Project dataset for assessing trends and vulnerabilities in the mutualism between whitebark pine (Pinus albicaulis) and Clark’s nutcracker (Nucifraga columbiana) in the Sierra region

This dataset represents inputs into a spatial model associated with a publication that assesses trends and vulnerabilities in the mutalism between whitebark pine (Pinus albicaulis) and Clark’s nutcracker (Nucifraga columbiana, CLNU) in national parks of the Sierra-Cascade region. The study uses avian point-count data, whitebark pine distribution, and foxtail pine distribution data provided in collaboration through The Institute for Bird Populations and the U.S. National Park Service.

These data are associated with national parks within the Sierra region, including Yosemite National Park (YOSE) and Sequoia and Kings Canyon National Parks (SEKI). For data associated with national parks within the Cascade region, including Mount Rainier National Park and North Cascades National Park Service Complex, please refer to: https://irma.nps.gov/DataStore/Reference/Profile/2277917

The avian survey data represent the count of Clark's nutcracker individuals at observed at point-count monitoring stations, 2011-2016. Avian survey covariates include: ambient noise level, observer, date, hour, presence of forest cover, presence of dense vegetation cover, elevation, aspect, and slope.

Whitebark pine coverage (YOSE and SEKI) and foxtail pine coverage (SEKI) are calculated using park vegetation mapping inventories. Vegetation data are provided here as links.
YOSE: https://irma.nps.gov/DataStore/Reference/Profile/2252295
SEKI: https://irma.nps.gov/DataStore/Reference/Profile/2252079

For more information, please refer to: https://journals.plos.org/plosone/article?id=10.1371/journal.pone.0227161