OK-GAP

A GAP Analysis of Oklahoma

Gap analysis is a scientific method for identifying the degree to which native animal species and natural communities are represented in our present-day mix of conservation lands. Those species and communities not adequately represented in the existing network of conservation lands constitute conservation "gaps." The purpose of the Gap Analysis Program (GAP) is to provide broad geographic information on the status of ordinary species (those not threatened with extinction or naturally rare) and their habitats in order to provide land managers, planners, scientists, and policy makers with the information they need to make better-informed decisions. For more information on the National GAP analysis program see the Official Description of the National Gap Analysis Program.

The Oklahoma Gap Analysis project (OK-GAP) was initiated in 1993 as a cooperative effort between the US Geological Survey, Biological Resources Division, and other federal, state, and private natural resource interests in Oklahoma. The objectives of the project were to: (1) prepare a map of the current distribution of land cover types, (2) estimate terrestrial vertebrate species distributions relative to land cover types, (3) classify land stewardship by categories of conservation status, and (4) identify and analyze gaps in the conservation of biological diversity from representative areas. The OK-GAP is an initial step toward a more detailed and comprehensive effort at long-term planning for biodiversity conservation in Oklahoma.

This page provides access to the final report (pdf file, 56.2 MB) and data from the Oklahoma GAP program. The final report and data are distributed on 5 CD's. If you wish to have the CD set mailed to you, please fill out this form.

Last updated: 6 September 2010

This page is sponsored by the Oklahoma Biological Survey

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