An Evaluation of Biological Inventory Data Collected at Hot Springs National Park: Vertebrate and Vascular Plant Inventories
WIlliams MH. 2009. An Evaluation of Biological Inventory Data Collected at Hot Springs National Park: Vertebrate and Vascular Plant Inventories. Natural Resource Technical Report NPS/HTLN/NRTR—2009/259. National Park Service. Fort Collins, Colorado
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 one hundred and ninety two species are certified on the list of vascular plants and vertebrates for Hot Springs National Park (HOSP). Based on a review of the evidence, 594 (50 %) species were categorized as Present in Park, and 598 (50 %) as Probably Present. One hundred seventy three species were Unconfirmed, Historic, or Encroaching. In addition to documenting the presence of species, reviewers categorized the general abundance of 545 (92 %) certified species and determined residency for all documented vertebrates with the exception of eight mammals. Sixty four non-native species are documented to occur in the park. Of these are 20 birds, two fish, three mammals, and 39 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. Eight of the 39 (21 %) non-native plants found on HOSP received an overall I-Rank score that included the high category (i.e. most threatening). A total of 83 species are considered to be of conservation status. One federally listed endangered species (harperella) was noted as probably present on HOSP. Four state threatened species (dwarf bristle fern, fen orchid, open ground whitlow grass, waterfall's sedge) are noted as probably present. Future inventory efforts are discussed.
- Type
- Published Report
- Authors
- WIlliams, Michael
- Date of Issue
- 2009-10
- Publisher
- National Park Service
- Units
- HOSP
- Keywords
- Conservation, Endangered, Inventory, Mammal, Native, Non-Native, Species, Threatened, Vascular Plant, Vertebrate