Introduction: Peregrine Falcons were once a federally critically endangered species because of the effects of DDT on the eggshells of the offspring of birds of prey. The low survivability of their young caused the peregrine falcon population to plummet. The population has recovered considerably since then, but the peregrine falcons are still endangered in the state of New York. It is important to continue to monitor the peregrine population in New York to ensure the population continues to grow and the species can eventually be taken off the endangered list.
This involves identifying and protecting ideal habitats for nesting sites, and keeping records of mating pairs and sightings throughout the year and during migration season. Mapping these areas will help conservationists to find trends and locate ideal habitats for further population recovery.
Objectives: The purpose of this project is to identify current peregrine falcon habitats and identify additional suitable habitats within the state for further population expansion and protection. Migration patterns throughout the state will also be mapped. The map will also consider how habitat fragmentation and urbanization may effect peregrine falcon habitat.
Methodology: This map will include areas where peregrine falcons are currently known to nest, points where they are spotted during migration, and areas that fulfill criteria for ideal peregrine habitat and nesting sites for potential future habitats. It will be broken up by migration time, full year, and breeding season maps. The maps will include layers with city area and habitat fragmentation compared against peregrine habitat to see if there is any effects from human presence.
Deliverables: This map will be helpful for conservationists for monitoring and protecting the peregrine falcon population in New York State. It may also be useful for birders who like to watch peregrine falcons. It could be important for planning architecture and other land uses because they would need to consider if the area that they plan to manipulate will interfere with current or future peregrine habitats.
Data Sources: EBird has a lot of sightings data, and the DEC has information and images of their distribution throughout New York State during breeding, migration, and year-round.
Citations:
U.S. Geological Survey - Gap Analysis Project, 2017, Peregrine Falcon (Falco peregrinus)
bPEFAx_CONUS_2001v1 Range Map, http://doi.org/10.5066/F7X92985.
U.S. Geological Survey - Gap Analysis Project, 2017, Peregrine Falcon (Falco peregrinus) bPEFAx_CONUS_2001v1 Habitat Map, http://doi.org/10.5066/F7TT4PBM.
Citations:
U.S. Geological Survey - Gap Analysis Project, 2017, Peregrine Falcon (Falco peregrinus)
bPEFAx_CONUS_2001v1 Range Map, http://doi.org/10.5066/F7X92985.
U.S. Geological Survey - Gap Analysis Project, 2017, Peregrine Falcon (Falco peregrinus) bPEFAx_CONUS_2001v1 Habitat Map, http://doi.org/10.5066/F7TT4PBM.
Habitat fragmentation in forests (2013) [image service]. ESRI, Inc. on ArcGIS Online. URL: https://landscape3.arcgis.com/arcgis/rest/services/USA_Forest_Fragmentation/ImageServer
USA Urban Areas (2014) [feature layer]. ESRI, Inc. on ArcGIS Online. URL: https://services.arcgis.com/P3ePLMYs2RVChkJx/arcgis/rest/services/USA_Urban_Areas/FeatureServer
Work Plan:
Week 1: Gather data and organize. Find correlations. Compile all layers needed for the
map.
Week 2: Create base map of USA, add downloaded data of habitats/ distribution and match coordinate systems.
Week 3: Define and search for criteria for suitable habitats from a topographic map of
the state. Select and isolate these areas and create a layer showing them.
Week 4: Separate data into time periods-- decide on time frame and split up into
breeding, migration, and year round locations.
Week 5: Analyze data from sightings. Create a layer of these points.
Week 6: Poster production
Week 7: Poster peer review
Week 8: Final poster
Week 9: Presentation
