Spatial and Temporal Relationships of the American pika (Ochotona princeps) in human-modified habitats near Snoqualmie Pass
Document Type
Poster
Campus where you would like to present
Ellensburg
Event Website
https://digitalcommons.cwu.edu/source
Start Date
18-5-2020
Abstract
Though the range of the American pika (Ochotona princeps) extends throughout western North America, individual subpopulations are found in rocky patches that are separated by habitat barriers. These subpopulations face many obstacles to dispersion that can be exacerbated by human-made stressors and barriers. One such barrier is Interstate 90, which is currently under study near Snoqualmie Pass. Data from this study will be used in this project to analyze the temporal and spatial patterns of pika occupancy. The available data contains information on patch occupancy from 2008-2019 as well as the geographic location and patch type as defined by the characteristics of the area (natural vs. anthropogenic). Using GIS analysis and publicly available digital elevation maps (DEMs), slope, elevation, and aspect of each patch will be determined. Spatial statistical analysis will be used to determine whether there is any correlation between pika occupancy and distance between patches, and a time series will be produced to analysis occupancy over time. The results of these analyses will help expand the knowledge of the movement of pika metapopulations and how the presence of anthropogenic vs. natural rocky patches can affect this movement. Pikas are extremely sensitive to high temperatures and as human activity continues to exacerbate both climate change and habitat fragmentation, the ability to understand the pika’s movements will be valuable to its conservation efforts.
Recommended Citation
Kakadelis, Michelle, "Spatial and Temporal Relationships of the American pika (Ochotona princeps) in human-modified habitats near Snoqualmie Pass" (2020). Symposium Of University Research and Creative Expression (SOURCE). 24.
https://digitalcommons.cwu.edu/source/2020/COTS/24
Department/Program
Biological Sciences
Spatial and Temporal Relationships of the American pika (Ochotona princeps) in human-modified habitats near Snoqualmie Pass
Ellensburg
Though the range of the American pika (Ochotona princeps) extends throughout western North America, individual subpopulations are found in rocky patches that are separated by habitat barriers. These subpopulations face many obstacles to dispersion that can be exacerbated by human-made stressors and barriers. One such barrier is Interstate 90, which is currently under study near Snoqualmie Pass. Data from this study will be used in this project to analyze the temporal and spatial patterns of pika occupancy. The available data contains information on patch occupancy from 2008-2019 as well as the geographic location and patch type as defined by the characteristics of the area (natural vs. anthropogenic). Using GIS analysis and publicly available digital elevation maps (DEMs), slope, elevation, and aspect of each patch will be determined. Spatial statistical analysis will be used to determine whether there is any correlation between pika occupancy and distance between patches, and a time series will be produced to analysis occupancy over time. The results of these analyses will help expand the knowledge of the movement of pika metapopulations and how the presence of anthropogenic vs. natural rocky patches can affect this movement. Pikas are extremely sensitive to high temperatures and as human activity continues to exacerbate both climate change and habitat fragmentation, the ability to understand the pika’s movements will be valuable to its conservation efforts.
https://digitalcommons.cwu.edu/source/2020/COTS/24
Faculty Mentor(s)
Kristina Ernest