Yukon Rare Species Occurrence Polygons with Locational Uncertainty

Polygon data from the Yukon Conservation Data Centre maps known and previously reported locations of rare plants and animals in Yukon Territory. The dataset uses NatureServe methodology to depict Element Occurrences, incorporating documented locational uncertainty from sources like inaccurate GPS readings. It is mapped at a scale of 1:50,000 or larger.

Use Cases

• Overlay Element Occurrence polygons with development project maps to screen for potential habitat conflicts.
• Analyze the spatial distribution of rare species using the documented locational uncertainty buffers to guide field surveys.
• Model species habitat suitability by integrating Element Occurrence polygons with other environmental GIS layers for Yukon.
• Assess temporal trends in species reporting by comparing current and previously reported locations within the database.

Strengths

• Follows the standardized NatureServe methodology for mapping Element Occurrences.
• Includes explicit documentation of locational uncertainty for each record.
• Data is mapped at a detailed scale of 1:50,000 or larger.
• Provided with a dedicated user manual explaining data structure and caveats.

Limitations

• Absence of a mapped polygon does not confirm species absence, requiring professional field assessment.
• Locational uncertainty is explicitly incorporated, meaning precise coordinates are not guaranteed.
• Sample data and specific record counts are unavailable to assess dataset volume.

Provenance

Source

Yukon Conservation Data Centre, Government of Yukon.

Collection Method

Mapped following NatureServe methodology, depicting Element Occurrences as polygons with documented locational uncertainty.

Time Range

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Freshness

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Geography

Yukon Territory, Canada.