NatureServe Species Schema (2006-02-28, current)

Distribution data for U.S. states and Canadian provinces is known to be incomplete or has not been reviewed for this taxon

The state and province distribution of a species in the United States and Canada presented in a map format and color coded according to the NatureServe subnational conservation status. Together these values provide national distribution data for the U.S. and Canada. Due to the dynamic nature of the data, occasional discrepancies between state/province and global conservation statuses may be temporarily unresolved. State/province status ranks are maintained locally; consult pertinent state/province natural heritage program or conservation data center for most current state/province status information.

Code that best describes the estimated global range of the species.

Values include:

Z = Zero occurrences believed to be extant

A = < 100 km2 (less than about 40 square miles)

B = 100-250 km2 (about 40-100 square miles)

C = 240-1,000 km2 (about 400-2,000 square miles)

D = 1,000-5,000 km2 (about 400-2,000 square miles)

E = 5,000-20,000 km2 (about 2,000-8,000 square miles)

F = 20,000-200,000 km2 (about 8,000-80,000 square miles)

G = 200,000-2,500,000 km2 (about 80,000-1,000,000 square miles)

H = > 2,500,000 km2 (greater than 1,000,000 square miles)

U = Unknown

Description of the species present and historic global range(s); especially useful for cosmopolitan, circumboreal or wide-ranging species of the western or northern hemisphere for which the distribution also lies outside the coverage of the NatureServe network. Note: For Plants: Additional information may be found under "National Distribution Outside Canada and the United States". For U.S. and Canadian distribution, the information under "Distribution and State/Province Conservation Status Ranks" is more highly edited and complete.

To aid conservationists in determining where these species occur, NatureServe is part of a consortium of conservation organizations that have joined forces to develop a digital library of the distributions of the vertebrates of the Western Hemisphere. Maps for birds, covering more than 4,000 species, indicate migratory or resident status, historic versus current ranges, and native or introduced status. Detailed migratory status data show where birds are permanent residents, breeding residents, non-breeding residents, or passage migrants. Maps for mammals, covering more than 1,600 species, indicate historic versus current ranges, native or introduced status, and island distributions, where applicable. Maps for amphibians cover more than 3,000 species, and maps for reptiles are in development.

For more information see http://www.natureserve.org/getData/birdMaps.jsp and http://www.natureserve.org/getData/mammalMaps.jsp.

The individuals and/or organizations responsible for digitizing the range map and the year during which the work was completed.

Code indicating the jurisdictional endemism of the species.

Values include:

S = state/province endemic

N = national endemic

M = multinational distribution

Additionally for animals:

MSB = occurs in multiple nations, breeds in only one subnation

MNB = occurs in multiple nations, breeds in multiple state/provinces of only one nation

NSB = occurs in multiple subnations of only one nation, breeds in only one state/province

National distribution for Canada and the United States. Note: Species level information is maintained for the United States and Canada but is complete for all plants and only for approximately a dozen animal groups (all vertebrates other than marine fishes; crayfishes; freshwater mussels; freshwater and terrestrial snails; fairy, clam, and tadpole shrimps; butterflies and skippers; dragonflies and damselflies; tiger beetles; saturnid, sphingid, notodontid, underwing, and tiger moths; stoneflies; mayflies; caddisflies).

For more information see Distribution Sources

National Distribution Outside of U.S. & Canada: National distribution outside Canada and the United States. Data is often incomplete, especially for more widespread native species and for exotic species. Global Range Comments may provide additional information.

Distribution Status in Mexico and Central America: The distribution of species in Mexico and Central America, indicating countries where the element is preseumed native and extant, exotic or extirpated.

U.S. & Canada State/Province Distribution: The state and province distribution of a species in the United States and Canada, indicating states and provinces where the species is presumed native, extirpated, or exotic. The local state/province natural heritage program or conservation data center may have the most current information for their state/province. Note: species level information is maintained for the United States and Canada and is complete for all plants and for the following animal groups (all vertebrates other than marine fishes; crayfishes; freshwater mussels; freshwater and terrestrial snails; fairy, clam, and tadpole shrimps; butterflies and skippers; dragonflies and damselflies; tiger beetles).

