CHAPTER 1I: APPROACH AND METHODS 50
RANKING HABITATS
Each subtype received a score called a Value to SGCN. These Values were derived from the number
and Tier level of SGCN associated with each subtype (see description of Tiers in Criteria for Selecting
and Prioritizing SGCN in Chapter II). They indicate the relative importance of various habitat subtypes
to SGCN and provide guidance in predicting where actions will benefit more and/or higher tier SGCN.
Values are most useful when comparing related habitat subtypes. Three major complexes of related
habitat subtypes have been identified for value comparisons. These complexes are: 1) Terrestrial
(Terrestrial, Wetland, Subterranean and Anthropogenic subtypes); 2) Lotic and Lentic (Streams
and Lacustrine subtypes); and 3) Marine, Estuarine and Estuarine Fringe. Values for subtypes
within each complex are provided in Appendix X and again in each subtype’s description in Chapter IV.
Gastropods, insects and marine fishes were deemed insufficiently known to warrant status evaluations
comparable to evaluations of vertebrates, mussels and crayfish and did not contribute to the subtype
value determinations. Therefore the Values to SGCN attributed to some subtypes are lower than ex-
pected. Lower than expected Values related to lack of information are most apparent in some marine
habitat subtypes. Additional work must be performed to include species from underrepresented groups
in future iterations of this strategy.
Since Value to SGCN is derived from the number and Tier level of the species attributed to a habitat
subtype, it does not in all instances indicate rarity or level of threat to a subtype. It may be important to
consider rarity ranks assigned by NHP or other indications of value when assessing conservation need
and implementing actions. Thus, a discussion of the rarity rank, called Conservation Status from Nature-
Serve, is included in the description of each subtype in Chapter IV. Some SGCN are restricted to sub-
types with relatively low values that may not benefit or could be negatively affected by conflicting ac-
tions performed in subtypes with higher values. Values are not an indication of the type of actions rec-
ommended. Recommended conservation actions will vary for each habitat subtype.
The Value was determined by taking list of species for each subtype and their Tier and assigning a
weighted value to the Tier Level. Thus, species in Tier 1 received a Value of 4 (the inverse of the Tier);
Tier 2 species received a Value of 3, and so on.