Habitat Loss

Researchers record important bear habitat information and locations on handheld GPS units.

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Conservation GIS The Society for Conservation GIS supports the use of GIS and science for conservation of natural resources and cultural change.

Case Study Podcasts Preserving Biodiversity—by Dr. Raven, director of the Missouri Botanical Gardens Protecting Caves—by William Elliott, cave biologist, Missouri Department of Conservation

From Indochina's delicate coral reefs to South America's biologically rich forest systems, habitat loss is destroying plant and animal species at unprecedented rates. GIS is used to study habitat destruction and how natural ecosystems are being affected.

What can be mapped to show habitat loss?

• Agricultural expansion
• Coastal development
• Deforestation
• Landfills
• Toxic waste, garbage, and sewage
• Urbanization

Use GIS to study symbiotic relationships, compare changes over time, or model effects of increasing levels of salinity changes. Geospatial analytic and visualization tools provide more comprehensive insight into environmental threat.

Great efforts are being made by organizations around the world to slow the advance of habitat loss. GIS is a growing part of these organizations' efforts to educate local groups, regulate conservation policies, and enforce environmental law.

Success Stories

See how GIS is benefiting other organizations like yours.

• Habitat Maps Created with GIS Aid Alberta with Grizzly Conservation
• The National Zoological Park’s Conservation GIS [PDF]
• Hot Spot Map

Take a look at other case studies and books and literature.