Biological Assessment

A biodiversity assessment was conducted in the Centre Hills in 2005 and 2006. Durrell Wildlife Conservation Trust coordinated this effort, with specific taxonomic expertise provided by international partners. A draft biodiversity assessment report is under review. To obtain a copy of this draft report, please contact the CHP office.

A network of 28 sample points has been established throughout the Centre Hills, which were allocated randomly but stratified by altitude to ensure sampling is representative of the range of habitats found within the area. At each sample point, data are being collected on species richness and abundance within a range of taxonomic groups: plants, insects, amphibians, reptiles, birds, bats, and invasive mammals.

Along with historical and ad hoc data collection, we are compiling an inventory of Centre Hills flora and fauna, mapping biodiversity spatial patterns to identify important habitats and sites, and investigating the abundance and distribution of key species. A long-term monitoring protocol will be recommended from this current work.

Courtesy: Andrew McRobb,
Royal Botanic Gardens - Kew