An Evaluation of Biological Inventory Data Collected at Buffalo National River: Vertebrate and Vascular Plant Inventories

WIlliams, Michael

The Inventory and Monitoring program of the NPS provides twelve basic inventories for park managers, including lists of species that occur in NPS units. One thousand seven hundred and sixty five species are certified on the list of vascular plants and vertebrates for Buffalo National River (BUFF). Based on a review of the evidence, 871 (49%) species were categorized as Present in Park, and 894 (51%) as Probably Present. Twenty five species were Unconfirmed or Historic. In addition to documenting the presence of species, reviewers categorized the general abundance of 839 (96%) certified species and determined residency for all documented vertebrates with the exception of 47 (2 reptiles, 6 mammals, 6 fish, and 33 birds). Forty nine non-native species are documented to occur in the park. Of these are three birds, two fish, and 44 vascular plants. Non-native vascular plant species were assigned a NatureServe Invasive Species Impact Rank (I-Rank) based on impact to native species and natural biodiversity. Seven of the 44 (16%) non-native plants found on BUFF received an overall I-Rank score that included the high category (i.e. most threatening). A total of 138 species are considered to be of conservation status. Two federally listed endangered species (gray myotis and Indiana bat) are documented as present on BUFF. Nine state threatened species (Alabama snow wreath, aster, Bush’s skullcap, Bush’s yellow coneflower, dwarf bristle fern, French’s shooting star, heartleaf plantain, ovate-leaved catchfly, and royal catchfly) are noted as probably present. Future inventory efforts are discussed.

An Evaluation of Biological Inventory Data Collected at Buffalo National River: Vertebrate and Vascular Plant Inventories

Collections