Alternative Text Description for Chipola Slabshell (Threatened) Distribution Map

TABLE OF CONTENTS

MAP OVERVIEW

This map shows the distribution of the Chipola Slabshell, a threatened species, across portions of northern Florida and the panhandle region. The map displays polygonal boundaries representing the geographic range where this species is understood to occur according to the United States Fish and Wildlife Service. The distribution area is shown as a continuous zone covering multiple counties in the region, with several distinct sections visible across the mapped territory.

GEOGRAPHIC CONTEXT

The map covers northern Florida, extending from the western panhandle eastward through the north-central portion of the state. Visible cities and landmarks include Graceville and Malone in the north, Marianna in the central area, Alford to the west, Chipley to the northwest, Altha in the southeast portion, Clarksville and Blountstown in the southern section, and Wewahitchka near the bottom of the mapped area. The eastern boundary approaches the Apalachicola National Forest and Apalachicola Wildlife Management Area. To the west, the distribution extends toward Washington County, while the southern portions reach into Gulf and Liberty counties. Donaldsonville appears in the northeast corner, with Greensboro visible to the southeast and Hosford to the east.

KEY INSIGHTS

The Chipola Slabshell distribution forms a large, relatively continuous zone across multiple counties in northern Florida. The species range follows a generally north-to-south orientation through the panhandle and extends into north-central Florida. The distribution shows several connected sections, with the largest continuous area spanning from the northern border southward through the center of the mapped region. A separate, smaller section appears in the southeastern portion near Liberty County. The distribution pattern suggests the species is associated with watershed systems that flow through this region, forming an interconnected habitat corridor rather than isolated patches.

VISUAL ELEMENTS

Chipola Slabshell (Threatened) Distribution

This layer represents the geographic range boundaries for the Chipola Slabshell as identified by the United States Fish and Wildlife Service for Florida.

Chipola Slabshell Distribution Area (pink crosshatch pattern)

Appearance:

The distribution is shown as areas filled with a pink crosshatch or diagonal line pattern overlaying the base map.

Distribution:

The species range covers a substantial portion of northern Florida, beginning in the northwestern panhandle and extending southward and eastward. Multiple connected sections span from areas near Graceville and Malone in the north, through Marianna in the central region, continuing south through Alford and Altha, and extending to Clarksville and Wewahitchka in the southern portions. A distinct section appears separately in the southeastern area near Liberty County.

Notable locations:

Major concentrations of the distribution include the areas surrounding Marianna, the corridor between Alford and Altha, and the region extending from Clarksville southward to Wewahitchka. The distribution encompasses portions of the Chipola River watershed area.

Spatial patterns:

The distribution follows a primarily north-south orientation with some east-west expansion in the northern sections. The pattern suggests alignment with river systems and watershed boundaries. The areas form largely contiguous zones rather than scattered isolated patches, indicating connected habitat throughout much of the range. The separation between the main distribution area and the southeastern section near Liberty County suggests a potential habitat gap or different watershed system.

Overlapping Patterns

No significant overlapping patterns are visible as this map displays a single thematic layer showing species distribution.

SYMBOL GUIDE

ADDITIONAL INFORMATION

This map represents the official understanding of the Chipola Slabshell distribution by the United States Fish and Wildlife Service for Florida. The boundaries shown are polygonal representations of the species range and indicate general areas where the species may be found. The map focuses exclusively on the threatened species distribution and does not display other ecological or environmental layers. The specific definition query filters the broader USFWS species dataset to show only the Chipola Slabshell by common name. Users should understand that these boundaries represent the known or expected range rather than confirming presence at every specific location within the shaded areas.

DATA CONTEXT

Data Source:

The data originates from the United States Fish and Wildlife Service species boundaries dataset for the State of Florida. This represents the official understanding of species distribution maintained by the federal wildlife management agency.

Definition Query:

The map displays a filtered subset of the USFWS species dataset, showing only records where the common name equals "CHIPOLA SLABSHELL." This filtering isolates this single threatened species from the broader species database.

Scale Information:

The map displays a regional scale appropriate for viewing multi-county distribution patterns. This scale level is suitable for understanding the overall geographic range and general distribution patterns of the species across northern Florida.

Coordinate System:

NAD 1983 HARN Florida GDL Albers (WKID 3087)

Limitations:

The polygonal boundaries represent the understood range of the species based on available information and do not indicate confirmed presence at every location within the boundaries. Actual species occurrence may vary within these zones based on specific habitat conditions, water quality, and other ecological factors. Areas outside the mapped boundaries do not necessarily indicate absence, as survey coverage and detection methods may have limitations.

Map Coverage:

The map extent covers northern Florida from the western panhandle eastward through north-central portions of the state, encompassing parts of Jackson, Calhoun, Liberty, Washington, Holmes, and surrounding counties. The mapped area extends slightly beyond the species distribution to provide geographic context through visible city names and neighboring regions.

The alternative text description of this map was AI-generated and may contain inaccuracies.