California Gnatcatcher habitat in California in relation to existing and
potential roads and development. It is evident that Gnatcatcher habitat
is severely fragmented by roads, and from the GIS map that we produced,
it seems as though proposed roads will further encroach on habitat.
Today, we mapped several aerial photos of tree line on Pike's Peakin order to trace the migration of tree line over time. In our site,
labeled "windyup2," on the southeast side of Pike's Peak, the tree
line had clearly moved several meters higher. However, this was
far less movement than on the west and north sides of Pike's Peak.
This may be due to higher precipitation on the west and north sides
of Pike's, as well as the fact that Engelmman Spruce, faster growing
conifer, grows on the east slope, whereas Bristlecone Pine, a slower
growing species, predominantly grows in the eastern slope.
The results of the study, however, are very significant, because
it indicates that tree growth is in fact responding to climate change.
Using data (i.e. photographs) from the past can help us predict future
changes in tree line. This has important implications for the habitat and migration
patterns of many species.
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