Vertebrate information compiled by the Utah Natural Heritage Program: a progress report

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Abstract:

This report summarizes the information contained in the Utah Natural Heritage Program (UNHP) database—made up of published and unpublished information from state, federal, and other biologists and from museum data—for the 132 taxa on the current vertebrate tracking list. Species accounts presented in this report are intended to provide a brief summary of information pertaining to the status of vertebrates of high conservational priority in Utah. They include 4 sections. The TAXONOMY AND NOMENCLATURE section provides a taxonomic context for the species, including information about subspecies in Utah and nomenclatural synonyms. Discussions of subspecies, scientific names, and common names are provided in an attempt to resolve potential confusion regarding nomenclature arising from advancements in systematics and differences of opinion in the interpretation of systematic data. Anticipated taxonomic changes are also noted. The second section identifies CONSERVATION STATUS DESIGNATIONS assigned by certain government agencies, such as listing status under the Endangered Species Act or inclusion in the Utah Division of Wildlife Resources Sensitive Species List. The DISTRIBUTION AND ABUNDANCE section comprises a description of the distribution of populations in Utah, the habitats that are occupied, the sizes and trends of populations, and threats to population viability. These are among the factors of primary consideration in the assessment of conservation status and the assignment of state conservation priority ranks. A distribution map is included with each species account. Each map depicts geospatial data from the UNHP database on a shaded relief map of Utah overlaid with county boundaries.

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ELECTRONIC FILE - Zoology