Columbian_Sharptailed_Grouse_Current_Range_WY

Note: This dataset is a subset of the range-wide dataset, clipped to the Wyoming boundary. All metadata is in reference to that range-wide dataset.

Relatively accurate mapping of a species' distribution is extremely important, particularly in an age where satellite imagery and habitat maps can be linked with management scenarios, which effectively address issues of population viability, land-use planning, and habitat quality, quantity, and distribution. However the utility of these applications are limited by the availability, currency, digital compatibility, and/or quality of species' range data, which is readily available in a mapped format. For example, much of the pre-settlement information is in manuscript or narrative form, and therefore not readily available in digitally 'mapped' or 'geo-referenced' formats for GIS analysis and modeling. Also, the scale, resolution, and detail in which range distribution data are recorded and/or compiled, can be quite variable and inconsistent across the landscape.

The purpose of this data compilation and mapping effort was to digitally compile and standardize current and pre-settlement sharp-tailed-grouse range data, at a regional scale, for Western North America. The GIS data layers resulting from this effort will serve as a baseline for future projects to update and refine the sharp-tailed grouse distribution. The layers will be used as starting point to monitor and analyze changes in the range over time.

Definition of 'Pre-settlement distribution of potential habitat' - The pre-settlement distribution of potential habitat represents the habitat that would likely have supported sharp-tailed grouse given available information on the known former distribution of birds and potential habitat. The 'pre-settlement' reference time general refers to the early 1800's, when Europeans generally settled in western North America, even though settlement may have occurred much earlier in some locations. Because the time between 'pre-settlement' and 'current' is about 200 years, sharp-tailed grouse were likely extirpated from some areas prior to the availability of detailed and written observations. Consequently, the pre-settlement distribution refers to 'potential habitat' and not the 'known distribution'.

Definiton of 'Current Range' - The current sharp-tailed grouse distribution is the range believed to be occupied in the late 1990's, based on the best information available as provided by experts from the western states and provinces.