Living with the Sea
2010. Establishment of marine managed areas (MMAs) is a long-term investment in secure and sustainable ecosystems—secure for the people that depend on them for sustenance and livelihoods, sustainable in terms of the long-term persistence of habitats and species present. The goal of MMAs is to operate over timescales of multiple generations and deliver returns of increased diversity and abundance of native organisms and ecosystem resilience, as the expected return of ecosystem health and robustness can take decades. (PDF, 20 pgs, 24MB)

Evolution Lost, Status & Trends of the World's Vertebrates
2010. With the publication of Evolution Lost, for the first time the world has a detailed understanding of the conservation status of vertebrates: fish, amphibians, reptiles, birds and mammals. This information is pulled together at the level of species and populations. The species-level data are based on the IUCN Red List of Threatened Species. The population-level data are drawn from the WWF Living Planet Index. (PDF, 95 pgs, 7.3MB)

The State of Biodiversity Information in Canada
2010. By looking at sources of accessible data, including those of NatureServe Canada, this report reveals gaps in Canada's information holdings. To enable conservation action and effective reporting about biodiversity, an important new priority for Canada emerges: to survey, inventory, and monitor our biodiversity through the joint efforts of conservation data centres, academics, citizen scientists, industry, and governments. It is not the first time such a call has been made in Canada. Perhaps in 2010, the International Year of Biodiversity, it is time to listen. PDF File (54 pgs, 876KB)

Biodiversity Inventory of Natural Lands: A How-To Manual for Foresters and Biologists
2009. This manual provides a practical, hands-on guide to biodiversity inventory. It provides an overview of the data sources, analytical tools and methods, and field techniques involved in surveying lands for rare species and ecological communities of concern. This manual was inspired by Office Depot's interest in forested habitats and their conservation; nonetheless, many of the methods and information sources described herein are relevant for other landscape types as well. Executive Summary

Sentinels on the Wing: The Status and Conservation of Butterflies in Canada
2009. Canada’s natural legacy is under pressure from a number of sources, and the pace of change is accelerating. While their flights of fancy may seem insignificant, butterflies are sentinels or early indicators of many key changes, and can act as important messengers to raise awareness. Based on current evidence, and on a review of this evidence by a range of national and international experts, this report aims to provide an overview of the status of butterflies in Canada. Butterflies cannot serve as messengers unless we give them a voice. PDF File (68 pgs, 2.2MB)

NatureServe Conservation Status Assessments: Factors for Assessing Extinction Risk
2009. The conservation status factors used by NatureServe, its member programs, and their collaborators are organized into three broad categories: rarity, trends, and threats. This publication defines the factors and subscribes a series of conditions for whether, and how, each status factor should be used. 64 pages. Executive Summary and PDF file (540KB)

NatureServe Conservation Status Assessments: Methodology for Assigning Ranks
2009. The protocol for assigning a conservation status rank to a species or ecosystem consists of scoring the element against ten conservation status factors, then weighting and pooling the scores into an overall numeric score, which is then translated into a calculated rank. This publication describes the standardized methods, based on application of the updated factors (see "NatureServe Conservation Status Assessments: Factors for Assessing Extinction Risk" above) and use of the newly released Rank Calculator Version 2.0 (below). 50 pages. Executive Summary and PDF file (335KB)

NatureServe Conservation Status Assessments: Rank Calculator Version 2.0
2009. With this Excel workbook, NatureServe provides an automated tool for calculating conservation status ranks based on the recently revised factors and methodology. See "NatureServe Conservation Status Assessments: Methodology for Assigning Ranks" (above) for guidance on using this Rank Calculator. Executive Summary and Excel workbook (Macros must be enabled) (2.7MB)

Threatened Amphibians of the World
2008. Amphibians are facing an extinction crisis, but getting to the facts has been difficult. Threatened Amphibians of the World is a visual journey through the first-ever comprehensive assessment of the conservation status of the world's 6,000 known species of frogs, toads, salamanders, and caecilians. (Outside link)

