Alternative Text Description for Rugel's Pawpaw (Endangered)

TABLE OF CONTENTS

MAP OVERVIEW

This map displays the geographic distribution of Rugel's Pawpaw, an endangered plant species, across central Florida. The map shows polygonal boundaries representing areas where this species is understood to occur according to the United States Fish and Wildlife Service. The distribution is depicted using a distinctive pattern that highlights the species' range across multiple counties in the central Florida region.

GEOGRAPHIC CONTEXT

The map covers central Florida, extending from Volusia County on the Atlantic coast westward to Orange City and DeLand, and southward through the greater Orlando metropolitan area to areas near Mims and Oak Hill. Major communities visible on the map include Ormond Beach, Daytona Beach, South Daytona, Holly Hill, DeBary, Deltona, Sanford, Orange City, Port Orange, Edgewater, New Smyrna Beach, and Oak Hill along the coast, with inland areas including parts of the Seminole State Forest and Tosohatchee Wildlife Management Area. Protected areas such as Relay Wildlife Management Area and Buck Lake Wildlife Management Area are also within the mapped region. The Atlantic Ocean is visible along the eastern edge of the map.

KEY INSIGHTS

Rugel's Pawpaw demonstrates a strongly concentrated distribution pattern in central Volusia County and adjacent areas. The species' range forms a large, interconnected area centered on the region between DeLand and the coastal communities, with the most extensive continuous coverage occurring in the interior portions of Volusia County. The distribution shows a north-south orientation with significant coverage extending from the Ormond Beach area southward through Daytona Beach, Port Orange, and into the New Smyrna Beach vicinity. Notable concentrations appear in areas that coincide with natural lands and wildlife management areas, suggesting habitat preferences for less developed landscapes. The distribution becomes more fragmented toward the southern extent near Oak Hill and toward the western edges near Orange City and Sanford.

VISUAL ELEMENTS

Rugel's Pawpaw (Endangered) Distribution

This layer represents the known occurrence boundaries for Rugel's Pawpaw as mapped by the United States Fish and Wildlife Service.

Rugel's Pawpaw Occurrence Areas (pink crosshatch pattern)

Appearance: Pink or magenta colored areas with a fine crosshatch or dotted pattern overlay.

Distribution: The species occurs across central Volusia County with the densest coverage in the interior regions between the coastal communities and the St. Johns River corridor. Distribution extends from north of Ormond Beach southward to Oak Hill, and from the Atlantic coastal ridge westward into interior upland areas.

Notable locations: Major concentrations occur in the area surrounding and west of Daytona Beach, throughout the Port Orange region, in extensive areas between DeLand and the coast, in portions of the Seminole State Forest area, near Lake Ashby and the Spring-to-Spring Trail corridor, and in scattered locations near New Smyrna Beach and Oak Hill. A notable concentration appears in the Tosohatchee Wildlife Management Area region.

Spatial patterns: The distribution shows strong clustering in central Volusia County with a tendency toward connectivity between patches in the core area. The pattern suggests corridor-like extensions along natural landscape features, with more continuous coverage in interior areas and increasingly fragmented occurrence near developed coastal communities. The western boundary shows a relatively distinct edge, while the southern extent becomes more scattered and patchy.

Overlapping Patterns

Areas of Rugel's Pawpaw occurrence frequently overlap with or occur adjacent to public conservation lands including wildlife management areas and state forests, indicating the species' association with protected natural habitats and less disturbed landscapes.

SYMBOL GUIDE

ADDITIONAL INFORMATION

This map represents the official understanding of Rugel's Pawpaw distribution by the United States Fish and Wildlife Service for Florida. The polygonal boundaries indicate areas where the species is documented or expected to occur based on available biological and habitat information. The map focuses exclusively on the endangered species distribution and does not depict individual plant locations or population densities within the mapped areas. The extensive coverage in wildlife management areas and less developed regions reflects the species' habitat requirements and vulnerability to development pressures.

DATA CONTEXT

Data Source: United States Fish and Wildlife Service species distribution data for the State of Florida. The data represents polygonal boundaries for species occurrence as understood and mapped by federal wildlife authorities.

Definition Query: The map displays only records where the common name equals "Rugel's Pawpaw" (COMNAME = 'RUGEL''S PAWPAW'), filtering the broader species dataset to show this single endangered species.

Scale Information: The map scale shows county and municipal-level detail appropriate for regional conservation planning and species range assessment. At this scale, the distribution boundaries and major geographic features are clearly visible.

Coordinate System: NAD 1983 HARN Florida GDL Albers (WKID 3087)

Limitations: The polygonal boundaries represent generalized occurrence areas rather than precise locations of individual plants. Actual species presence within mapped polygons may be discontinuous based on microhabitat conditions. Areas outside the mapped boundaries do not necessarily indicate absence, as survey coverage may be incomplete.

Map Coverage: The map extends across central Volusia County and adjacent portions of Seminole, Orange, and Brevard counties in Florida, covering approximately from latitude corresponding to Ormond Beach in the north to south of Oak Hill, and from the Atlantic coast westward to Orange City and Sanford.

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