A vegetation map of Carlsbad Caverns National Park, New Mexico [and associated files]
Muldavin E, Neville P, Arbetan P, Chauvin Y, Browder A, Neville T. 2003. A vegetation map of Carlsbad Caverns National Park, New Mexico [and associated files]. New Mexico Natural Heritage Program, Museum of Southwestern Biology, University of New Mexico. Albuquerque, New Mexico
A vegetation classification and high resolution vegetation map was developed for Carlsbad Caverns National Park, New Mexico to support natural resources management, particularly fire management and rare species habitat analysis. The classification and map were based on 400 field plots collected between 1999 and 2002. The vegetation communities of Carlsbad Caverns NP are diverse. They range from desert shrublands and semi-grasslands of the lowland basins and foothills up through montane grasslands, shrublands, and woodlands of the highest elevations. Using various multivariate statistical tools, we identified 85 plant associations for the park, many of them unique in the Southwest. The vegetation map was developed using a combination of automated digital processing (supervised classifications) and direct image interpretation of high-resolution satellite imagery (Landsat Thematic Mapper and IKONOS). The map is composed of 34 map units derived from the vegetation classification, and is designed to facilitate ecologically based natural resources management at a 1:24,000 scale with 0.5 ha minimum map unit size (NPS national standard). Along with an overview of the vegetation ecology of the park in the context of the classification, descriptions of the composition and distribution of each map unit are provided. The map was delivered both in hard copy and in digital form as part of a geographic information system (GIS) compatible with that used in the park. The GIS allows flexibility to update the map as new information becomes available or as major vegetation changes occur in the park, such as fire or other impacts.
- Type
- Unpublished Report
- Authors
- Muldavin, Esteban; Neville, Paul; Arbetan, Paul; Chauvin, Yvonne; Browder, Amanda; Neville, Teri
- Date of Issue
- 2003-06
- Publisher
- New Mexico Natural Heritage Program, Museum of Southwestern Biology, University of New Mexico
- Units
- CAVE , VMI
- Keywords
- NPSpecies, Plant Communities, Plant Studies, Vascular Plants, Vegetation Mapping