Ecological Performance Standards for Wetland Mitigation: An Approach Based on Ecological Integrity Assessments
2008. This report to the EPA presents two methods for setting stronger ecological performance standards to guide the wetland mitigation process: a watershed approach, and ecological performance standards based on ecological integrity assessment methods. Our ecological integrity assessment method uses a three-level approach to identify a suite of metrics, including Level 1 (remote sensing), Level 2 (rapid field-based), and Level 3 (intensive field-based) metrics. The report provides an overview and ratings for each assessment level, as well as detailed protocols and scorecards for metrics at Levels 1 and 2. 65 pages. Executive Summary, PDF file (65 pages, 3.6MB), and Appendices (91 pages, 1.2MB)

Conserving Biodiversity on Military Lands: A Guide for Natural Resources Managers
2008. This book provides a thorough introduction to understanding biodiversity and how it applies to the military mission, including the scientific, legal, policy, and natural resources management contexts, and offers practical advice from 17 case studies about biodiversity conservation, written by resource managers at military installations. PDF File (236 pages, 33MB). The Commander's Brochure provides a summary of highlights from the book. (PDF File, 12 pages, 9.1MB).

Hidden in Plain Sight: The Role of Plants in State Wildlife Action Plans
2008. This report analyzes how well the state wildlife action plans consider plant species and address their conservation needs. It finds that only a modest number of the plans explicitly incorporated plant species of conservation concern into various aspects of their planning process, and makes recommendations to advance policies that promote plant conservation. 27 pages. Executive Summary and PDF File (1.4MB)

Endemic Species Distributions on the Eastern Slope of the Andes in Peru and Bolivia
2007. The report presents the most detailed study of its kind ever carried out, in which scientists identified 12 previously unknown centers of endemism — areas that safeguard species found nowhere else in the world —in the Eastern Andean slope and Amazon basin of Peru and Bolivia. The report also illustrates distribution maps for 782 endemic species of plants, mammals, amphibians and birds at an unprecedented level of detail. 91 pages. PDF File (4MB).Disponible en Español: Distribuciòn de la Especies Endémicas en la Vertiente Oriental de los Andes en Perúy Bolivia (Archivo PDF, 4 MB).

Ecological Systems of the Amazon Basin of Peru and Bolivia: Classification and Mapping
2007. The report presents the classification and mapping of 84 ecological systems in the Amazon Basin of Peru and Bolivia. The map is the first in Latin America to use the same criteria, scales and field validation to illustrate the natural vegetation across the two countries. The map is expected to serve as a model to future vegetation maps in the region. 96 pages. PDF File (4MB).
Disponible en Español: Sistemas Ecològicos de la Cuenca Amazònica del Per? y Bolivia: Clasificaciòn y Mapeo (Archivo PDF, 4 MB).

Ecological Integrity Assessment and Performance Measures for Wetland Mitigation
2006. This report presents NatureServe's approach to helping establish performance standards for wetlands mitigation using an improved version of our methodology for conducting ecological integrity assessments. In addition to the main report, separate reports are provided with indicators and metrics for assessing each of 18 wetland ecological systems of New England, the Rocky Mountains, and the Southeast. 38 pages. Executive Summary and PDF File (1.3MB).

Our Home and Native Land: Canadian Species of Global Conservation Concern
2005. This report provides the first-ever analysis of the conservation status of Canadian plants and animals in a global context, finding that 6.4% of Canada's species are of global conservation concern. The assessment is based primarily on data from NatureServe and the network of Canadian conservation data centres. 40 pages. Executive Summary and PDF (2M).
Disponible en Français: La terre de nos aïeux: les espèces canadiennes préoccupantes à l'échelle globale (PDF, 2M).

Coastal/Marine Systems of North America: Framework for an Ecological Classification Standard: Version II
2005. This report presents an ecosystem-oriented, science-based framework for a Coastal/Marine Ecological Classification Standard. It is intended to serve as the framework for developing a consistent and universally recognized inventory of all habitats of the North American coasts and oceans .
58 pages.Executive Summary and PDF File (1.5M). This document is being superseded by Version 3.1

Biodiversity Values of Geographically Isolated Wetlands in the United States
2005. Some wetlands and other waters that are “isolated” from navigable waters are no longer under the jurisdiction of the Clean Water Act as a result of a recent Supreme Court decision (SWANCC, 2001). This report assesses the potential impacts of the decision on the at-risk species and natural communities associated with these isolated wetland systems. The analyses are designed to assist policymakers and land managers at federal, state, and local levels to better understand the biodiversity value of isolated wetlands in their jurisdiction and plan for their protection. 55 pages. Executive Summary and PDF File (1.8M).

