Date of Award
Spring 6-15-2024
Document Type
Masters Capstone Project
Degree Name
M.S. in Geographic Information Science
Organizational Unit
College of Natural Science and Mathematics, Geography and the Environment
Copyright Statement / License for Reuse
This work is licensed under a Creative Commons Attribution-Share Alike 4.0 International License.
Keywords
Bats, Threatened species, Habitat, Conservation, Geographic information science
Abstract
This project introduces a Bat Visualization Tool to help manage habitats for threatened bat species while considering broader ecosystem dynamics. It integrates data from acoustic bat surveys at the Corriell Nature Preserve in Iowa. The tool attaches spatial context to non-spatial survey data, weights species calls based on statistical p-values, and creates visual bat species distribution maps using spline surfaces. It also generates future survey locations based on these patterns. By using geospatial analysis and statistics, the tool identifies priority areas for conservation actions, focusing on factors like forest composition, roosting preferences, and land cover types that affect bat habitat suitability. A pilot project with Bur Oak Land Trust shows how the tool guides field surveys and prioritizes monitoring efforts. Despite some data collection challenges, the tool shows promise for supporting targeted habitat management strategies for at-risk bat species. Continuous refinement and validation are crucial for improving the tool's effectiveness in supporting bat conservation efforts and overall ecosystem health. This data-driven approach complements on-the-ground conservation actions, aiding in the complex task of managing habitats for threatened species while considering broader ecological needs.
Copyright Date
5-5-2024
Publication Statement
Copyright is held by the author. User is responsible for all copyright compliance.
Rights Holder
Devin Escue
Provenance
Received from author
File Format
application/pdf
Language
English (eng)
Extent
45 pgs
File Size
1.6 MB
Recommended Citation
Escue, Devin, "Visualization of Indiana and Northern Long-Eared Bats Using Spline Surfaces to Enable Targeted Land Management" (2024). Geography and the Environment: Graduate Student Capstones. 83.
https://digitalcommons.du.edu/geog_ms_capstone/83
Included in
Environmental Studies Commons, Geographic Information Sciences Commons, Natural Resources and Conservation Commons, Physical and Environmental Geography Commons
