Indian Biodiversity Information System 

National Remote Sensing Agency, Forest Survey of India, Wildlife Institute of India, G.B. Pant Institute of Himalayan Environment and Development, Botanical Survey of India, French Institute (Pondicherry), Maharashtra Remote Sensing Applications Centre, respective State Forest Departments

BioCap, ArcView, ArcIMS

Biodiversity characterization pre-conservation

The objectives of the project are preparation of biome/ecological zone maps using satellite remote sensing data, incorporating topographical details and biogeographical classification of India;landscape characterisation to identify disturbance gradient and
prioritise area (bioprospecting) for biodiversity conservation.

n effort to characterise vegetation cover, fragmentation, disturbance and biological richness across the landscape is organised in the form of Biodiversity Information System (BIS). Field samples of key ecological characters have been used for geospatial extrapolation. The species data base has been linked with above spatial details. BIS allows identification of gap areas, species / habitat relationship and helps in biodiversity conservation planning by setting priority areas. Detailed site specific field inventories with this database can be used for identifying areas for bioprospecting.

Analysis made presents full range of distinct natural communities and ecological status at landscape level. The landscape capable of maintaining the viable population species, sustain important ecological process and services that maintain biodiversity are also mapped. Results presented can form the basic guideline to plan floral and faunal inventories in future. The dataset can allow monitoring and forecasting changes through extinction models using multi-temporal data, modeling of which can help in studying the impact of global change in different landscape. Finally the approach can be extended to study genetic and species diversity in biologically rich sites for priortizing focus on bioprospecting.