Z9: Species Diversity in Habitats
 
One of the core BDM indicators, Z9 monitors the number of species occurring in Switzerland’s various habitats such as forests, settlements and arable land. Available data analyzed so far reveal that in the past four to five years, mean species numbers of vascular plants have increased in grassland, on alpine pastures, in the mountains and in forests. Similar trends emerge for mosses and mollusks, the two other species groups that are being surveyed for this purpose.
 
 
Species diversity in various habitats
 

The figure below illustrates mean species numbers in Switzerland’s various habitats. The height of the bars represents state values as recorded during the 2005-2009 surveying period (2004-2008 for mollusks). No habitat type in this country harbors a wider species diversity of vascular plants and mosses than alpine pastures. However, forests are very rich in species as well, particularly as regards mollusks.

Mean species numbers (arithmetic mean) in 10-m2 sampling areas with a 95% confidence interval

For data tables and complementary information please refer to the complete datasheet.

 
 
Complete Data Sheet
 

> Complete Z9 Data Sheet (1,2 MB)

 
 
Further Information
 

In charge of this indicator
Thomas Stalling, stalling@hintermannweber.ch, Tel. +41 (0)61 717 88 85

Related indicators
> Population Size of Common Species (Z8)

Weblinks
> http://www.bafu.admin.ch/?lang=en: comprehensive information on the Federal Office for the Environment FOEN.