Initiatives at Pacific Biodiversity Institute

Conservation Science Support in Latin America

Learn about conservation science work in Latin America. Explore the wildlands and biodiversity of Argentina, Chile and Ecuador. Learn about the UNESCO Araucaria Biosphere Reserve. Learn about how you can get involved with the South America Wildlands and Biodiversity Project. more...

Marine Mammals in the Salish Sea

Many marine mammals have experienced substantial population declines and many are now imperiled in the coastal waters of the Pacific Northwest. The harbor porpoise is a small, shy creature that was once abundant in these waters. More information is needed to ensure its long-term survival. Learn more about our efforts to gather information on its current population, distribution, habitat needs and behavioral ecology. Photo courtesy of Steven Gnam

Western Gray Squirrels in the North Cascades

The distinctly large and grizzled, gray-colored squirrel is a Threatened species in Washington State. One of its last refugia is in the Methow Valley. Learn how you can get involved in research and conservation efforts to help the western gray squirrel survive. more..

Wildlands Mapping and Research

For many years, we have applied our spatial analysis expertise to mapping the extent and characteristics of wildlands in North America. We started with a map-based study of the North Cascade Ecosystem in 1993 and eventually moved on to the entire USA and now to South America. more...

Conservation Prioritization and Planning

Conservation efforts at local, regional, national and global scales can benefit tremendously from science-based conservation prioritization and planning. Especially now, when the global economy is faltering and conservation resources are slim - careful, conservation prioritization will ensure that limited resources achieve the greatest results. more...

Endangered Species Information Network

The biodiversity crisis is upon us and many species are feeling the pinch. Our Endangered Species Information Network is an Internet-based resource that provides easy to read information about all the species of conservation concern in the Northwestern USA. more...

Fire Ecology and Landscape Analysis of Wildfires

Fire is an important component of many ecosystems on the planet. Humans also have a complex relationship with fire. Wildfires often create significant ecological benefit but are still feared and suppressed. Read about our landscape-level assessments of many of the major wildfires that have burned in the last decade, learn about how an ecosystem recovers from wildfire and consult with experts on fire ecology. more...

Wildlife Habitat Modeling

Habitat is critical for all wildlife species. When habitat is not available, or not sufficiently optimal, then wildlife species quickly vanish. Creation of spatially-based wildlife habitat models that accurately predict habitat conditions for various wildlife species is one of our primary areas of expertise. Learn about how wildlife habitat models can improve land management and conservation planning. more...

Biodiversity and Sustainable Agriculture

Food production is an essential human endeavor. It can have either positive or negative impacts on the rest of the life forms on this planet. Learn about our initiative to encourage sustainable, biodiversity friendly forms of agriculture. more...

Alien Plant Research Studies

Non-native, invasive plants (commonly called "weeds") are now prevalent throughout most of the world's ecosystems. Learn about our efforts to study weed invasions, population dynamics and our weed survey consulting work. more...

Ecological Assessments and Rare Plant Surveys in State Park Lands (Washington and Oregon)

In the last five years, we have conducted ecological assessments and rare plant surveys for over 70 state parks in Washington and Oregon. These studies are being used by the state park programs to inform management, development and conservation within the parks. more... View Webmap

Arid Lands studies, Sonoran Desert Natural Communities and Ecological Condition

We conducted a series of studies over a period of four years that shed significant light on the natural communities and ecological condition of the Sonoran Desert National Monument, established in 2000 in the heart of Arizona's Sonoran Desert. more... View Webmap

The Methow Beaver Project

We are working as part of a partnership with the Methow Conservancy and state and federal agencies to establish beaver colonies in the upper tributaries of the Methow River. The beavers will help restore riparian areas, improve habitat for other species and help store water for late season flows. more... View Webmap