Endangered By Sprawl: How Runaway Development Threatens America’s Wildlife
2005. Endangered by Sprawl integrates widely accepted measures of development density and projections of population growth with a new analysis of our comprehensive data on rare and endangered species. It shows that habitat for imperiled plants and animals is often intertwined with where most people live. The report analyzes the 35 fastest-growing large metro areas in the United States and makes recommendations to stem habitat loss. 53 Pages.Executive Summary and PDF File (4.5M).

Disappearing Jewels: The Status of New World Amphibians
2004. This report on the New World findings of the Global Amphibian Assessment provides a comprehensive analysis of the conservation status of the amphibians of North, Central, and South America and the Caribbean, where nearly two out of every five amphibians are threatened. Disappearing Jewels describes the diversity of amphibians, their fascinating life histories, threats to their survival, and recommendations for conservation action. Written in a lively and accessible style, the report includes 20 figures and 76 color photographs. 54 pages. Executive Summary and PDF File (3.7M).
Disponible en Español: Joyas que Están Desapareciendo: El Estado de los Anfibios en el Nuevo Mundo (Archivo PDF, 3M).

An Invasive Species Assessment Protocol: Evaluating Non-Native Plants for Their Impact on Biodiversity
2004. This new method provides a systematic, science-based way to evaluate the impact on biodiversity from non-native species. Assessments are based on 20 related questions pertaining to four key issues: Ecological Impact, Current Distribution and Abundance, Trend in Distribution and Abundance, and Management Difficulty. 40 pages. Executive Summary and PDF File

Ecological Systems of Latin America and the Caribbean
2003. This working ecological classification summarizes nearly 700 terrestrial ecological systems of Latin America and the Caribbean, and describes applications of these systems for conservation assessment, ecological inventory and monitoring, land management, and other uses. 47 pages. Executive Summary and PDF File (4.5M).

Conservation Priorities for Freshwater Biodiversity in the Upper Mississippi River Basin
2003. A comprehensive assessment of aquatic biodiversity across the entire Upper Mississippi. Includes a complete classification of aquatic systems, and identifies 22 areas of freshwater biodiversity significance.
90 pages. Executive Summary and PDF File (5.18M).

Ecological Systems of the United States
2003. This working ecological classification summarizes nearly 600 terrestrial ecological systems in the coterminous United States, southern Alaska, and adjacent portions of Mexico and Canada, and describes applications of these systems for conservation assessment, ecological inventory, land management, and other uses. 75 pages. Executive Summary and PDF file (4.35M).

States of the Union: Ranking America's Biodiversity
2002. This state-by-state analysis of U.S. biodiversity ranks all 50 states on several key biological characteristics, including diversity of species, endemism, levels of rarity and risk, and species already lost to extinction.
25 pages. Executive Summary and PDF file (202K).

Plant Communities of the Midwest
2001. A comprehensive listing and description of all natural plant communities (588 associations) in the Midwest, using the concepts of the U.S. National Vegetation Classification system. Executive Summary. The 61-page Main Report, the 705-page Appendix, and state-specific subsets for the 12 states covered, are each available as PDF files (11.1M).

Precious Heritage: The Status of Biodiversity in the United States
2000. The most complete analysis ever made of the conservation status of plants, animals, and ecosystems of the United States, Precious Heritage documents that one-third of the nation's species are at risk.
416 pages. Executive Summary and ordering information.

Seeing the Forest and the Trees: Ecological Classification for Conservation
1999. Describes the National Vegetation Classification System and identifies major opportunities for applying and using it to meet conservation needs.
38 pages. Executive Summary and PDF file (2.62M).

