Using a knowledge base approach to develop a predictive mapping program for endangered species reconnaissance

TitleUsing a knowledge base approach to develop a predictive mapping program for endangered species reconnaissance
Publication TypeConference Paper
Year of Publication2000
AuthorsGoldstein, NC
Conference Name4th International Conference on Integrating GIS and Environmental Modeling
Date Published2000
Conference LocationBanff, Alberta, Canada
KeywordsPredictive mapping, endangered species, knowledge base, spatial decision support systems (SDSS), fuzzy logic, EMDS
Abstract

The National Park Service's Santa Monica Mountains National Recreation Area (SMMNRA) is a unique ecological reserve surrounded by extensive and expanding urbanization. it is home to many rare and endangered species including a number of narrowly endemic taxa. In collaboration with SMMNRA scientists, we developed an ecological knowledge base which can be tested, changed and rendered in a Geographic Information System (GIS). The knowledge base, which represents a predictive model of endangered species habitat, will be used as an aide to species reconnaissance for ecological research and related management decisions. the SMMNRA was divided into 27,590 Habitat Assessment Units (HAU) which represent landscape facets which would be used as the unit of analysis. The test species for this study was the Dudleya cymosa subspecies complex. The results of the predictive model identifies 14 out of 19 known Dudleya cymosa subspecies complex HAU's and identifies 2129 HAU's as possible sites for the Dudleya cymosa subspecies complex. The results of the fuzzy decision tree indicate a much better model fit to known Dudleya cymosa subspecies complex sites within the SMMNRA.

URLhttp://www.Colorado.EDU/research/cires/banff/upload/445/