NS DNR Wildlife Division - Biodiversity Program

Biodiversity Data and Information
There are numerous sources of data and information on biodiversity in Nova Scotia, within Canada, and internationally. The following websites are only a selection of only some of the resources available.

Nova Scotia Significant Species and Habitat ('Sighab') Database
An online GIS mapping database with location information for significant wildlife species and habitat in Nova Scotia. For more information on the Sighab database and to view the database online visit the following NS DNR Wildlife Division website: http://www.gov.ns.ca/natr/wildlife/Thp/disclaim.htm

General Status of Species in Nova Scotia
The General Status Assessment process is a "first alert" system that provides us with an overall indication of how well species are doing in Nova Scotia. http://www.gov.ns.ca/natr/wildlife/genstatus/

Wild Species - General Status of Species in Canada
The Wild Species report provides an overview of the status of Canada's species. It brings the results of provincial, territorial, and federal monitoring efforts onto a single platform for the first time.
http://www.wildspecies.ca/

Atlantic Canada Conservation Data Centre
Provides objective data and expertise about species and ecological conservation concern, including species at risk, and undertakes field biological inventories to support conservation related decision-making, research, and education in Atlantic Canada.
http://www.accdc.com/

Nova Scotia Museum of Natural History
Provides data and expertise on rare and endangered species, habitats, and ecosystems. http://museum.gov.ns.ca/mnh/

NatureServe
NatureServe is a non-profit conservation organization that provides the scientific information and tools needed to help guide effective conservation action. NatureServe and its network of natural heritage programs are the leading source for information about rare and endangered species and threatened ecosystems.
http://www.natureserve.org/

Environment Canada's Species at Risk Website
Federal government species at risk website containing Information on species at risk in Canada, federal legislation, searchable database, funding opportunities information, and more.
http://www.speciesatrisk.gc.ca/

IUCN Global Species Red List
The International Union for Conservation of Nature and Natural Resources (IUCN) - World Conservation Union assesses the conservation status of species, subspecies, varieties and even selected subpopulations on a global scale in order to highlight taxa threatened with extinction, and therefore promote their conservation. provides information on the criteria and categories for IUCN red list rankings. http://www.iucnredlist.org/

CITES
The Convention on International Trade in Endangered Species of Wild Fauna and Flora (CITES) is an international agreement between governments. Its aim is to ensure that international trade in specimens of wild animals and plants does not threaten their survival.
http://www.cites.org/

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