Biodiversity is too complex to be distilled down to a single number or indicator. A combination of several different indicators was developed to characterise the many components of biodiversity.
The department has collaborated with leading experts at the Commonwealth Scientific and Industrial Research Organisation (CSIRO), the Australian Museum and Macquarie University to develop a technical method to assess the status and trends in biodiversity and the ecological integrity of habitats that support biodiversity.
The technical method identifies 5 themes of indicators: 2 for biodiversity and 3 for ecological integrity. Within themes, indicators are grouped under families. This approach uses cutting-edge science, including field data, environmental modelling and remote sensing, to assess biodiversity for the whole state.
This approach allows for the revision of the indicator framework as needed, as methods and data improve. The latest update refines some of the indicator definitions.
Diagram showing the hierarchy of classes, themes and indicator families in the Biodiversity Indicator Program
Supporting information and data
Each of the indicators in the NSW biodiversity outlook report 2024 is supported by an implementation report. These peer-reviewed reports provide technical detail on exactly how indicators were calculated, allowing anyone with technical expertise to reproduce the indicators.
Each implementation report has a data package, which supports the indicators. Data packages are available for download from the Sharing and Enabling Environmental Data (SEED) Portal.
Providing full access to our data and methods ensures that our results are reproducible and allows for independent assessment. Sound and defensible science is essential for evidence-based decision-making. Find out more on the How we work webpage.
Methods developed or updated for the NSW biodiversity outlook report 2024
- Updating habitat condition indicators: implementation report supporting the NSW biodiversity outlook report 2024
- Assessment of an indicator of community appreciation of biodiversity
- Community appreciation of biodiversity indicator: developing enhanced measures
- Assessing invasive alien species pressures on biodiversity in New South Wales
Methods developed for the NSW biodiversity outlook report (2020)
- Expected diversity as an indicator of biodiversity status and trend
- Using representative sets of known species and habitat condition to inform change in biodiversity status
- A model-based indicator of capacity for biodiversity persistence using vascular plant records and habitat condition
- Integrated model–data fusion approach to measuring habitat condition for ecological integrity reporting