INTRODUCTION TO THE BIODIVERSITY OF BRITISH COLUMBIA 

 

by

Brian Klinkenberg

Department of Geography, University of British Columbia

British Columbia is renowned for its biodiversity, for the plants and animals that inhabit the ecosytems of our mountains, lakes and rivers, and for the myriad species that are found in the adjacent Pacific Ocean.  But what exactly is biodiversity?  Where do we find it?  Can we touch it, feel it, hear it? 

Biodiversity, or biological diversity, includes the plants and animals, the plant communities and the ecosystems that make up our natural world. It is the diversity of species found in any region or area.

In this project, we bring together essays by many of British Columbia's biodiversity experts that explore and discuss the biodiversity of the province. Through these essays, we aim to provide an introduction to biological diversity, discuss what biodiversity is, how we can protect it, where we find it, and how scientists study it. Specifically we introduce BC's biodiversity hot spots, discuss conservation issues surrounding these, and provide an introduction to the province's rare and endangered species. We aim to bring to you write-ups on what researchers are studying, the ecological systems they are exploring, and the species dynamics they seek to understand.

Common Loon (Gavia immer). Photo by David Blevins

 

As a special component, we also explore methods of studying biodiversity and look at how geospatial technologies, such as GIScience and remote sensing, enhance biodiversity investigations and understanding.   We also explore the growing 'field' of VGI, Volunteer Geographic Information, and the concept of citizen science.

This site is also a portal. Through it we provide direct access to the biogeographic atlases of British Columbia:  E-Flora BC and E-Fauna BC.  These atlases summarize and centralize information on BC's wild species, and include species descriptions, distribution information (including interactive biogeographic mapping, illustrations and deep links to other species-specific information sources.

By working on-line and presenting the Biodiversity of British Columbia, we in essence create a "living" book on BC biodiversity, one that can be updated as our knowledge base increases.  We envision a permanent reference and guide to biodiversity in BC, with insights by BC scientists.

Because this site is a living book, new material will be added on an on-going basis. Check back frequently for new additions.

If you wish to explore the diversity of plant and animal species found in British Columbia, and learn more about where they live, and how they live, start with the on-line biogeographic atlases for BC--E-Flora BC and E-Fauna BC. These atlases provide key summary information on BC species, including information on where species occur and what they look like. Visit the photo galleries to help identify the wild plants and animals that you see around you.

Mountain Pine Beetle has caused die-off of ponderosa pine in British Columbia, 

influencing biodiversity in the province through species abundances, occurrences

and overall vegetation change.

 

Contributors Brian Klinkenberg, Department of Geography, University of British Columbia Introduction What is Biodiversity? Geospatial Technologies and Spatial Analysis Citizen Science and Biodiversity Studies  Peter Arcese Factors Influencing Biodiversity:  The Influence of Deer on Plant and Bird Diversity Richard Cannings, Penticton, British Columbia BC Biodiversity Overview Neil Davis,  Department of Fisheries and Oceans Marine Protected Areas What Role for Marine Protected Areas in a Future of Climate Change? Matt Fairbarns, Aruncus Consulting, Victoria, BC Biodiversity Hotspots:  Garry Oak Ecosystems Ze'ev Gedalof, University of Guelph, Ontario   Fire and Biodiversity Trevor Goward and Curtis Bjork, Enlichened Consulting Ltd. Clearwater, BC Waterfalls and Biodiversity in British Columbia Philip Lambert, Royal BC Museum, Victoria, BC Marine Biodiversity Pamela Zevit Invasive Plant Species in the Georgia Basin