Biodiversity systems analyst Objective 1. To develop and implement new protocols, interactive identification keys, relational databases and GIS applications for assessing arthropod biodiversity in Canadian agricultural landscapes. To produce assessments of species diversity in Canadian agricultural ecozones, and to conduct the systematic research needed to support these products. Rationale The agriculture, forestry and energy sectors are particularly vulnerable to criticism and possible sanctions for their perceived impact on the environment.
Concern often is focussed on declining biodiversity caused by habitat conversion and degradation.
Robust technology for detecting and measuring changes in biodiversity is an important instrument in the environmental assessment process. Many species are particularly important in agricultural landscapes as competitors for crop plants, natural pest control agents or indicators of the impact of agricultural practices on native ecosystems. There is adequate ecological and distributional information for very few species, and names and diagnostic data for over 25,000 species that occur in Canada is lacking. The study will lead in development of the technology and expertise needed to conduct comprehensive biodiversity assessments in Canadian Ecozones and a second generation of tested products that can be commercially marketed in support of environmental sustainability.