Terrestrial Vegetation of the United States: Volume I
1998. An authoritative standardized classification of the terrestrial ecological communities of the United States, naming and describing more than 4,000 community types. 126 pages. HTML synopses of Volumes I and II; Volume I available as PDF file (2.13M); Volume II was a then-current status report and is now out of date. Current information on the terrestrial vegetation of the United States is maintained on NatureServe Explorer.

Rivers of Life: Critical Watersheds for Protecting Freshwater Biodiversity
1998. Documents the U.S. as a global leader in the diversity of freshwater species, summarizes the conservation status of freshwater species by group, identifies freshwater biodiversity hotspots by watershed, and describes conservation solutions. 71 pages. Executive Summary and PDF file (7.26M).

1997 Species Report Card: The State of U.S. Plants and Animals
1997. Assesses the conservation status of 20,500 species of plants and animals group by group. 32 pages. Executive Summary and PDF file (505K).

America's Least Wanted: Alien Species Invasions of U.S. Ecosystems
1996. Summarizes the threat to biodiversity posed by invasive alien species, highlights 12 species that are especially damaging, and describes conservation solutions. 36 pages. Executive Summary and PDF file (1.49M).

Kentucky’s Natural Heritage: An Illustrated Guide to Biodiversity
2010. © Kentucky State Nature Preserves Commission
Kentucky’s abundance of plant and animal life, from the bottomland swamps in the west to the rich Appalachian forests in the east, is extraordinary as well as beautiful. Glades, prairies, forests, wetlands, rivers, and caves form a biologically diverse patchwork that is unique to the state. Kentucky’s Natural Heritage: An Illustrated Guide to Biodiversity provides an essential reference to the remarkable natural history of the commonwealth and is a rallying call for the conservation of this priceless legacy. Find out more, including where to get your copy.

Les bryophytes rares du Québec. Espèces prioritaires pour la conservation

Québec's rare bryophytes. Priority species for conservation
2010. © Gouvernement du Québec

Selon l'état de nos connaissances, 182 taxons ont été retenus, ce qui représente 22% de la flore bryologique de la province. En plus d'être représentée par un dessin et une photo, chaque espèce est décrite sous l'angle de la taxonomie, de l'habitat, de la répartition et de sa précarité (subnationale, nationale et globale).

Based upon our current state of knowledge, this work features 182 taxa, representing 22% of the province' bryological flora. Each species appears with a drawing and photograph and is described in terms of its taxonomy, habitat, distribution, and threat level (subnational, national, and global). 156 pages, PDF file

Natural Landscapes of Maine: A Guide to Natural Communities and Ecosystems
2010. ©Maine Natural Areas Program.
Natural Landscapes of Maine serves as an indispensible tool to recognize, understand, and conserve Maine's special places. The book divides Maine's landscape into smaller pieces— "natural communities" and "ecosystems"—and assigns names to those pieces based on where they fit in the landscape and on their attendant trees, shrubs, wildflowers, and wildlife species. Each of Maine's 104 natural communities has a two-page description with color photographs and distribution maps. Introductory material includes a diagnostic key and how this classification fits into a bigger picture for conservation, and appendices include a cross-reference to other classification types and a glossary. Authors Susan Gawler and Andrew Cutko have had the good fortune of spending many years investigating the woodlands and wetlands of Maine as ecologists for NatureServe and the Maine Natural Areas Program, and for their own pleasure. Available for sale from Maine Natural Areas Program.

Scorecard 2006: Nevada Natural Heritage Program Highest Priority Conservation Sites
2006. ©Nevada Natural Heritage Program.
This report provides an overview and detailed descriptions for 69 conservation sites throughout Nevada. The sites have been identified as harboring a significant assemblage of rare species at highest risk of loss or serious decline without immediate new protection and/or management actions.  A large proportion of these sites consists of isolated desert spring systems supporting endemic fishes and other rare wetland plants and animals.57 pages. PDF file.

Washington's Biodiversity Status and Threats
2007. © Washington Biodiversity Council.
This report is a summary assessment of the status of, and threats to, the biodiversity of Washington State. John Gamon of the Washington Department of Natural Resources Natural Heritage Program prepared the report for the Washington Biodiversity Council. The report?s primary purpose is to assist the Council in identifying priorities and recommendations for a 30-year statewide biodiversity conservation strategy. 60 pages. PDF file.

