Resource selection probability functions for gopher tortoise: providing a management tool applicable across the...

Area of Science:

• Ecology
• Conservation Biology
• Wildlife Management

Background:

• The gopher tortoise (Gopherus polyphemus) is a protected species facing population declines.
• Current habitat identification methods are often imprecise, leading to over-prediction of suitable areas.
• A detailed understanding of habitat requirements is crucial for effective conservation strategies.

Purpose of the Study:

• To rigorously define the habitat requirements of the gopher tortoise.
• To evaluate the relative importance of various environmental factors in gopher tortoise habitat selection.
• To develop a more accurate habitat suitability model using nationwide environmental datasets.

Main Methods:

• Utilized a logistic resource selection probability function within an information-theoretic framework.
• Integrated nationwide environmental datasets with existing gopher tortoise survey data from Ft. Benning.
• Employed the normalized difference vegetation index (NDVI) to assess vegetation density.

Main Results:

• The most parsimonious habitat suitability model incorporated landscape features, topography, soil, and vegetation data.
• Soil or vegetation data alone were insufficient for accurate habitat prediction.
• Normalized Difference Vegetation Index (NDVI) showed a strong negative association with active gopher tortoise burrow locations.

Conclusions:

• Habitat suitability for the gopher tortoise is influenced by a combination of factors, not solely soil or vegetation.
• Accurate habitat models can be constructed using widely available national environmental datasets and existing survey data.
• This approach can inform conservation and recovery efforts for the gopher tortoise range-wide.