Mohave ground squirrel - Species Distribution Model Map, DRECP

This map shows output from the USGS statistical (Maxent) species distribution model for Mohave ground squirrel, Xerospermophilus mohavensis .
 
The species distribution model output includes both continuous and thresholded data. The threshold for the binary layer depicting predicted suitable habitat was derived based on the 5th percentile of habitat suitability scores.
 
Xerospermophilus mohavensis threshold = 0.438.
 
Based on examination of species observation data and consultation with biologists, Conservation Biology Institute masked the USGS Mojave ground squirrel model output to the union of the MGS historic range (provided by P. Leitner) and the USFS ecoregion subsections overlapping the historic range, which contain MGS observations. This masking process excludes the Maxent predicted habitat at the southern end of the DRECP study area, which experts indicate should be omitted from the model output (i.e. much of ecoregion subsection 322An).