What is a Bioscape, and why is it so important?

by Fred W. Koontz, Ph.D., Wildlife Trust

Did you know that you have a range, just like wild animals do? This is the place where you feel "at home" and where you spend most of your time. This area is where you, your family, and your community conduct your day to day living. But other living organisms overlap their home ranges with ours. Where do you call home? Do you feel connected to the mountains? to the ocean beaches? That region is your Bioscape. Come and explore the concept of "Bioscape" with The Wild Ones.

People, animals, and plants share the Earth. Scientists, nature managers, and land-use planners are working together to find ways for all living things to survive. This task is difficult because the world is becoming over crowded with people, and as result, there are ever fewer natural resources to share. Land, river, and ocean habitats for animals and plants are disappearing at alarming rates. Today, natural habitats often are located near or within human-use areas, such as cities, towns, agricultural lands, and industrial sites. People, animals, and plants must live together!

Many regions today are mixtures of natural habitats and human-use areas. Scientists at Wildlife Trust use the word "Bioscape" to describe regions where they work that are mixtures of human-use areas and natural habitats. Specifically, a Bioscape is a human and natural landscape whose geographic boundary is defined by a common sphere of human influence, and it serves as a region where conservationists integrate science and ecosystem management with other human activities. Choose one of the bioscape links above to further explore this idea.

Wildlife Trust Bioscapes

What is a Bioscape, and why is it so important?

Wildlife Trust Bioscapes

Bioscape Links