Biological Inventories
Fieldwork is central to understanding Alabama’s biodiversity. Biological inventories help document the plants, animals, habitats and ecological conditions found in a specific place.
At the Alabama Natural Heritage Program, we conduct field surveys and biological inventories to gather information that supports conservation, research, environmental review, land management and long-term stewardship. This work helps build a stronger understanding of Alabama’s rare species, selected natural communities and the landscapes that support them.
What Are Biological Inventories?
Biological inventories are field-based surveys that document species, habitats and natural communities within a defined area. Inventories may focus on rare species, selected taxonomic groups, natural communities, habitat conditions or broader biodiversity patterns.
This work helps answer important questions about what species and habitats are present, where they occur and what conservation or management considerations may be important for a site.
Our inventories may include information about:
- Rare plant and animal species
- Selected natural communities
- Habitat features
- Ecological condition
- Species occurrence records
- Associated species
- Landscape context
- Survey methods and observations
- Conservation or management considerations
Information collected through biological inventories helps strengthen ALNHP’s biodiversity database and supports future conservation and planning efforts.
ALNHP conducts field surveys and site assessments in collaboration with agencies, researchers, conservation organizations, land managers and other partners. Survey needs vary by project and may depend on the location, habitat type, season, target species or management questions.
Because many species are seasonal or difficult to detect, survey timing and methods are important. ALNHP staff can help determine what type of survey or inventory may be appropriate for a project.
If you need field survey support, biological inventory information or site-specific biodiversity data, you can contact ALNHP or submit a data request. Please include details about the project area, purpose of the request, target species or habitats, and any project timeline or deadline.
The Alabama Natural Heritage Program has completed biological inventories on military bases and other lands across the southeastern United States.
Recent biological inventories include:
- The Nature Conservancy's Sharp-Bingham Mountain Preserve, completed in 2008
- U.S. Army Corps of Engineers landholdings along the Alabama River, completed in June 2011
- Marine Corps Logistics Base Albany, Georgia, completed in September 2013
- Redstone Arsenal in Huntsville, Alabama, completed in May 2021
