Islands of Life: A Biodiversity and Conservation Atlas of the Great Lakes Islands
Islands of Life is a comprehensive biodiversity and conservation atlas of the Great Lakes islands. Using GIS‑based analysis, the study evaluates species, habitats, ecological systems, and threats to identify priority islands and island complexes for conservation action across the binational Great Lakes basin.
Subject Tags
- Conservation Planning
- Lakes
- Biodiversity
Summary
Islands of Life: A Biodiversity and Conservation Atlas of the Great Lakes Islands provides the first comprehensive, basin‑wide assessment of the world’s largest collection of freshwater islands. Drawing on spatial analysis and conservation data from Canada and the United States, the atlas evaluates biodiversity, ecological systems, ecosystem functions, threats, and protection status across more than 32,000 islands. The analysis identifies islands and island complexes with the highest conservation value, many of which also face significant pressure from development, recreation, invasive species, and other human impacts. By integrating biological, physical, and threat criteria, the atlas offers a science‑based framework for prioritizing conservation action, informing land‑use planning, and guiding future inventory, monitoring, and management efforts throughout the Great Lakes basin.
Citation
Henson, B. L., Kraus, D. T., McMurtry, M. J., & Ewert, D. N. (2010). Islands of life: A biodiversity and conservation atlas of the Great Lakes islands. Nature Conservancy of Canada, 154.
TNC Authors
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David Ewert
The Nature Conservancy