The species is present in the nation or subnation without direct or indirect human intervention, and is present within its native range and natural dispersal potential.

The populations that historically occurred in a particular area (e.g., nation or subnation) no longer exist in that area. Extirpation is sometimes referred to as local extinction.

The species is present in the nation or subnation due to direct or indirect human intervention.

The 8-digit code (HUC-8) from the US Geological Survey Hydrologic Unit Map for each watershed where the species is located and for which there is at least one occurrence tracked by a natural heritage program.

For more information on US Geological Survey Hydrologic Unit Maps see http://water.usgs.gov/GIS/huc.html

The name corresponding to the US Geological Survey Hydrologic Unit for each watershed where the species is located and for which there is at least one occurrence tracked by a natural heritage program.

For more information on US Geological Survey Hydrologic Unit Maps see http://water.usgs.gov/GIS/huc.html

The date that the species was last observed to be extant in this area.

An initial attempt to present the complete current and historic distributions by small watershed (USGS 8-digit cataloging unit) of all native freshwater fishes of the United States, exclusive of Alaska and Hawaii.

For more information see U.S. Distribution by Watershed (based on multiple information sources)

The name of the US county in which the species is located and for which there is at least one occurrence tracked by a natural heritage program.

The code for the county.

FIPS Code: USGS-Standard code for the county in which the Species is located (for U.S. counties only). The FIPS code combines the County FIPS and State FIPS codes.

For more information on the FIPS code see http://www.itl.nist.gov/fipspubs/fip6-4.htm

If yes, the species belongs to a genus with known economic use.

Value indicating the extent of commercial importance for the species.

A list of categories that describe the economic uses of the taxon.

The method by which a plant is produced or harvested for economic use.

Comments on the human or economic uses and the major economic impacts of the taxon.

A general stewardship summary of the management concerns for this species. Also, indicates whether the species is at risk, or whether it is a pest or weed.

Comments that describe the impacts of this species on other species, especially if this species is a pest, weed, or exotic.

A description of the potential for restoration or recovery of the species from a state of degradation.

Description of the methods that are either in use, or might best be used, in monitoring this species.

A description of the factors that should be considered when selecting and designing a preserve for an occurrence of this species. This includes landscape concerns, successional relations, bio-physical interactions, and management implications.

Description of currently recommended monitoring procedures and needs of the species.

Describes any known management programs; contact information may be provided where known.

Description of any known monitoring programs; contact information may be provided where known.

Description of any known management research programs for this species. Specifies questions being studied, methods used, and key contacts.

Description of current management research needs for this species.

Biological research that needs to be conducted in order to better determine the management needs for a species.

Additional topics related to the ecological management of the species.

Date of the current version of this management information (i.e., the date that this record was first completed, or since then, comprehensively revised).

Format: YYYY-MM-DD

Example: 2005-12-16

The name(s) of the principal person(s) who prepared this edition of the management information.

List of the people, agencies, institutions, etc. that contributed to the current version of this species management information.

A brief description of the species.

For more information see Classification of Plants.

General description of the taxon. The description may provide information on the identification of adults, immatures, eggs, larvae, and pupae, and obvious differences, if any, in size or coloration of the sexes. In addition, citations (Author, year) for the best available reference(s) for the identification of the taxon and the reference(s) for a published illustration and/or photograph may also be included.

A technical scientific description of the species similar to those found in technical botanical works.

Features that distinguish this species from other similar species.

The length of time an individual plant persists (e.g. annual, biennial, perennial).

Comments on the reproduction of the species from a global perspective.

Scientific names of other species (especially non-natives) where a clear detrimental impact on this species is documented.

Summary of the ecology of the species. For animals, comments on population density, dispersal distances, home range size, annual and seasonal fluctuations in population size, nonbreeding coloniality/sociality, major predators, competitors, parasites, age-specific survival rates, and other significant ecological factors are included.

Value that indicates the habitat within which the taxon is primarily found range-wide.

Values include:

M = Marine

F = Freshwater

T = Terrestrial

Indicates some populations do not make significant seasonal migrations. Juvenile dispersal is not considered a migration.

Indicates some populations of this species make local extended movements (generally less than 200 km) at particular times of the year (e.g., to breeding or wintering grounds, to hibernation sites).

