U.S. Geological Survey Gap Analysis Program species distribution models represent the spatial arrangement of environments suitable for occupation by a species. The models are 30-meter raster data, generated using a Python script that selects variables from a wildlife habitat relationship database based on literature. Data were compiled from multiple regional GAP projects and other sources, with models delimited by GAP species ranges.
Use Cases
- Predicting species occurrence areas based on habitat associations and land cover data.
- Analyzing conservation priorities using modeled species distribution ranges.
- Integrating species models with ancillary variables like elevation and hydrology for ecological research.
Strengths
- Models are based on compiled data from multiple regional Gap Analysis Projects and other sources.
- Data are attributed with seasonal use information from projects like NWGAP and SWReGAP, as well as NatureServe and IUCN.
- Distribution models are provided at a 30-meter spatial resolution.
Limitations
- Row count and file size are unknown, which may limit suitability assessment.
- Column-level documentation is absent; field semantics must be inferred after download.
- Last update date is unknown; freshness unverified.
Provenance
- Source
- U.S. Geological Survey Gap Analysis Program (USGS-GAP)
- Collection Method
- Models generated using a Python script selecting variables from a wildlife habitat relationship database (WHRdb) based on literature, including primary and gray publications.
- Time Range
- null
- Freshness
- null
- Geography
- Models cover species ranges within the United States, based on regional projects (e.g., NWGAP, SWReGAP, SEGAP, AKGAP, HIGAP).