Biota

Desert

Arid sandy, stony or rocky substrate landscapes with a sparse plant cover, except in depressions where water accumulates.

Rocky areas

Defined by minimal soil, sparse vegetation, and extreme conditions.

Grassland

Comprised of grasses and broadleaved herbaceous plants, and are either without woody plants.

Marine deep ocean floor

The bottom habitats described in the marine deep ocean floor zone are used by both benthic and demersal organisms.

Savanna

Dominated by a grass ground cover with an overstorey of widely spaced trees and shrubs.

Unknown

Not yet classified or where the habitat type is unclear.

Other

A habitat type not covered by any of the other categories in the system.

Shrubland

Includes ecosystems dominated by shrubs and low woody vegetation, often interspersed with grasses or sparse trees.

Artificial aquatic

Human-made water bodies such as reservoirs, canals, and ponds.

Marine neritic

Submergent (below extreme low tide), nearshore, on or over the continental shelf or oceanic island shelf.

Marine coastal

Coastal habitats above the high tide mark.

Artificial terrestrial

Human-made environments such as urban areas, agricultural lands, and transport corridors.

Introduced vegetation

Includes only non-cultivated species or those that have escaped from cultivation.

Wetlands (inland)

Characterized by waterlogged soils, seasonal or permanent water, and vegetation adapted to saturated conditions.

Marine oceanic

The pelagic habitat deeper than and beyond the continental or island shelf.

Forest

Continuous stand of trees and includes both forested areas (generally with a closed canopy) and wooded areas.

Caves & subterranean habitats

Limited light, stable climates, and unique ecosystems, supporting specialized species adapted to dark, nutrient-scarce conditions.

Marine intertidal

Area of the shore between the extremes of high and low tides.