Indicates some populations make annual migrations of over 200 km

Mobility Comments: Comments on the migration/mobility of the species, especially between nations. Specifically, on the dispersive vs. sedentary nature of the taxon, the mechanism of dispersal (e.g., passive via wind, water), flight capabilities, and variability in movement.

Migration Comments: Comments on seasonality, direction, distances, major routes, sociality/dispersion, daily timing and variability of species movements/migration patterns over some distance.

Marine habitat(s) where the species is found. Values include: pelagic, abyssal, near shore, and aerial.

Estuarine habitat(s) where the species is found. Values include: bay/sound, river mouth/tidal river, lagoon, tidal flat/shore, herbaceous wetland, scrub-shrub wetland, forested wetland.

Riverine habitat(s) where the species is found. Values include: big river, medium river, creek, spring/brook, high gradient, moderate gradient, low gradient, riffle, pool.

Lacustrine habitat(s) that contribute significantly to the survival and/or reproduction of the species. Values include: deep water, shallow water, aerial.

Palustrine habitat(s) that contribute significantly to the survival and/or reproduction of the species. Values include: temporary pool, herbaceous wetland, scrub-shrub wetland, forested wetland, bog/fen, riparian, aerial.

Terrestrial habitat(s) where the species is found: Values include: hardwood, conifer, and mixed forests and woodlands; forest edge; shrubland/chaparral, savanna, grassland/herbaceous, old field, desert, alpine, tundra, ice, playa/salt flat, sand/dune, bare rock/talus/scree, cliff, barrens, cropland/hedgerow, suburban/orchard, urban/edificarian, aerial.

Subterranean habitat(s) where the species is found. Values include: subterrestrial, subaquatic.

Indicate(s) the special habitat factor(s) that contribute significantly to the survival or reproduction of the species. Values include: standing snag/hollow tree, fallen log/debris, burrowing in or using soil, benthic, subterranean obligate.

Summary of the habitats and microhabitats commonly used, including any daily, seasonal, and geographic variation in habitat use.

Trophic type which characterizes the food habits of the adult form of the species. Values include: carnivore, piscivore, invertivore, herbivore, granivore, frugivore, nectarivore, detritivore, scavenger, coprophagous, parasitic, nonfeeding, unknown. The trophic type should constitute 90% of the species' seasonal diet for any season of the year. Carrion is included in each of the animal-type food categories.

Trophic type which characterizes the food habits of the immature form of the species. Values include: carnivore, piscivore, invertivore, herbivore, granivore, frugivore, nectarivore, detritivore, scavenger, coprophagous, parasitic, nonfeeding, unknown. The trophic type should constitute 90% of the species' seasonal diet for any season of the year.

Comments on food types, food location (e.g., microhabitat), foraging methods/strategies, seasonal or geographic variation in the diet, and major differences in diet among age classes (e.g., young vs. adults).

Phenology type (s) of the animal during its adult stage. Values include: hibernates/aestivates, circadian, diurnal, nocturnal, crepuscular.

Phenology type(s) of the species during its immature stage. Values include: hibernates/estivates, circadian, diurnal, nocturnal, crepuscular.

Comments on the seasonal or daily activity of the species and any geographic variation in these attributes.

Indicates that the breeding season dispersion of the taxa is greatly aggregated compared to the nonbreeding season dispersion within the specified geographic level (i.e., range-wide for global, within-nation for national, or within-state or province for subnational). Note that this does not include taxa that live in colonies throughout the year.

For animals only: Approximate typical total length of an adult, in centimeters. Carapace length used for turtles and snout to vent length for anurans (frogs and toads).

Approximate weight of an adult in grams.

Date of the edition of the life history text. Note: Usually not recorded except when substantial data developed.

Format: YYYY-MM-DD

Example: 2005-12-16

Primary author(s) of the edition of the life history text. Note: Usually not recorded except when substantial data developed.

If applicable, the name of the group to which the species belongs when group rather than individual criteria are used for the species.

