Biodiversity

New prairie biodiversity tool released into the wild

The Prairie Biodiversity Mapping and Assessment Tool is a great example of pioneering science designed for real-world situations.

October 20, 2025

Converting natural land to other uses causes declines in biodiversity, which includes the variety of plants, animals, fungi and micro-organisms that work together to create healthy, balanced ecosystems that sustain life. To help land managers understand these impacts, a team of researchers at Ducks Unlimited Canada’s (DUC) Institute for Wetland and Waterfowl Research developed the Prairie Biodiversity Mapping and Assessment Tool. Using more than 1.2 million observations combined with habitat, climate, soil and elevation data, this tool models the distribution of 329 amphibian, bird, mammal and reptile species to identify where conservation and restoration actions could most benefit biodiversity.

The project produced a peer-reviewed paper that found that land with conservation easements (conserved habitats) supported more wildlife species. Additionally, they found that the pro-portion of annual cropland at a site had the largest negative effect on biodiversity.

This summer, the tool’s developers produced a publicly available interactive map that allows users to explore biodiversity in their area, identify hotspots and make informed decisions that promote biodiversity. The data generated from this tool underscores the effectiveness of conservation strategies and sets a road map for where future efforts can support biodiversity in Prairie Canada.

The tool is a great example of pioneering science designed for real-world situations. We asked our resident Duck Doctors, James Paterson and Ashley Melo from the project team, to tell us more.

What habitat types were included?

We simplified land cover categories to focus on distinct habitat types that affect biodiversity patterns. We separated: wetland, open water, native grassland, tame grass, annual cropland, forest, and human settlement.

What data went into the tool?

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

Why do urban areas have a high predicted number of species?

Urban areas in Prairie Canada typically have major rivers running through them, which are areas with high predicted biodiversity because of associated forest and wetland habitats. Also, sites with more species do not always correspond to sites with unique or rare species. For example, native grasslands support rare specialists, but those sites typically have fewer total species than other habitats. Like most of science, keeping in mind “it depends” helps with interpretation.

How do management activities affect predicted biodiversity?

The tool is built based on land cover. For example, it predicts different numbers of species in fields classified as annual cropland versus native grassland. The tool does not account for differences in management activities on the same habitat type, such as grazing intensity in different grassland fields.

Why can’t the tool be applied to other parts of Canada?

Work is already underway to expand the biodiversity tool to Eastern Canada, so that we can identify places and actions to support the most species in other parts of the country. We’re also supporting work to build a similar tool in the United States.

Who can use it?

Anyone is welcome to use the public version of the tool! Whether you are a researcher, student, landowner or a lover of nature, this tool is for you.

How do I use it?

Access the Prairie Biodiversity Mapping and Assessment Tool for data at your fingertips. No need to download any programs, simply follow five easy steps to launch and navigate the tool.

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