Prairie Biodiversity Mapping and Assessment Tool — Ducks Unlimited Canada Skip to main content
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Biodiversity Mapping and Assessment Tool

Discover the benefits of supporting biodiversity and protecting natural habitats on private lands.

Dave Hoefler

About the tool

Ducks Unlimited Canada’s conservation work is grounded in science. Our Institute for Wetland and Waterfowl Research developed a decision support tool for biodiversity in Prairie Canada.

By identifying biodiversity hotspots, it reveals areas where conservation and restoration can benefit the most species. A public version offers accessible data on predicted species richness of amphibians, birds, mammals, and reptiles across 41.4 km² (16 mi²) sites.

Launch the Prairie Biodiversity and Assessment tool

About the Prairie Biodiversity Mapping and Assessment Tool

About the Prairie Biodiversity Mapping and Assessment Tool

New resource maps biodiversity hotspots to guide Prairie conservation.

How to use the tool

How to use the tool

Five easy steps to identify and predict biodiversity hotspots.

Frequently asked questions

Frequently asked questions

Find information, guidance and troubleshooting tips.

Data request form

Data request form

Complete the Data Request Form to request access to the Prairie Biodiversity Mapping and Assessment Tool data (non-commercial use only).

The tool and the science that powers it

The predictions are based on individual species distribution models using species observations, habitat data, and climate data.

Did you know? We used the tool to demonstrate that areas with DUC conservation easements support 39% more species (average of 114) compared to nearby unprotected sites (average of 82).

There are two main differences between the public version and the data presented in the 2024 publication:

  1. The predictions are coarser in the public tool.
  2. We updated the tool predictions to use 2020 land cover, whereas the models in the paper were based on using 2015 land cover.

News and Resources

How Ducks Unlimited Canada's tool is mapping Prairie Biodiversity

Marginal Areas Program provides a financial solution to unproductive land

Ducks Unlimited Canada ADOPTs cutting-edge technology to enhance seeding forages

Canadian cattle ranchers enjoy greener pastures—and get cash back

Research Partners