Describes the area of habitat available to a species within that species' range during the reporting period.
Organizations should footnote all assumptions used, including source of data.
This metric is intended to capture the area of habitat available to a species within that species' range. It is also known as the extent of suitable habitat.
Organizations should reference an accepted database that leverages geographic information systems (GIS) to delineate species' area of habitat. The IUCN Red List is one such database. Area of habitat is usually based off an already-mapped range for that species. Therefore, to use this metric, organizations are typically not required to collect bespoke data.
After ascertaining a species’ area of habitat, organizations can cross-reference this metric with Land Directly Controlled: Total (OI5408) or Land Indirectly Controlled: Total (PI3789) to better understand the effect of its activities.
June 2022 - IRIS v5.3 Released (current version)
Immaterial change. Minor revisions to definition and usage guidance for clarity.
January 2020 - IRIS v5.1 Released
New metric. Area of Habitat (PD2584) was developed via the IRIS+ Sustainable Water Management Expert Subgroup.
IRIS Metrics Work Better in Sets
To use IRIS metrics—and the resulting data—to understand impact performance, IRIS metrics should be used and analyzed in generally accepted sets and according to well-defined objectives. IRIS+ gives you access to generally accepted Core Metrics Sets aligned to common Impact Themes and Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs).