Biodiversity planning indicators

Selection of possible Indicators to be used in your Biodiversity Action Plan

This list was generated by a workshop trialing the Toolbox in June 2003. It is not comprehensive and is intended only to provide some examples to help you develop your own locally applicable indicators.

Possible indicators for outcome 1

% of shires natural assets mapped
Number of undisturbed sites
How many kilometers of connecting sites (Corridors)
Number of endangered, threatened, vulnerable species in the local government area
Number of ecological communities represented in the local government area
Number of environment protection covenants in the shire. On private Land. Public land. Or Percentage of area protected
Areas (M²/h²) managed for biodiversity
Percentage of shire. Proportion of shire. Specifically managed for biodiversity
Number of High Conservation Value sites not used by apiarists
Number of High Conservation Value sites not grazed by non-native species
Habitat currently protected
Number of species per unit area on High Conservation Value sites
Extent of open space (land held for reserve, recreation, and conservation purposes)
Extent of indigenous plantings
Number of threatened plant and animal species as percentage of known species
Proportion of land under native vegetation

Possible indicators for outcome 2

No net loss of biodiversity due to council works.
Investigate training programs on environmental management and biodiversity conservation
Number of staff trained in biodiversity conservation
Number of demonstrations in place to encourage the broader community
Expenditures relating to repair of existing environmental degradation
Expenditure on measures to prevent environmental degradation
Number of registered 'significant' trees

Possible Indicators for outcome 3

Number of schools in the shire actively teaching Local Environment Education.
Number of local schools participating in environmental management and monitoring initiatives
Number of active conservation groups in the shire. Number of members
List of all known hire companies/groups where planting equipment could be hired.
List of native plant nurseries in the area and local species suitable for use.
Publish regular article in the local newspaper outlining environmental issues & actions.
Number of open forums arranged to discuss environmental issues.
Liaise with local library to establish biodiversity resources section.
Biodiversity section in council newsletter.
Frequency of hits on the natural resource page on council web site
Preparation and distribution of material that meets the conservation knowledge gaps of the community
Results of surveys testing community biodiversity knowledge. (i.e success of education campaigns)
Number of events with an environmental theme and attendance
Number of hectares managed by volunteers
Number of volunteer hours
Biodiversity Champions identified
Your community and their needs identified
Communication Strategy developed to meet these needs
A range of incentives (financial/nonfinancial) developed e.g. weed swap for local native seedling, reduced tipping fees for weeds
Recognition/award schemes in place
Eco Tourism data; - number of:
- Environmental information or National Park brochures taken from Tourism Information Centres
- Bird route brochures distributed
- Eco Tourism enterprises in the shire

Possible indicators for outcome 4

Information sheet developed for builders, applicants and developers to promote biodiversity conservation in their planning
Guidelines for sustainable firewood collection have been developed
Firewood: of amount sold, percentage which is sustainably harvested
Number of areas outside the conservation zones implementing Property Management Plans

Possible indicators for outcome 5

Identification of key stake holders
Organisational support and engagement
Regional biodiversity targets are set
Appointment of an environmental officer
Number of councils liaised with in the region to promote biodiversity conservation across the region
Supply nurseries with a list of appropriate local provenance plants, and plants recognized as weeds in the area, not to be sold
List of experts working in environmental extension or education fields within the area
Provide fact sheets on biodiversity issues for land managers or information on where to find them
Source environmental education material for use in local schools

Possible Indicators for outcome 6

Number of registered fire wood collectors. Percentage who operate according to sustainable harvesting principles (eg. collect from plantations, do not collect from old growth or threatened remnants, have completed biodiversity conservation training)
Water quality
Air Quality
Area of native vegetation cleared annually
Area of land zoned for urban purposes with native vegetation cover
Number of field population surveys done seasonally in High Conservation Value sites
Sightings of key indicator species in the region
No species loss.
$ spent on feral animal and weed education
$ spent on ground management of ferals and weeds
$ allocated from budget to address biodiversity issues
Threatened Ecological Community population size and health
Predator abundance
Number of sites with Fire Management Plans
Rate of spread (km/year) of perennial weeds along roadsides
Rate of invasion of perennial weeds into neighbouring remnants. (area/year)
Area dominated by non native species
Number of staff trained in biodiversity conservation
% of Threatened Species and Endangered Ecological Communities covered by a conservation zone.
Boundaries and buffers have been identified
Activities permitted within conservation zones have been determined
Distribution and abundance of major environmental pest plants and animals
Number and causes of fires (grass and bush)
Extent of vegetation clearing for fire management purposes

Possible Indicators for outcome 7

Number of households claiming rate rebate for energy conservation, or onsite water treatment
Variety of incentive schemes (financial and non financial) to meet the needs of stake holder groups
Are council resources provided to support community initiatives that lead to biodiversity conservation
Council resources available to support landholders conserve biodiversity
Recorded utilisation of council resources and equipment for conservation outcomes
Hours of council staff spent advising the public on conservation issues
Number and range of environmental publications and pamphlets developed and distributed through Local Agenda 21 process

Further indicators to choose from;

Application of net gain concept to areas undergoing redevelopment
An increase of 20% cover of local indigenous vegetation from 2000 levels by 2010
Increase in conservation reserves in the primary conservation network by 10% by 2010
Increase in specific management and maintenance in conservation reserves
A coordinated program of ecological burning and fuel reduction by 2005
Reduction in environmental weeds on council managed land by 50% by 2010
Reduction of noxious weeds on council reserves by 90% by 2010
Implementation of all actions described in the strategy by 2005
Extent of indigenous plantings
Extent of vegetation clearing for fire management purposes
Amount ($) spent per annum on acquiring and maintaining open space for the protection of biodiversity
Extent of weed and pest control operations
Number of identified, and reintroduced indigenous species
Population status of indigenous animal indicator species
Extent of fires during Fire Protection Act season
Number of threatened plant and animal species as percentage of known species
Area and species of remnant vegetation
Extent of open space (land held for reserve, recreation, and conservation purposes)
Percentage of developed land
Distribution and abundance of major environmental pest plants and animals
Greenhouse emissions per capita per year
Area of Sea grass in ? bay