia Department of Game and
• Inland Fisheries

2
Atlas of Amphibians and Reptiles
WildlifeMapping
GAP Analysis
3
Problem No Current Herpetological Atlas

• A compilation of reptile and amphibian collection
  points had not been published for over 15 years

4

• The Atlas of Amphibians and Reptiles in Virginia

• Point location distribution
• 74 species of amphibians
• 61 species of reptiles
• Historical information, VA
  environment, conservation, extensive
  literature citation

5
What are the Benefits of an Atlas?

• Collection location is of great importance for
  identification of herps and application
• Distribution patterns emerge

6
(No Transcript)
7
Eastern Box Turtle
8
(No Transcript)
9
(No Transcript)
10
Herpetological Collection Density (By County)
11
Atlas A Scientific Effort

• It is compiled from scientific data, but it still
  has holes. Actual distribution? Loss of habitat?
  Lack of collection effort?

12
Possible Solution

• Biologists cant be everywhere.
• WildlifeMapping data may help fill in gaps
  identified by the Atlas, especially for easily
  identified species

13
WildlifeMapping Program

• A database of public species and habitat
  information submitted on a regular basis
• Wildlife 1040 form
• Data are compatible with current research efforts

14
We have the program, now what...?

• Compare WildlifeMapping data with predicted
  distribution of where we expect to find species.

15
(No Transcript)
16
(No Transcript)
17
(No Transcript)
18
(No Transcript)
19
Data Benefits and Disadvantages

• Atlas Data
• Scientific Collection Permits
• Museum Records
• Vouchered Specimens
• Double Verified

• WildlifeMapping Data
• Higher volume, mammals/common spp.
• Untapped sources
• Public data layer
• Verified in Office

20
WildlifeMapping Over Time

• WildlifeMappers will be monitoring sites over
  time (ex. bird counts), thus data should show
• trends
• species composition change over time
• range extension and contraction

21
Problem

• The application of species distribution and what
  it tells us has not been thoroughly studied
• We need to find a way to put all the pieces into
  one package

22
Solution Gap Analysis

• Distribution of terrestrial vertebrates
• Actual vegetation cover (from imagery)
• Land ownership and management areas

23
Gap Analysis Project

• Uses GIS to identify gaps in diversity
  protection and where new areas or changes in land
  use activities could be implemented

24
Steps in Distribution Mapping

• Develop initial county distribution maps from
  museum records

25
Virginia Species for GAP
26
Steps in Distribution Mapping

• Develop initial county distribution maps from
  museum records

• Develop wildlife-habitat relationship models
• Combine with land cover data and other digital
  information to develop a predicted distribution
  map

27
Land Use in Virginia
Deciduous forest Coniferous forest Mixed
forest Shrub/scrub Agriculture/herbaceous Water Di
sturbed Wetland
28
(No Transcript)
29
What Does it All Show?

• Predicted species distribution
• Temporal changes in species communities
• Trends as environmental indicators

30
Bringing the Projects Together

• The process of GAP Analysis and WildlifeMapping
  are proactive approaches to keep common species
  common and maintaining quality of life
• For more information or questions about the
  Atlas, WildlifeMapping Program or Virginias
  Species Information System see our Web Site -
  www.dgif.state.va.us or email kreay_at_dgif.state.va.
  us