Core mapper moving window averages (primary model) - A landscape connectivity analysis for the coastal marten (Martes caurina humboldtensis)

This raster dataset of Core Mapper Moving Window Averages is an intermediary modeling product that was produced by the Core Mapper tool (Shirk and McRae 2013) in the process of developing habitat cores for use in our coastal marten connectivity model. It is derived from another dataset (HabitatSurface), and was produced using the Core Mapper parameters defined in the Lineage section of the accompanying geospatial metadata record. More specifically, it is a calculated dataset in which a 977m moving window was used on the habitat surface to calculate the average habitat value within a 977m radius around each pixel (this moving window size was derived from the estimated average size of a female marten's home range of 300 hectares). Of note, the set of habitat cores that came from this Core Mapper tool received additional modifications; see the report or the metadata record for PrimaryModel_HabitatCores for details. Refer to the HabitatSurface and PrimaryModel_HabitatCores metadata records for additional context.

We derived the habitat cores using a tool within Gnarly Landscape Utilities called Core Mapper (Shirk and McRae 2015). To develop a Habitat Surface for input into Core Mapper, we started by assigning each 30m pixel on the modeled landscape a habitat value equal to its GNN OGSI value (range = 0-100). In areas with serpentine soils that support habitat potentially suitable for coastal marten, we assigned a minimum habitat value of 31, which is equivalent to the 33rd percentile of OGSI 80 pixels in the marten’s historical range marten (for general details on our incorporation of serpentine soils, see the report section titled "Data Layers - Serpentine Soils"; for specific details on the development of this serpentine dataset, see the metadata record for the ResistancePostProcessing_Serpentine data layer, which was used to make these modifications to the habitat surface). Pixels with an OGSI value >31.0 retained their normal habitat value. Our intention was to allow the modified serpentine pixels to be more easily incorporated into habitat cores if there were higher value OGSI pixels in the vicinity, but not to have them form the entire basis of a core. As a parameter of the Core Mapper tool, we also excluded pixels with a habitat value <1.0 from inclusion in habitat cores. We then used Core Mapper to define a moving window and calculate the average habitat value within a 977m radius around each pixel (derived from the estimated average size of a female marten’s home range of 300 ha). Pixels with an average habitat value ≥36.0 were then incorporated into habitat cores.

This is an abbreviated and incomplete description of the dataset. Please refer to the spatial metadata for a more thorough description of the methods used to produce this dataset, and a discussion of any assumptions or caveats that should be taken into consideration.

Additional data for this project (including the Habitat Surface referenced above and the Habitat Cores used in our connectivity model) can be found at: https://www.fws.gov/arcata/shc/marten