Is there room for all of us? Renewable energy and Xerospermophilus mohavensis

Endangered Species Research

Todd C. Esque¹  Amy G. Vandergast¹  Philip Leitner¹  Kenneth E. Nussear¹  Richard D. Inman¹  Peter J. Weisberg¹  Tomas E. Dilts¹  Marjorie D. Matocq¹ 

关键词: Mohave ground squirrel;    Renewable energy;    Habitat suitability;    Maximum entropy;   

DOI  :  10.3354/esr00487

学科分类：动物科学

来源: Inter-Research

【 摘 要 】

ABSTRACT: Mohave ground squirrels Xerospermophilus mohavensis Merriam are small ground-dwelling rodents that have a highly restricted range in the northwest Mojave Desert, California, USA. Their small natural range is further reduced by habitat loss from agriculture, urban development, military training and recreational activities. Development of wind and solar resources for renewable energy has the potential to further reduce existing habitat. We used maximum entropy habitat models with observation data to describe current potential habitat in the context of future renewable energy development in the region. While 16% of historic habitat has been impacted by, or lost to, urbanization at present, an additional 10% may be affected by renewable energy development in the near future. Our models show that X. mohavensis habitat suitability is higher in areas slated for renewable energy development than in surrounding areas. We provide habitat maps that can be used to develop sampling designs, evaluate conservation corridors and inform development planning in the region.

【 授权许可】

Unknown