Species and ecosystem Subnational data developed by our provincial and territorial Conservation Data Centres (CDCs) is aggregated and reconciled by NatureServe and NatureServe Canada, and informs the development of NatureServe National and Global data. This multi-jurisdiction dataset is kept current, accurate and standardized throughout the NatureServe Network via data exchanges between the Central Biotics database and CDC databases.
A key mandate of NatureServe Canada is to distribute CDC biodiversity data to decision-makers, researchers, industry and the public via data requests and online (self-serve) platforms.
NatureServe Canada encourages data users to contact CDCs directly to request the most comprehensive, current and precise CDC data, and to benefit from CDC biodiversity expertise.
The NatureServe Explorer (non-spatial data) and Explorer Pro (spatial data) platforms were built with financial support from Environment and Climate Change Canada and other funders to provide the public with no cost self-serve online access to the biodiversity data managed by NatureServe Canada and our CDCs. Some data (e.g., for species susceptible to poaching) is buffered in the public facing Explorer Pro dataset.
In addition to CDC data, the NatureServe Explorer Pro platform provides access to non-CDC data that is collected and managed by NatureServe Canada for the EBAR and KBA Canada projects. Please visit our EBAR-KBA Canada project webpage to learn more about accessing non-CDC data managed by NatureServe Canada.
The information below explains how to submit a request for CDC data.
Data Requests
To request CDC data from one provincial or territorial CDC, contact the relevant CDC (refer to the contact information on the Who We Are webpage). In addition to fulfilling data requests, some CDCs offer online (self-serve) data platforms. CDCs (except for Atlantic Canada CDC) do not charge for data request services.
To request CDC data from multiple CDCs, contact NatureServe Canada and we can work with you and the relevant CDCs to facilitate your request. Note that fees may apply to cover NatureServe Canada staff time.
Biotics Data Fields
The NatureServe Network has developed a spatial and tabular data management system called Biotics.
Data exchanges between CDC instances of Biotics and the NatureServe Central Biotics instance take place regularly o ensure that information such as species lists, taxonomy and status ranks at the Subnational, National and Global levels are standardized across our members' databases.
When you submit a data request to NatureServe Canada, or to a CDC who has adopted Biotics, it will be helpful for you to understand Biotics data fields. With this in mind, NatureServe Canada has developed the Biotics Data Dictionary.
Before submitting your request to a CDC or to NatureServe Canada we encourage you to review the dictionary and to contact NatureServe Canada if you have any questions.
Data Sharing
We encourage all biodiversity data holders to share their species and ecosystem data to NatureServe Canada and the Network of CDCs. By doing so you will contribute to Canada’s publicly managed knowledge base regarding the location and status of Canada’s rare and threatened biodiversity.
NatureServe Canada works with its member CDCs to ensure that our biodiversity data is managed and distributed responsibly, according to provincial, territorial and federal data security policies and procedures.
Please contact us if you would like to discuss data sharing between your organization, NatureServe Canada, and our Network of CDCs.