Using GIS to Examine Potential Wolverine Habitat in Colorado: an Analysis of Habitat Fragmentation and Wildlife Corridors
In 2010, a single male wolverine (Gulo gulo) traveled from the Greater Yellowstone Area of Wyoming into Colorado, marking the first known wolverine in Colorado since they were extirpated in 1919. The return of this wolverine to part of its historic range has prompted several wildlife advocates to lo...
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| Format: | Text |
| Language: | English |
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| Online Access: | http://citeseerx.ist.psu.edu/viewdoc/summary?doi=10.1.1.392.5736 http://www.gis.smumn.edu/GradProjects/DanzingerL.pdf |
| Summary: | In 2010, a single male wolverine (Gulo gulo) traveled from the Greater Yellowstone Area of Wyoming into Colorado, marking the first known wolverine in Colorado since they were extirpated in 1919. The return of this wolverine to part of its historic range has prompted several wildlife advocates to lobby for a reintroduction of wolverines into the state of Colorado. To understand the viability of a reintroduction of this rare animal, an analysis of potential habitat was conducted through several steps. First, a habitat suitability model was developed based on previous wolverine habitat models from throughout North America. Next, a habitat fragmentation Python script (“Landscape Fragmentation Tool v. 2.0”) was utilized to understand the fragmentation dynamics of the predicted habitat. Finally, a wildlife corridor model was created to develop a least cost raster and finally, to propose possible routes between core habitat areas. The results of this study do not predict the likelihood of success of a reintroduction, as this determination would require several additional studies and analyses; rather, this study is meant to be one tool to help aid wildlife managers in making informed decisions regarding the potential success of wolverine reintroduction in Colorado. The results of this study indicate a large amount of potential wolverine habitat with limited fragmentation. However, major roads and development may inhibit wolverine dispersal among the major patches of habitat in Colorado. |
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