Methodology
The SHI is calculated using local biodiversity observations (e.g., as available through GBIF) and remotely sensed habitat characterizations. It quantifies changes in the estimated size and quality of ecologically intact areas supporting species populations. Remote sensing-informed trends are validated and uncertainty-assessed using in situ occurrence data at species level. SHI uses latest, best-possible predictions of species geographic ranges, based on a variety of sources combined with habitat information, remote sensing layers and models. These data can be augmented or replaced with other national data. Modification, estimated size, quality, fragmentation, and connectivity of ecologically intact areas supporting species populations are quantified annually and species-level metrics then aggregated to countries. Separate indices can be calculated for different species groups, e.g. those dependent on certain habitats and ecosystems or those considered threatened. The indices can also be subset to species with particularly rapid recent habitat changes, and they can account for countries’ stewardship of species (their portion of a species’ global range).
Data description
The Species Habitat Index (SHI) measures changes in the estimated size and quality of ecologically intact areas supporting species populations. The index captures alterations to the quality and connectivity of habitats at the level of single species and at fine spatial scale, addressing single square kilometer assemblages. When aggregated over a larger geographic unit (e.g., landscape, seascape, mountainregion, ecological region, or country), SHI can provide a compound measure of an area’s
ecological integrity and connectivity. When evaluated over species’ geographic ranges,
the SHI also informs about trends in the health of species populations and potential
changes in their genetic diversity. Ecosystems are made up of species, and as multi-species aggregate, the SHI provide a compound estimate of the ecological quality of natural ecosystems and the health and resilience of species populations.
ecological integrity and connectivity. When evaluated over species’ geographic ranges,
the SHI also informs about trends in the health of species populations and potential
changes in their genetic diversity. Ecosystems are made up of species, and as multi-species aggregate, the SHI provide a compound estimate of the ecological quality of natural ecosystems and the health and resilience of species populations.