Predicted Distribution of Rare Species
Overview
This layer depicts the predicted richness (number) of up to 379 rare species in various categories.
Data Layer Description
Source
The Nature Conservancy, The New York Natural Heritage Program with funding from NYSERDA.
Location
New York
Description
This layer depicts the predicted richness (number) of up to 379 rare species in various categories. The probability of the existence of suitable habitat for each species was modeled and converted to a presence or absence of suitable habitat; we then summed across all species in each category (i.e., created model “stacks”) to yield the number of species for which suitable habitat was predicted to be present in each cell. Location data come primarily from NY Natural Heritage element occurrence databases. Other sources of known locations, and sources of environmental variables, are noted in Howard and Schlesinger (2012).
How to get the data layer
These data are available for viewing but not, at this time, available in downloadable GIS format.
How you might make use of this data layer
Areas with a high prediction of rare species would be ideal targets for conservation purposes.
How to get more information
Contact:
New York Natural Heritage Program
625 Broadway, 5th Floor
Albany, NY 12233-4757
518-402-8960
nathert@gw.dec.state.ny.us
Sample Map
