Introduction
Location Map
Base Maps
Database Schema
Conventions
GIS Analyses
Flowchart
GIS Concepts
Results
Conclusion
References

Climate Change in Rocky Mountain National Park:
Predicting Changes in Species Distribution

Introduction

Climate change is a global trend with local implications that may include greater temperature variability and abnormal weather patterns (IPCC 2007).  Alpine ecosystems have been identified as particularly susceptible to climate change and have been the first to show signs of our changing climate (Pauli et al. 1996).  Rocky Mountain National Park (RMNP), the highest National Park in the contiguous U.S., is a unique laboratory to investigate the implications of global change.  Alpine fauna are particularly susceptible to the expected upward shift of vegetation in elevation and latitude.  The goal of this project is to analyze and demonstrate the dynamic and interactive consequences of a changing climate on alpine species, including the white-tailed ptarmigan (Lagopus leucurus), American pika (Ochotona princeps) and mountain goat (Oreamnos americanus) in and around RMNP.

Project Objectives:

• Build off of existing data to further assess the potential impacts of climate change on the flora and fauna of RMNP;
• Demonstrate the utility of GIS as tool for scientific inquiry and prediction;
• Demonstrate the effectiveness of GIS as a medium to educate and inform, and;
• Assist in the Park Service’s mission to care for, protect, manage, improve, understand and interpret park resources and to provide for a high-quality visitor experience.

White-tailed Ptarmigan

The White-tailed Ptarmigan is the smallest grouse in North America, averaging around a foot in length and typically weighing less than a pound.  In the winter the White-tailed Ptarmigan is pure white, and in the summer it has brown and grey streaked plumage.  The bird gets its name from its tail, which remains white throughout the year.

The White-tailed Ptarmigan is unique for several reasons.  It is the only ptarmigan species found south of Canada, and it is found almost exclusively in alpine areas at or above treeline throughout the year. Unlike other birds in Rocky Mountain National Park, the White-tailed Ptarmigan does not migrate during the winter.

The White-tailed Ptarmigan is restricted to elevations above 3,291 meters. Suitable habitat for this species includes tundra, exposed rock, and alpine wetlands.

American Pika

The American Pika is a small mammal in the lagomorph, or rabbit, family.  It is has short limbs, rounded ears, a short tail and peppery brown fur.    They are usually six to nine inches in length and weigh between four and six ounces.  Pikas feed on grasses and herbs, which they must store in ‘haystacks’ for consumption during the winter.  Different species of Pika are found around the world, but the American Pika is found throughout the mountain ranges of western North America.

Pika are extremely sensitive to warm temperatures, which constrains both their habits and habitat.  They are found in alpine habitats in rocky, talus slopes which provide shade and cover.  They are identified by a distinctive bark, which is a warning that danger is near.

Mountain Goat

The Mountain Goat is an ungulate in the same family as antelopes and gazelles.  This species has white fur, a beard, short tails and long black horns are found in both genders.  They are specially adapted to cold temperatures by an extra layer of wool and hollow outer hairs.  They often withstand temperatures as low as 46 below (Celsius) and winds of 100 mph.

The Mountain Goat is found in the Rocky Mountains and Cascade Range of North America, from southern Colorado to the Chugach range in south-central Alaska.  Introduced populations are found throughout insular habitats in the western U.S.  They primarily inhabit alpine and sub-alpine vegetation zones where they graze on grasses, herbs, sedges and lichen.