The Species Information Service mobilising the information power of the IUCN/SSC network

The Species Information ServiceThe Species Information Service

mobilising the information power of the

IUCN/SSC network

SSC ACTIVITIES

• Monitor and evaluate the status of species

• Identify threats

• Prioritise actions to reverse threats

• Produce Action Plans

• Contribute to global conservation policies, for example - invasive species

• Provide advice to IUCN members, governments, NGOs

IUCN Species Survival CommissionIUCN Species Survival Commission

SSC-SIS BackgroundSSC-SIS Background

IUCN/IUCN/SSC-SIS Background SSC-SIS Background

• The Challenge – A pressing need for current information on species at

varying geographic scales

• The Opportunity – Mobilising and empowering the SSC network, the

world’s most comprehensive source of scientific and management expertise on species, to provide the necessary information for effective conservation and sustainable development

SSC-Species Information ServiceSSC-Species Information Service

What is SIS?What is SIS?

The Species Information Service (SIS) is the information management strategy of IUCN’s Species Survival Commission. It enhances

conservation activities worldwide through the efficient collection, management, exchange and

analysis of high-quality species data and information.

SSC-SIS TimelineSSC-SIS Timeline

May 1994 “IUCN/SSC Data Management Scheme Background Paper” (Author: Andrew Smith)

Oct 2001 Oracle commits its

support to the technical development

of SIS

Feb 1997 Release of the first Concept Evaluation software tool for data standardization

May 1994 SSC’s Steering Committee appoints first Data Management Working Group

Aug 1999 Beginning of new software tool development

Oct 2000 presentation of SIS concept

and software tool at the Amman World Congress

Aug 2001 Finalized long term

funding strategy and 10 years implementation plan

Nov 1998 First evaluation of the SIS concept with the Specialist Groups and Partner Organisations

March 1998 SSC Strategic planning meeting rates SIS as the First Priority

March 2000 Data model finalised and data structure implemented

May 2001 Central Service Unit established in Rome

Nov 2000 SSC data gathering projects (GAA, AVD) work within the framework of SIS

July 2001 RL Data transfered into SIS

What have we been doing up to now

Release of Global Amphibian Assessment

Product Delivery

Release of the Global Biodiversity Review

Release of Red List update 2007 CD-ROM

SIS information used to complete CITES COP 14 Analyses

First customized products delivered

Red List 2006 release including updated analysis

Release of the Global Reptile Assessment

Release of the Global Mammal Assessment


SIS information used to complete CITES COP 13 Analyses


Pilot project on Protected Areas and threatened species in Africa

2003 2004 2005 2006 2007 2008

SIS management team in place

Release of version 1.0 of stand alone SIS software

Development of WESIS

System Development

WESIS implemented with full functionality

WESIS subscription service begins

Development of WESIS

Training of at least 50 Specialist Group focal points

SSC-SIS TimelineSSC-SIS Timeline

What we want to do

• Data custodian model

• Connectivity

• Data standards

• Data documentation

• Spatial data capture

• Modular data scheme

• Analytical tools

• Data accessibility

SSC-SIS characteristicsSSC-SIS characteristics

Data is managed in the context of a distributed data custodian model, with an aim to manage data as close to the source as possible (Specialist Group nodes), thus capturing the most current information available and ensuring ownership and quality assurance protocols are followed.


• Connectivity

• Data standards






State-of-the-art Internet technologies will connect SSC members operating from all corners of the earth, enabling them to benefit from advances in information technology. Real-time connections, built on a web-based platform, ensure data currency and quality, and a "living" database that evolves with changes inherent to natural systems


SSC-SIS characteristicsSSC-SIS characteristics• Data custodian model

• Connectivity

• Data standards






The SIS software tools allow SSC Specialist Groups and others to collect and organize their data in a standardized form. Data standards enables data quality control, data exchange and integrated data analyses.



• Connectivity

• Data standards






Objective and scientifically rigorous data quality can only be guaranteed through explicit documentation of data sources. SIS is designed to keep track of all data sources of individual pieces of information such as bibliographic references, contact person, organisations.


