Habitat and Species Conservation

The Audubon Society’s Priority Bird Areas and Responsible Wind Development Google Earth Layer illustrates how Google Earth can be used for analysis by environmentalists. Though the layer is of little use to most citizens, the layer maps out sage-grouse mating areas with varying color based on density. The map allows scientists to plan the most effective design of wind farms so as not to interfere with the endangered birds.Interactive points give basic information about the area with a link to a detailed Audubon Society webpage about that particular mating area. The layer may be narrow in scope but it accomplishes the goals for which it was designed.

Grouse Mating Areas

Interactive Data Points

Further Study:

KML File:  Audubon Priority Bird Areas

Audubon homepage: http://www.audubon.org/