Modeling potential Columbian sharp-tailed grouse habitat in south-eastern Idaho

Authors(s): E. Edgley and T. A. Black

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Publication Date: 0000-00-00

Type: final report

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Abstract: INTRODUCTION In recent years, Geographic Information System (GIS) technologies have greatly increased the capability to model and map wildlife habitats. This technology has provided resource managers and researchers a tool to analyze data and address specific problems at a variety of spatial scales, in less time, and in a more cost-effective manner (Sample 1994). One major focus of using GIS techniques as a management tool is to quantify, qualify, analyze, and evaluate wildlife species habitats and their distributions. In order to manage wildlife habitats, it is useful to know and understand the spatial extent and distribution of habitat types for specific species. By understanding the extent and distribution of an organism's habitat, managers can predict the distribution and abundance of target wildlife species populations (Morrison et. al 1992). Wildlife issues that can be addressed using GIS technologies include: determining wildlife and habitat distribution and abundance, identifying wildlife/habitat associations, and developing long-term habitat and population monitoring programs (Folk and Tacha 1990). This project focused on the potential for using various types of digital spatial data layers in a GIS environment to model potential Columbia sharp-tailed grouse (STGR) (Tympanuchus phasianellus columbianus) nesting/brood rearing habitat. Habitat identified from this project can then be used to assess potential sites for re-introduction of STGR. The model we developed uses specific data layers based on known habitat parameters such as vegetation type, land use, elevation, slope, and anthropogenic disturbances to identify potential sharp-tailed grouse summer and winter habitat in an area of southeastern Idaho. Sources of data for this project include: Idaho Department of Fish and Game, Bureau of Land Management (BLM), Natural Resource Conservation Service (NRCS), and the National Biological Service (NBS) Gap Analysis program as well as data collected by LEMA Center staff. This project addresses an approach to map habitat for a large management area using existing data of various and sources.

Keywords: Idaho, habitat, animal, bird, Aves, ornithology, population, mortality, wildlife, management, nest, nesting, breeding, migration, grouse, sharp-tailed grouse, Columbian sharp-tailed grouse, Tympanuchus phasianellus columbianus