Background
 

Dataset – WWFecoregions

Description

This dataset includes the attribute data from the terrestrial ecoregions database.

An ecoregion is defined as a large area of land or water that contains a geographically distinct assemblage of natural communities that

  • share a large majority of their species and ecological dynamics;
  • share similar environmental conditions, and;
  • interact ecologically in ways that are critical for their long-term persistence.

The Conservation Science Program has identified 825 terrestrial ecoregions across the globe, and a set of approximately 450 freshwater ecoregions is under development. WWF has recently launched an analogous global framework of 229 coast and shelf marine ecoregions in collaboration with The Nature Conservancy.

Source

World Wildlife Fund. http://www.worldwildlife.org/science/data/terreco.cfm

Terms and Conditions

This database is available for use for valid scientific, conservation, and educational purposes. We ask that you credit the Terrestrial Ecoregions data as follows:

Olson, D. M, E. Dinerstein, E.D. Wikramanayake, N.D. Burgess, G.V.N. Powell, E.C. Underwood, J.A. D'amico, I. Itoua, H.E. Strand, J.C. Morrison, C.J. Loucks, T.F. Allnutt, T.H. Ricketts, Y. Kura, J.F. Lamoreux, W.W.Wettengel, P. Hedao, & K.R. Kassem. 2001. Terrestrial Ecoregions of the World: A New Map of Life on Earth. BioScience 51:933-938

Any modification of the original map by users to ecoregion boundaries, units, names, or realm and biome classes must be noted.

Rationale

There are multiple uses for the terrestrial ecoregion map in our efforts to conserve biodiversity around the world. It provides:

  • a map of terrestrial biodiversity that gives enough detail to be useful in global and regional conservation priority-setting and planning efforts.
  • a logical biogeographic framework for the development of large-scale conservation strategies.
  • a map and descriptions for those working to increase biogeographic literacy and to illustrate conservation issues around the world; including a general description of each ecoregion, outstanding and distinctive biodiversity features, current status and types and severity of threats to the natural habitats.
  • a framework for a global species database useful in priority setting and ecological analyses.

Update Frequency

Every 6 months – at the start of June and December

  

 

 

 

 

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