Biodiversity Information Part 1

The most basic forms of biodiversity information cover what biodiversity exists, and where it can be found. In other words species, habitats and distribution.  
 
Species 
This is a record of what types of organism are present and where they can be found. Information is available for all species present, but is very patchy in terms of coverage. Obviously not all individuals of a species will be recorded, but if enough records are obtained a map showing the approximate distribution of a species can be made. Although information is available for all species, there are various lists of species which are of local, regional, national and international importance, in terms of being rare or threatened. The key list nationally is the UK Species Action Plans of the UK Biodiversity Action Plan (UK BAP). There is also a Regional Action Plan that lists species particularly important in the South West, and can be found at the South West Biodiversity Partnership. 
 
Habitats 
This is a simple way of describing the different collections of species typically found under various geological, geographical and climatic conditions. There are various different ways of categorising different habitats, but one commonly used is the Habitat Action Plans of the UK BAP. Again there is a regional list at South West Biodiversity Partnership.