BASE Biodiversity Assessment: Species to Ecosystems
ZSL has made a great difference to the animals and habitats it works to protect using years of expertise in wildlife and habitat monitoring. One major challenge has been the lack of standardised systems to gather and analyse vital ecological information obtained from field work. The lack of real-time data greatly hinders effective conservation efforts, especially preventing time-critical threats such as poaching. It is also very difficult to compare results and scale up initiatives in different regions, or to present evidence to non-experts.
To meet these challenges and scientifically assess conservation initiatives, ZSL has developed BASE (Biodiversity Assessment Species to Ecosystems), an integrated monitoring system. It combines cutting-edge conservation technology, such as Instant Wild
, with straightforward wildlife, environmental and anthropogenic data collection for terrestrial and freshwater ecosystems.
The unique BASE approach compiles simple, cost-effective monitoring with user-friendly data software. BASE will provide up-to-date trend information that can act as an early warning tool, while time-series data on species and habitats will highlight changes ecosystem states to facilitate management policy. A key element will be capacity building, with rigorous training on the use of the system and its outputs for management actions to meet national and global conservation targets.
Our key aims: • Train rangers, wildlife scouts and community members to collect data using effective, standardised protocols. • Support users gathering data through cutting-edge technology • Facilitate data entry and analysis with user-friendly software that produces report-ready outputs. • Guide management on the strategic use of the outputs for improving management strategies and assessing programme performance | Who can use BASE? • Protected area managers and staff • NGO conservation priority sites • Community conservation sites • Logging and oil palm companies • By impact assessor and consultants to meet Environmental Impact Assessment requirements |
Software produces report-ready outputs such as species-distribution maps and trend graphs With these new technological advances and improved knowledge of best practice for wildlife monitoring, this integrative science-based approach will offer an unequalled opportunity to generate information on biodiversity trends and the effectiveness of conservation interventions.
BASE will integrate with a number of ZSL's other conservation projects and technologies, which you can find out more about:
- Wildlife Wood project, Africa
- Biodiversity & Oil Palm Project, Indonesia
- Instant Wild
- Wildlife Picture Index
- Living Planet Index
Partners
ZSL is partnering with other conservation organisations, such as WWF
and the Maasai Wilderness Conservation Trust
, to implement BASE on a wide scale
How you can help
ZSL relies almost entirely on the generosity of its supporters, members and zoo visitors for the funds needed to support this vital programme.
If you have a desire to conserve some of the world’s most incredible animals using modern technology please join our efforts. Your gift to BASE will have an immediate impact on threatened species around the world. Please help us to ensure their survival.
