Québec Biodiversity Monitoring Network

The objective of the Québec Biodiversity Monitoring Network is to evaluate how natural environments, their flora and fauna, are affected by climate change, and to assess their capacity to adapt. 

The Québec Biodiversity Monitoring Network aims to broaden our knowledge of the impacts of climate change on ecosystems, flora and fauna, as well as the habitats of certain species. This will enable us to make informed decisions and be proactive in the management and conservation of Québec’s biodiversity.

By virtue of the Québec Biodiversity Monitoring Network, we will be well equipped to detect and keep pace with the rapid changes in biodiversity and in what it provides us. The Network has three specific objectives:

• Fully comprehend Québec’s biodiversity and detect the changes occurring in certain ecosystems so as to enable decision makers to make informed land-use planning decisions. 
• Promote collaboration between various partners so as to keep pace with the effects of climate change and ensure efficient, standardized and long-lasting monitoring. 
• Make observed data available and accessible for public use so as to enable a deeper understanding of the effects of climate change on biodiversity.

The Québec Biodiversity Monitoring Network can measure over 20 indicators across various factors of biodiversity. These indicators are distributed in different environments: humid (bogs and swamps), terrestrial (forests and tundra) and aquatic (rivers and lakes). From these indicators, we learn about certain ecological characteristics of the environment, such as the abundance of a species and the disturbance of its habitats, and the impact of practices such as forestry or of other factors such as urbanization and pollution. 

A good indicator is easily measurable and responds quickly to modifications of different parameters, such as climate changes. Here are examples of the indicators used: 

• Diversity and distribution of dragonflies and butterflies in humid environments 
• Diversity and activity period of different types of organisms (e.g., birds, frogs, bats, crickets) 
• Date that vegetation turns green 

The Network looks to monitor these indicators on the land of:

• Around 250 regional sectors in southern Québec
• Approximately 50 northern sectors, in partnership with local communities
• 150 sectors in difficult-to-reach regions with the aid of remote sensing and satellite imagery

To date, over 500 sites have been inventoried in around 150 sectors. In total, more than 1000 sites will be monitored in different regions of Québec.

To learn more about the methodology used, consult the article How to Inventory Québec’s Biodiversity?

Collection of field data 

A field survey is necessary for measuring certain indicators. The following standardized protocols were created as a reference for Network partners.

• Protocole d’inventaire des mammifères par caméra (PDF 1.30 Mb) (French)
  [camera survey protocol for mammals]
• Protocole d’inventaire des insectes du sol (PDF 1.30 Mb) (French)
  [survey protocol for land insects]
• Protocole d’inventaire acoustique multiespèces avec Song Meter Mini Bat (PDF 3.47 Mb) (French)
  [acoustic multi-species protocol with Song Meter Mini Bat (SMMB) device]
• Protocole d’inventaire des papillons de jour et des odonates (PDF 1.39 Mb) (French)
  [survey protocol for butterflies and dragonflies]

Specialized devices and equipment are used to collect data and samples. These devices are typically installed at the start of spring and remain in place throughout the summer. Examples of what we use: 

• Acoustic and ultrasonic sound recording units for birds, anurans, orthoptera and bats 
• Cameras for monitoring animals and the growth of vegetation 
• Water level sensors to monitor daily changes 

The data and analytics produced by the Québec Biodiversity Monitoring Network are made available for the purpose of improving our understanding of changes in the ecosystem. The general public will also have access to clear and concise information on issues relating to wild animals and their habitats.

Consult this mapping tool showing the Network’s field surveys.

The Québec Biodiversity Monitoring Network is a collaboration between the Québec government and a host of different partners.

The Québec Biodiversity Monitoring Network is funded under the 2030 Plan for a Green Economy.