Georgia Gap
Vertebrate Models
The purpose of the GAP vertebrate species maps is to provide more precise
information about the current predicted distribution of individual native
species within their general ranges. With this information, better estimates
can be made about the actual amounts of habitat area and the nature of
its configuration.
Gap analysis uses the predicted distributions of animal
species to evaluate their conservation status relative to existing land
management. However, the maps of species distributions may be used to
answer a variety of management, planning, and research questions relating
to individual species or groups of species. In addition to the maps, great
utility may be found in the consolidated specimen collection records and
literature that are assembled into databases used to produce the maps.
Previous to this effort there were no maps available, digital or otherwise,
showing the likely present-day distribution of species by habitat type
across their ranges. Because of this, ordinary species (i.e., those not
threatened with extinction or not managed as game animals) are generally
not given sufficient consideration in land-use decisions in the context
of large geographic regions or in relation to their actual habitats. Their
decline because of incremental habitat loss can, and does, result in one
threatened or endangered species "surprise" after another. Frequently,
the records that do exist for an ordinary species are truncated by state
boundaries. Simply creating a consistent spatial framework for storing,
retrieving, manipulating, analyzing, and updating the totality of our
knowledge about the status of each animal species is one of the most necessary
and basic elements for preventing further erosion of biological resources.
Methods
Modeling of vertebrate distributions for GA-GAP generally followed a
7-step process. First, we compiled a list of species to be modeled in
Georgia. Second, we collected occurrence and habitat association data
for each species. Third, we used the occurrence data to approximate the
range boundaries of each species in Georgia. Next we assembled the habitat
association information into a Microsoft Access database and produced
printed copies of initial range maps. Fifth, biologists familiar with
the distribution of Georgia's wildlife reviewed the models and range boundaries.
Sixth, we combined the range approximations with habitat associations
to produce a GIS model of the predicted distribution of each species.
Finally, we conducted an accuracy assessment of the predicted distributions.
Species Richness
Amphibians
Birds
Mammals
Reptiles
Total Species Richness
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