Gap Analysis Program
Encyclopedia
The Gap Analysis Program is a nationwide program in the United States
to assess and support the overall conservation status of wildlife. The program is directed and coordinated under the United States Geological Survey
, but is implemented in coordination with state and regional programs.
GAP works to ensure that common species – those that are not officially endangered – remain common by identifying those species and plant communities that are not adequately represented in existing conservation lands.
The GAP program began in the 1980s, based on analysis of Hawai'ian bird
species by J. Michael Scott
.
GAP has produced national land cover and protected areas datasets, which it uses to assess the conservation status of mammal, bird, reptile, and amphibian species in the U.S.
A GAP program normally has three principal components:
1. Landcover analysis
2. Vertebrate species distribution prediction
3. Land stewardship database
Each component is normally performed as a GIS layer.
United States
The United States of America is a federal constitutional republic comprising fifty states and a federal district...
to assess and support the overall conservation status of wildlife. The program is directed and coordinated under the United States Geological Survey
United States Geological Survey
The United States Geological Survey is a scientific agency of the United States government. The scientists of the USGS study the landscape of the United States, its natural resources, and the natural hazards that threaten it. The organization has four major science disciplines, concerning biology,...
, but is implemented in coordination with state and regional programs.
GAP works to ensure that common species – those that are not officially endangered – remain common by identifying those species and plant communities that are not adequately represented in existing conservation lands.
The GAP program began in the 1980s, based on analysis of Hawai'ian bird
Bird
Birds are feathered, winged, bipedal, endothermic , egg-laying, vertebrate animals. Around 10,000 living species and 188 families makes them the most speciose class of tetrapod vertebrates. They inhabit ecosystems across the globe, from the Arctic to the Antarctic. Extant birds range in size from...
species by J. Michael Scott
J. Michael Scott
Dr. J. Michael Scott, a senior scientist, distinguished emeritus professor, environmentalist and author, was born in 1941 in San Diego, California.-Education:A graduate of San Diego County's Helix High School, Dr...
.
GAP has produced national land cover and protected areas datasets, which it uses to assess the conservation status of mammal, bird, reptile, and amphibian species in the U.S.
A GAP program normally has three principal components:
1. Landcover analysis
2. Vertebrate species distribution prediction
3. Land stewardship database
Each component is normally performed as a GIS layer.