CNDDB News Blog

On April 22nd we celebrate Earth Day, and the natural wonders of California and beyond. The Department of Fish and Wildlife would like to proudly announce on this special day that the second edition of the Atlas of the Biodiversity of California has been published!

The Atlas is filled with beautiful maps, stunning photographs, and captivating illustrations. It features dozens of articles that cover an array of topics, such as the state's remarkable geography, how we measure biodiversity, and examples of the complexity and uniqueness of many of California's treasured wildlife habitats. The Atlas explores why we should care about biodiversity, what some of the current threats are to biodiversity, and what preservation and restoration strategies are underway for the protection of the state’s uniquely diverse species and ecosystems.

Visit our Atlas web page to view the full Atlas of the Biodiversity of California, 2nd Edition or selected sections. Physical copies are being distributed to all public libraries of California, as well as many academic libraries in the state. Check out your local library in the coming months to see a hard copy of this magnificent book.

The following CNDDB documents have been updated:

• Special Vascular Plants, Bryophytes, and Lichens List (PDF)
• Endangered, Threatened, and Rare Plants List (PDF)
• Changes to the CNDDB Special Vascular Plants, Bryophytes, and Lichens List (PDF)
• Special Animals List (PDF)
• Endangered and Threatened Animals List (PDF)

Links to the T&E and Special Plants/Animals lists can be found on the CNDDB Plants and Animals web page. More information about state listing can be found on the California Fish and Game Commission CESA web page and the California Department of Fish and Wildlife CESA web page. If you have any questions about these lists, please email us at CNDDB@wildlife.ca.gov.

The CNDDB is ready for a renovation. Much of 2022 was spent preparing for upgrades to our program. This will be a multi-year process. While our users may not see much change in 2023, be aware that we've been working hard behind-the-scenes to modernize and streamline our data processing. Things are under construction! In the meantime, here is a summary of what we have done in 2022, and our goals for 2023:

2022 By the Numbers

• 100,800 total occurrences in CNDDB
  • 500 new occurrences mapped
  • 500 occurrences updated
• 279,300 total source records in CNDDB
  • 6,900 sources added (3,500 records added through the Online Field Survey Form)
  • 2,900 sources processed
• 3,700 total spotted owl records
  • 700 CSO and 3,000 NSO records added
  • 1,300 spotted owl sites updated
  • 317 activity centers updated
  • 27 activity centers added
• 1,800 barred owl records added to the Barred Owl Observations Database
• 263 element state rankings have been updated
• Continued expanding our CNDDB iNaturalist Project (click to join us!)
  • 44,800 observations
  • 1,900 species
  • 3,800 members

2022 Accomplishments

• Created new training materials
  • New video that goes over common ways users may access CNDDB and spotted owl data using BIOS and RareFind
  • Updated user guides for the launch of BIOS 6
• CNDDB modernization (ongoing)
  • Plan for new ways CNDDB systems and processes can better serve all interested parties
  • Conducted user survey; results of the survey that you all provided input for directly influenced our assessment of the CNDDB system, tools, and products.
  • Continued the Project Approval Lifecycle (PAL) process for modernizing CNDDB
• Welcomed a new botanist to the program

Goals for 2023

• CNDDB modernization
  • CNDDB will be laser focused on finishing the PAL process for our modernization effort, quickly moving to the implementation phase of the project. For that reason, users may see moments of inactivity in our regular core duties in 2023.
  • Expand CNDDB staff resources to the extent possible
  • Continue CNDDB outreach through our blog or social media

While we are juggling all these goals in 2023, you may see a lull in our data processing. Fortunately, we currently have a way to share data to our subscribers prior to CNDDB processing. Data submitted through the Online Field Survey Form is shared with our users the next month. Therefore, if you detected CNDDB-tracked species while out in the field, please remember to submit your data through our online form. Obtaining quality data is a vital first step to protecting California’s rarest natural resources, and you can help make that happen. As always, you can contact us at any time with suggestions or questions by emailing CNDDB@wildlife.ca.gov. Wishing everyone a wonderful 2023!