Land Use Decision Support Tool for Species of Conservation Concern
Background
South Africa is one of the world’s most biologically diverse countries, boasting a remarkable level of endemism across its ecosystems. Despite covering only 2% of the Earth’s land surface, the country harbours over 95,000 species. To conserve this unique biodiversity, it is essential to identify areas that are highly sensitive to development, particularly those that support species of conservation concern.
About the LUDS Tool
The Land Use Decision Support Tool for Species of Conservation Concern (LUDS SCC Tool) is an online, open-access biodiversity informatics platform developed by the Endangered Wildlife Trust (EWT) in collaboration with the South African National Biodiversity Institute (SANBI). It provides spatial data on threatened terrestrial biodiversity to help decision-makers, Environmental Assessment Practitioners (EAPs), and developers identify and avoid areas of high ecological sensitivity early in the planning process.
Using the LUDS SCC tool
Purpose
The LUDS Tool helps users:
- Identify areas of very high biodiversity sensitivity using up-to-date plant and animal data.
- Support early-stage project design by integrating biodiversity considerations before EIA commencement.
- Encourage avoidance and mitigation as the first steps in the environmental decision-making hierarchy.
- Reduce unnecessary costs and prevent irreversible biodiversity loss.
HOW IT WORKS
The tool allows users to:
- Access biodiversity data via an interactive map hosted on the SANBI platform.
- Filter information by theme, species group, scientific name, and IUCN Red List category.
- Draw or upload an area of interest to generate a biodiversity report identifying species of conservation concern within that area.
- Download a comprehensive report, including species lists, maps, and threat categories.
- The database currently includes over 3,650 species: 3,103 plants and 549 animals, with annual updates planned to ensure accuracy and relevance.
WHO SHOULD USE THIS TOOL?
The LUDS SCC Tool is designed for:
- The general public with an interest in Biodiversity.
- Environmental Assessment Practitioners (EAPs) and Specialists conducting EIAs.
- Developers and planners identifying suitable sites.
- Researchers and conservation agencies requiring biodiversity spatial data.
- Policymakers and consultants integrating biodiversity considerations into decision-making.
Species Data and Sensitivity levels
Species included in the LUDS Tool meet one or more of the following criteria:
- Listed as Critically Endangered, Endangered, Vulnerable, or Near Threatened on the IUCN Red List.
- Classified as Critically Rare or Rare according to national assessments.
- Each species is mapped with an associated sensitivity level, highlighting the relative importance of its habitat within the landscape.
Collaboration and Data Sources
The tool represents a collaboration between:
- Endangered Wildlife Trust (EWT)
- South African National Biodiversity Institute (SANBI)
- BirdLife South Africa
Together, these partners have integrated comprehensive species data to support evidence-based conservation and sustainable development.
contribute
Help us keep the tool up to date. If you have verified spatial data on species of conservation concern or would like to collaborate, please contact the EWT’s Biodiversity Information Team at: 📧 science@ewt.org
Help and resources
Discover the LUDS SCC Tool, an online platform by the EWT and SANBI that provides spatial biodiversity data for threatened species across South Africa, helping users make informed, conservation-driven land use decisions.
Learn how to generate a biodiversity report using the LUDS SCC Tool, developed by the EWT and SANBI. This step-by-step guide shows you how to draw your area of interest, apply filters, and download or email your biodiversity report, helping you make informed, conservation-conscious land use decisions.
Contact Support: Assistance for technical or data-related issues. 📧 science@ewt.org