Legacy: Conserving New York State's Biodiversity
2006. © New York State Biodiversity Project
This 100-page, full-color book offers a remarkable glimpse into the vast array of life and beauty in New York State. The report is a publication of the New York State Biodiversity Project, a collaborative effort by the American Museum of Natural History, New York State Biodiversity Research Institute, New York State Department of Environmental Conservation, New York Natural Heritage Program, and The Nature Conservancy. HTML page.

Great Lakes Conservation Blueprint for Biodiversity
2005. © Nature Conservancy of Canada
The Ontario Ministry of Natural Resources (Ontario Natural Heritage Information Centre) and the Nature Conservancy of Canada together produced the Great Lakes Conservation Blueprint for Biodiversity, a shared vision for natural heritage conservation. This set of four reports identifies a portfolio of sites representing high quality terrestrial and freshwater areas that can support a broad range of natural biodiversity, including species at risk. Separate volumes cover both terrestrial and aquatic biodiversity. HTML page with multiple PDF files.

Québec Biodiversity Atlas
2005. © Centre de données sur le patrimoine naturel du Québec
Based on the data held by the Centre de données sur le patrimoine naturel du Québec (CDPNQ), this atlas provides an overview of existing knowledge on Québec's threatened or vulnerable species, discusses related conservation efforts to date and identifies biodiversity conservation priorities (hot spots). 62 pages. PDF file.

State of Washington Natural Heritage Plan

2005. © Washington Natural Heritage Program
This biennial report by the Washington Natural Heritage Program provides an overview of Washington’s statewide system of natural areas and presents the criteria for prioritizing and selecting state natural areas. It presents background on the state’s biological diversity, including a summary of Washington’s nine ecoregions, threats to that diversity, and conservation tools and strategies. 48 pages. HTML page with multiple PDF files.

Natural Communities of New Hampshire
2004. © The New Hampshire Natural Heritage Bureau
Natural Communities of New Hampshire covers terrestrial, freshwater palustrine, riparian, and estuarine communities, and includes a concise overview of the landforms, climate, regional vegetation patterns, and ecoregions of New Hampshire. 242 pages. PDF file (5.7M).

Virginia's Precious Heritage: A Report on the Status of Virginia's Natural Communities, Plants, and Animals, and a Plan for Preserving Virginia's Natural Heritage Resources
2004. © Virginia Department of Conservation and Recreation, Division of Natural Heritage
This report summarizes Virginia's natural heritage program and natural area preserve system, evaluates the status of its natural heritage resources, and identifies conservation goals for the upcoming decade. 82 pages plus appendices. Links to website with PDF file and ordering information.

Living Waters: Guiding the Protection of Freshwater Biodiversity in Massachusetts
2003. © Massachusetts Natural Heritage and Endangered Species Program
A conservation planning tool that identifies core habitats critical for conservation of the aquatic species and freshwater habitats of Massachusetts. 50 pages. Executive Summary and GIS data.

Atlas of the Biodiversity of California
2003. © California Department of Fish and Game
The Atlas is a beautifully-illustrated bound collection of full-color maps, photographs, and written accounts about many of California's diverse wildlife species and habitats, based upon more than 20 years of data. 112 pages. Links to website with ordering information.

BioMap: Guiding Land Conservation for Biodiversity in Massachusetts
2001. © Massachusetts Natural Heritage and Endangered Species Program
An innovative conservation planning tool designed to identify areas in the state that are most critical to the long-term conservation of the biodiversity of Massachusetts. 60 pages. Executive Summary and GIS data.

Florida Forever: Conservation Needs Assessment
2000. © Florida Natural Areas Inventory
A report developed to identify priority lands for protection and inform conservation actions related to Florida Forever, the state's 10-year, $3 billion land acquisition program. The Conservation Needs Assessment analyzes the geographic distribution of a variety of critical natural resources and also incorporates land use values such as recreation, sustainable forestry, and archaeological sites. 52 pages. PDF file (5.34M).