Use classes are assigned to migratory animal species that utilize geographically and seasonally disjunct locations, and are used to indicate which season or behavior is associated with a particular area in order to ensure that all of the different locations utilized by such a species throughout its life cycle are identified and considered for conservation attention. Because the criteria for what constitutes a valid occurrence and appropriate distances for separating occurrences will typically vary depending on the season of use for occurrences of such animals, a set of occurrence specifications is developed for each use class.

List of any widely used labels describing typical occurrences of the species (e.g., nest, den, old growth).

For species, the minimum criteria that define precisely what constitutes a valid occurrence, derived from the known biology, ecology, phenology, and/or reproductive behaviors of the species. The minimum occurrence criteria for many species typically specify a single persisting, recurring, or potentially persisting or recurring individual. For some species, the minimum criteria might include a minimum required size (population and/or area) and essential characteristics of the environment that sustain or contribute to that species' survival and/or recurrence (e.g., for migratory species).

Specific information on how to map occurrences of the species.

Examples of typical barriers that would separate occurrences of the species, regardless of the actual distance between them. Barriers almost completely prevent movement or dispersal of the species, thereby obstructing or severely limiting gene flow.

Distance (in kilometers) of intervening unsuitable habitat that is great enough to effectively separate occurrences by restricting movement or dispersal of individuals between them. In most cases, unsuitable habitat is habitat through which individuals may move, but that does not support reproduction or long-term survival. For most species, the recommended minimum separation distance for intervening unsuitable habitat is >1 km. This is to ensure that occurrences are not separated by unreasonably small distances, which would lead to the identification of unnecessarily fragmented populations as potential targets for conservation planning or action.

Distance (in kilometers) of intervening suitable habitat not known to be occupied that is great enough to effectively separate occurrences by limiting movement or dispersal of individuals between them. Suitable habitat is habitat capable of supporting reproduction or used regularly for feeding or other essential life history functions; a habitat in which you would expect to find the species (assuming appropriate season and conditions). For most animal species, the recommended minimum separation distance for intervening suitable habitat is >2 km. This is to ensure that occurrences are not separated by unreasonably small distances, which would lead to the identification of unnecessarily fragmented populations as potential targets for conservation planning or action.

Description of the procedure to be used to separate occurrences in cases when separation distances cannot be specified.

Basis for the separation distances designated (e.g., home range, dispersal distance, spatial patterns of occurrence, temporal patterns of occurrence), including citations if available.

For certain animals, the distance (in kilometers) that the underlying mapped component(s) of an occurrence may be buffered in order to create a separate inferred extent feature that might better represent the area likely utilized by the species at that location, which may be useful for conservation planning purposes. The inferred extent distance is essentially an approximate spatial requirement for certain species, typically based on the average home range or movement patterns of adults.

Notes related to the inferred extent distance specified for some animals.

Date of the current version of these population/occurrence delineation criteria (i.e., the date that these specifications were first completed, or since then, comprehensively revised).

Format: YYYY-MM-DD

Example: 2005-12-16

Name of the person principally responsible for preparing this version of the occurrence specifications.

Notes related to the current version of these occurrence specifications.

If applicable, the name of the group to which the species belongs when group rather than individual criteria are used for the species.

Description of what qualifies as an occurrence with excellent viability, taking into consideration all available knowledge, both historical and current, of the species at a particular location.

For more information see Population Viability.

Description of what qualifies as an occurrence with good viability, taking into consideration all available knowledge, both historical and current, of the species at a particular location.

Description of what qualifies as an occurrence with fair viability, taking into consideration all available knowledge, both historical and current, of the species at a particular location.

Description of what qualifies as an occurrence with poor viability, taking into consideration all available knowledge, both historical and current, of the species at a particular location.

Basis for the criteria used as a basis for designating occurrence viability as excellent, good, fair, or poor, including citations if available.

Date of the current version of these population/occurrence viability criteria (i.e., the date that these criteria were first completed, or since then, comprehensively revised).

Format: YYYY-MM-DD

Example: 2005-12-16

Name of the person principally responsible for preparing this version of the population/occurrence viability criteria.

Notes related to the current version of these population/occurrence viability criteria.

Primary sources for information contained within NatureServe's Central Databases.

License statment: All usage of this data must abide by NatureServes data usage license which can be found at: https://services.natureserve.org/idd/developer/license.jsp.