Method

In performing the GAP analysis, the first step is to join the Vert file to the landcover file. The Vert file contains a suitbaility analysis for each species in california. The selected squirrel species were taken from this file provided by UCSB. The suitability data gives a range from 1 to 5 for each landcover region of California. 1 is the least suitable, whereas 5 is the most suitable.

All of the polygons that achieved 5 for each species were queried and then exported to create new range layers that demonstrated the most suitable areas for squirrels.

These maps demonstrate that selection

We can see a spatial difference between species of squirrels living in the southern inland portion of California, and the Northern Coastal-Sierra species. This brings us to the conclusion that this process will affected by this spatial distribution. In dividing the species up based on location the ratio of squirrels was 7 species to 3.

These 7 species will now be qualified for the GAP analysis. These species include: Golden Mounted Ground Squirrel, Douglas" Squirrel, Northern Flying Squirrel, Western Gray Squirrel, California Ground Squirrel, Belding's Ground Squirrel, and Townsend's Ground Squirrel.

The next map illustrates the tool