This layer represents all the flora and fauna occurrences (1) in a precarious situation in the [Quebec Natural Heritage Data Center (CDPNQ)] (https://www.quebec.ca/gouvernement/gouvernement-ouvert/transparence-performance/indicateurs-statistiques/donnees-especes-situation-precaire). The purpose of publishing these data is to improve their accessibility for customers, to promote the consideration of species in land use projects and, finally, to facilitate the exchange of information with users. # #Des data adapted to the sensitivity of the species to promote their protection In order to prevent the dissemination of data from causing harm to certain species or their habitat, the CDPNQ has chosen to hide information. This choice is based on an analysis of the sensitivity of species to the dissemination of information concerning them. Generalized occurrences, i.e. those whose information is hidden, make it possible, despite the absence of precise information, to distinguish the territories for which the CDPNQ holds data on these species from those where it does not. It should also be noted that the absence of occurrences does not mean the absence of species in a precarious situation on a territory. # #Des valuable data for the conservation of biodiversity The CDPNQ disseminates data relating to species in a precarious situation for scientific, conservation or management purposes. This data is important for: * Assess conservation priorities in order to make designation recommendations under the Act Respecting Threatened or Vulnerable Species or to apply protection measures for species in a precarious situation; * Develop or analyze conservation and land use projects carried out by municipalities, developers or various conservation stakeholders; * Document or analyze requests for ministerial authorizations and environmental impact studies; * Identify threats and conservation measures useful to inform the preparation of recovery plans for species in a precarious situation; * Contribute to conservation research projects; * Revise laws and regulations; * Ensure sustainable planning for the planning and development of Quebec territory, whether in terms of forestry, agriculture, municipal or other areas; * Contribute to the monitoring of the state of biodiversity and support discussions leading to the development of government guidelines in this area. The data is kept up to date thanks to field surveys, carried out in particular by the provincial and federal governments and several of their partners, but also thanks to the contribution of citizens. (1) An occurrence refers to a territory that hosts or has sheltered an element of biodiversity. When talking about a species, the occurrence generally corresponds to the habitat occupied by a local population of the species in question. **This third party metadata element was translated using an automated translation tool (Amazon Translate).**

The Quebec Natural Heritage Data Center (CDPNQ) is the most comprehensive information management system on species in a precarious situation in Quebec. It broadcasts more than 6,700 occurrences of floristic species for 506 species in a precarious situation. This information is the source data used to generate ranges. By definition, a range is a generalized geographic area where a species occurs without taking into account its particular habitat needs. This information is particularly useful for planning inventories or supporting the planning of conservation projects. The creation of ranges for all species in precarious situations in Quebec is an exercise that can be particularly complex, due in particular to the number of species involved, the evolutionary nature of the geomatic information available and the natural spatial distribution of species. The project for the automated creation of distribution areas was developed in order to avoid the problems raised previously. This approach makes it possible to provide, for all plant species in precarious situations in Quebec, a product that is standardized, reliable, easily reproducible and much easier to maintain. Each range has up to three “zones”: “presence,” “historical,” and “possible presence.” These three zones are defined according to the viability ratings and the level of precision of the occurrences of the species present in each ecological district.**This third party metadata element was translated using an automated translation tool (Amazon Translate).**

This habitat quality model shows the probability of the presence of short-eared owls in southern Quebec during the nesting season. It is based on species presence data and a modeling of several environmental variables of interest to the species during the nesting period. The model is based on 64 ha analysis units, i.e. cells with a side length of 800 meters. For more details, for example on the study area, the data used and the modeling carried out, consult the following report [“Habitat quality model for the short-eared owl (Asio flammeus) in southern Quebec”] (https://cdn-contenu.quebec.ca/cdn-contenu/faune/documents/habitats/modele-qualite-habitat-hibou-marais.pdf). ### What is an MQH? A habitat quality model (HQM) is a “rough representation” of the preferred habitat of a wildlife species. For general information, see the [“Habitat Quality Assessment”] page (https://www.quebec.ca/agriculture-environnement-et-ressources-naturelles/faune/gestion-faune-habitats-fauniques/habitats-fauniques/evaluation-qualite-habitats). ### WARNING The MQH was developed primarily in order to determine the sectors with the best potential to shelter the target species, in order to prioritize inventories. The models developed have limitations and therefore cannot be used to confirm the absence of a species at a given location. Consult the [“The benefits and limitations of habitat quality models”] section (https://www.quebec.ca/agriculture-environnement-et-ressources-naturelles/faune/gestion-faune-habitats-fauniques/habitats-fauniques/evaluation-qualite-habitats#c159177) on the “Habitat Quality Assessment” page for general information or the [report] (https://cdn-contenu.quebec.ca/cdn-contenu/faune/documents/habitats/RA_modele-qualite-habitat_hibou_marais.pdf) for information specific to the short-eared owl MQH.**This third party metadata element was translated using an automated translation tool (Amazon Translate).**