• Connectivity

• Data standards






SIS data management model stores explicit spatial information to monitor the spatial and temporal changes in species status; data is captured on a variety of ecological scales, in standardized formats, to enable biodiversity analyses at a variety of scales (from local to global).


• Connectivity

• Data standards






The data structure has been designed to accommodate data on the diverse ecological and biological conditions in which species (from fungi to ants to elephants to marine fish) live. The modular data structure enables Specialist Groups to create data types more specific to their needs.


• Connectivity

• Data standards






The power of SIS resides in the ability to mobilize information and to support current and future biodiversity analyses. The geographic component allows data to be integrated with complementary data sets (e.g., topographic and land use data). Flexible data management ensures exchange with and support to the multiple existing initiatives, networks and databases.


• Connectivity

• Data standards






Web publication ensures access to the information for millions of users in key audiences – the private sector, government agencies, non-governmental organizations, international treaties, scientists, academicians and students.

SSC-SIS Products SSC-SIS Products

– Enhanced “traditional” Enhanced “traditional” productsproducts

– Baseline species data sets

– Species biodiversity analyses

– Customized products





Distribution range of the Cheetah (Acinonyx jubatus)

SSC-SIS ProductsSSC-SIS Products





Environmental suitability model for Cheetah (Acinonyx jubatus)






Mammals species richness in Africa


SSC-SIS SSC-SIS Who will use itWho will use it

All those in the global community All those in the global community involved in conservation, including:involved in conservation, including:

– scientists, wildlife managers, researchers, and education establishments

– international environmental treaties and agreements

– governments, bilateral agencies and multilateral agencies

– Non Governmental Organizations

– private sector

Taxonomic TreeTaxonomic Tree

Taxonomic WindowTaxonomic Window

Objects WindowObjects Window

How SIS software worksHow SIS software works

European Otter (European Otter (Lutra lutra)Lutra lutra)

Taxonomic TreeTaxonomic Tree

Taxonomic WindowTaxonomic Window

Objects WindowObjects Window

How SIS software worksHow SIS software works

The Objects WindowThe Objects Window

Taxon notes

Life history notes

Habitat description: The Habitat Module involves the characterisation of the ecology of a species. Habitat information is organised in two data types:1. Categorical information (e.g. types of forests, ecological areas etc)2. Measurements (e.g. altitude, average rainfall etc)The objective of the module is to characterise the seasonal lifecycle of a species, broken up into months and with related ecological features attached. Global habitat maps are used to identify the locations of the different habitat types around the world.

Habitat types Authority File1 – Suitable (Red on map)2 – Moderately Suitable (Yellow on map)3 – Unsuitable (Black on map)9 – Unknown (Grey on map)

Habitat types Authority File1 – Suitable (Red on map)2 – Moderately Suitable (Yellow on map)3 – Unsuitable (Black on map)9 – Unknown (Grey on map)

Habitat types QualifiersEach habitat type can be further detailed with a list of qualifiers

Habitat types QualifiersEach habitat type can be further detailed with a list of qualifiers


Featured Based Distribution: This module facilitates the management of distribution data based on feature maps (e.g. country maps, BRUs, WWF ecoregions, etc.).Distributions are thus obtained by selecting the features in which the taxon occurs.

Featured Based Distribution: This module facilitates the management of distribution data based on feature maps (e.g. country maps, BRUs, WWF ecoregions, etc.).Distributions are thus obtained by selecting the features in which the taxon occurs.


Geographic Range: This module is used to manage Geographical ranges which can be freely drawn by the user as polygons on a base map.When the module is activated, an image of the world complete with major features (e.g. national borders, major rivers and the larger urban areas) is displayed to guide the user draw the distribution.

Geographic Range: This module is used to manage Geographical ranges which can be freely drawn by the user as polygons on a base map.When the module is activated, an image of the world complete with major features (e.g. national borders, major rivers and the larger urban areas) is displayed to guide the user draw the distribution.


