- Metric Name:  Wildlife Species Richness

- Data Vintage:  2023

- Unit Of Measure: Number of species

Native species richness is estimated based on high suitability reproductive habitat for a given species. Reproductive habitat is used to represent suitability because it is critical for species persistence and for most native species it has the most limited requirements. If a habitat is identified as high for a given species, it is considered suitable (1), and habitat identified as moderate, low or not suitable, it is considered unsuitable (0). Species richness values are used as a relative measure of biodiversity value; as such, areas with lower species richness based on these criteria may still have high biodiversity value, but not as high as areas with higher richness values. The number of native species per spatial unit (30m pixel) presented as simply the total number; this can be useful for assessing change in number/composition over space. These values are specific to the southern California species and footprint for this kit.

Creation Method: Generated using the California Wildlife Habitat Relationships model developed and managed by the California Department of Fish and Wildlife. CWHR habitat values are based on the FVEG vegetation data that has been updated. Species are considered present, and habitats considered suitable for each 30m cell for which the canopy cover-size-vegetation combination have been deemed highly suitable for the reproduction of that species in the California Wildlife Habitat Relationship database.

- Credits:  CDFW

California Department of Fish and Wildlife: 
Data disclaimer:  
The state makes no claims, promises, or guarantees about the accuracy, completeness, reliability, or adequacy of these data and expressly disclaims liability for errors and omissions in these data. No warranty of any kind, implied, expressed or statutory, including but not limited to the warranties of non-infringement of third-party rights, title, merchantability, fitness for a particular purpose, and freedom from computer virus, is given with respect to these data.



CALFIRE

Department of Forestry and Fire Protection (CALFIRE): 
Data disclaimer:  
The State of California and the Department of Forestry and Fire Protection make no representations or warranties regarding the accuracy of data or maps. The user will not seek to hold the State or the Department liable under any circumstances for any damages with respect to any claim by the user or any third party on account of or arising from the use of data or maps.