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 the CDC databases.
A key mandate of CDCs and NatureServe Canada is to distribute NatureServe Network 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 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 to provide the public with no cost online access to the biodiversity data managed by NatureServe Canada and our CDCs.
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. The information below explains how to submit a request for CDC data. Please visit our EBAR-KBA Canada project webpage to learn more about accessing non-CDC data managed by NatureServe Canada.
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 in order to ensure that information such as species lists, taxonomy and status assesments 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 the Biotics data fields. This will ensure that the data you request/receive will include the fields that you require. 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 dictionnary 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, thus ensuring that your biodiversity information will inform biodiversity science and conservation decision-making.
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 developing a national data license or data sharing agreement to enable the two-way flow of biodiversity information between your organization and the NatureServe Canada Network of CDCs.