Red List Assessment: The Red List assessment module allows storage of all of the parameters (including documentation) required to define the status of the species. The module is built to accommodate assessments based on all versions of the IUCN Red List Criteria (as defined in IUCN 1994 and 2001), plus all of the data existing on assessment previous to the IUCN criteria.The module also incorporates the RAMAS® Red List fuzzy engine licensed from Applied Biomathematics.

Red List Assessment: The Red List assessment module allows storage of all of the parameters (including documentation) required to define the status of the species. The module is built to accommodate assessments based on all versions of the IUCN Red List Criteria (as defined in IUCN 1994 and 2001), plus all of the data existing on assessment previous to the IUCN criteria.The module also incorporates the RAMAS® Red List fuzzy engine licensed from Applied Biomathematics.

Version Specify the RAMAS® Red List version which is used to calculate the Threat StatusVersion Specify the RAMAS® Red List version which is used to calculate the Threat Status

Assessor(s)The assessor(s) are one or more people who assess the status of a taxon and place it into an IUCN Red List Category based on the Red List Criteria

Assessor(s)The assessor(s) are one or more people who assess the status of a taxon and place it into an IUCN Red List Category based on the Red List Criteria

Evaluator(s)For IUCN Red Listing authorities, there should be at least two evaluators. The evaluators are two or more people appointed by a designated IUCN Red List Authority to verify Red List assessments for a particular taxon, group of taxa or geographic region. The evaluators may be the same as the assessors but are required to conduct their evaluations or assessments in accordance with the agreed terms of reference for Red List Authorities to ensure wide consultation and transparency in the assessment process

Evaluator(s)For IUCN Red Listing authorities, there should be at least two evaluators. The evaluators are two or more people appointed by a designated IUCN Red List Authority to verify Red List assessments for a particular taxon, group of taxa or geographic region. The evaluators may be the same as the assessors but are required to conduct their evaluations or assessments in accordance with the agreed terms of reference for Red List Authorities to ensure wide consultation and transparency in the assessment process

Lutra lutra

European otter

Lutra lutra


Conservation Measures: Allows to specify details about specific actions and measures either needed or already in place, concerning the species conservation.

Conservation Measures: Allows to specify details about specific actions and measures either needed or already in place, concerning the species conservation.


Threats: Allows the user to specify details about a specific Threats concerning Taxa or Conservation Action initiatives.

Threats: Allows the user to specify details about a specific Threats concerning Taxa or Conservation Action initiatives.


Use/Trade: This Module stores information relevant to the associated uses and trade activities of a taxon. It also includes CITES listing

Use/Trade: This Module stores information relevant to the associated uses and trade activities of a taxon. It also includes CITES listing

General data on use/tradeGeneral data on use/trade

Data about source of specimens in commercial trade

Data about source of specimens in commercial trade

Data aboutpurpose/type of use

Data aboutpurpose/type of use

CITES StatusCITES Status

Data about offtake/harvest trends

Data about offtake/harvest trends

Data about primary forms removed from the wild

Data about primary forms removed from the wild


Contact: The Contact Data module has been designed in order for users to be able to manage their contact information efficiently and comprehensively.Within the context of SIS, contact objects are used to define assessors, evaluators, species and populations experts and any person that is able to contribute to the knowledge and the conservation of a specific taxon or a population.

Contact: The Contact Data module has been designed in order for users to be able to manage their contact information efficiently and comprehensively.Within the context of SIS, contact objects are used to define assessors, evaluators, species and populations experts and any person that is able to contribute to the knowledge and the conservation of a specific taxon or a population.


Organisation: This module is used to manage information on Organisations. In SIS, organisation objects are used to define a contact's affiliation and important focal points for a specific taxon's conservation as well as Red List assessors and evaluators.

Organisation: This module is used to manage information on Organisations. In SIS, organisation objects are used to define a contact's affiliation and important focal points for a specific taxon's conservation as well as Red List assessors and evaluators.


Reference: Bibliographic information is to be used as a point of reference for, and justification of the information entered in the database.

Reference: Bibliographic information is to be used as a point of reference for, and justification of the information entered in the database.

Documents

The Species Information Service mobilising the information power of the IUCN/SSC network