Parks

National Reserve System

Science, maps & data

Australia is a megadiverse country - one of the most biologically rich countries in the world. The National Reserve System is working to conserve Australia's remaining rich biological diversity. The aim is to protect examples of the full range of ecosystems, with their distinctive flora, fauna and landscapes, in protected areas across the continent.

More than 11 per cent of Australia's landmass is protected in the National Reserve system and is made up of over 9,000 protected areas. In all, the National Reserve System covers an area about five times the size of Tasmania.

Science

Science covers the reasons for having the NRS and establishing, managing and monitoring protected areas. It includes the scientific guidelines, bioregional framework, assessment of the current reserve system, developing national standards and benchmarks, developing criteria for including new areas in the NRS, assessing additions to the NRS measuring management effectiveness, managing threats and adapting to climate change.

Underpinning the development of the National Reserve System is a scientific framework. This framework ensures we are able to develop a comprehensive, adequate and representative system of protected areas.

Maps

Maps are available showing the past and current extent of the NRS, location of protected areas, bioregions and analysis of the reserve system. A number of downloadable maps available.

Data

Data to make your own maps of bioregions (IBRA) and protected areas is also available to download as well as spreadsheets providing detailed information about the NRS and protected areas (CAPAD). The scientific framework is supported by statistics collected via CAPAD (Collaborative Australian Protected Area Database) which also allows us to monitor progress of the NRS.