Ideally should include current distribution and biodiversity status and trends. Mapping all species is impossible so analysis relies on data for well-known species (e.g., birds); species representing particular habitats; and ecosystems. Mapping can be “coarse filter” (ecosystems, habitats) or “fine filter” (species and specialised habitats). Studies involve consolidating diverse data sets; using GIS; standardising habitat classification; and predictive models. Indicators should represent as much of the total biodiversity as possible; provide adequate data; and be sympathetic to other stakeholders

Different types of information can all be useful, including data on:
 

• Realms: amount of protection for major biomes such as freshwater, marine and grasslands, gives useful information

• Environmental domains and enduring features: where native vegetation has disappeared, geographical features can help to infer likely ecosystems; useful to plan restoration

• Ecosystems: a much quicker way of collecting information over a wide area, or where an entire ecosystem is under-represented in a protected area system

• Species groups: using one or more particularly well studied group – often mammals, birds or amphibians

• Focal species: using a carefully selected choice of species to provide in total as good an overview of ecosystems and species as possible