The Bicknell's Thrush (*Catharus bicknelli*) is a bird species that is endangered in Canada and vulnerable internationally. The range of this species is one of the most restricted in North America: more than 75% of the species' numbers are believed to be found in Quebec. There are a few models for mapping Bicknell's Thrush habitat. On the other hand, the latter come from low-resolution geospatial data and, for most of them, the variation explained in the presence of the species is mainly explained by altitude and latitude and little by habitat characteristics, which makes it difficult to precisely identify places with high potential for the species. Following the arrival of lidar data, new methods for characterizing forest structure make it possible to better characterize the habitat of the Bicknell's Thrush. The distribution model, shared here, shows the probabilities of occurrence of Bicknell's Thrush using lidar data. It was calibrated with 139 occurrences (spatial accuracy of 10 m), each associated with 10 random locations in a buffer zone of 523 to 1,569 m, and then validated using an independent dataset of 3,928 listening points. This model is calibrated and validated using two independent Bicknell's Thrush inventory datasets conducted between 2011 and 2021. Based on the results of the model, two statistical thresholds were applied to guide decision making. The probability of the species being present was highest in dense balsam fir stands at high altitudes. The top-ranked model also incorporated forest succession, with canopy height adjustment to account for tree growth since lidar data was acquired. For more details, for example on the study area, the data used and the modeling carried out, consult the scientific article by Tremblay et al. (2025) [“Assessing *Catharus bicknelli* (Bicknell's Thrush) habitat dynamics: A high-resolution model based on LiDAR metrics”] (https://academic.oup.com/condor/article/127/4/1/8168976) (Open Source article). ## #Qu Is it an MRE? ### A species distribution model (MRE) aims to predict the range of a species or its probability of presence. For general information, see the [“Habitat Quality Assessment”] page (https://www.quebec.ca/agriculture-environnement-et-ressources-naturelles/faune/gestion-faune-habitats-fauniques/habitats-fauniques/evaluation-qualite-habitats). For a comparison of the different types of models, consult the document [“Difference between habitat quality score or key, habitat quality index and species distribution model”] (https://cdn-contenu.quebec.ca/cdn-contenu/faune/documents/habitats/difference-cote-cle-indice-qualite-habitat-modele-repartition-espece.pdf). ## #MISES ON GUARD ### * ** __The article by Tremblay et al. (2025) should be cited when using this model (see “Documentation” section) __ . ** * This model is linked to the [“*Compendium of standardized protocols for inventorying Bicknell's thrush and its habitat in the context of wind projects in Québec*”] (https://www.quebec.ca/agriculture-environnement-et-ressources-naturelles/biodiversite/collecte-donnees-especes-protocoles-standardises) () from the Government of Quebec. Consult the compendium to find out how to apply the model to the Bicknell's thrush inventories required in the wind energy context. ## #Documentation ### TREMBLAY, J.A., F. LESSARD, M. LESSARD, M. RIOPEL, M. RIOPEL, Y. AUBRY and A. DESROCHERS (2025). [Assessing *Catharus bicknelli* (Bicknell's Thrush) habitat dynamics: A high-resolution model based on LiDAR metrics] (https://academic.oup.com/condor/article/127/4/1/8168976), *Ornithological Applications*, 127: duaf040. MINISTRY OF THE ENVIRONMENT, CLIMATE CHANGE, WILDLIFE AND PARKS (2026). [Compendium of standardized inventory protocols for Bicknell's thrush and its habitat in the context of wind energy projects in Quebec] (https://www.quebec.ca/agriculture-environnement-et-ressources-naturelles/biodiversite/collecte-donnees-especes-protocoles-standardises), Government of Quebec, Quebec, Quebec, 23 p. + appendices.**This third party metadata element was translated using an automated translation tool (Amazon Translate).**

Wildlife Habitats (HAFA) contains data for the 11 legal wildlife habitats located on land under the domain of the State and is protected under the Wildlife Habitat Regulations (RHF). There are also HAFAs located on mixed and private lands for information purposes. Since they are essential environments for wildlife, the eleven habitats benefit from legal protection in Quebec. __The conservation of wildlife species and their habitats is beneficial for biodiversity. Each of these species plays an important role in our ecosystems. __ ### #Mise on guard: The digital version of geo-descriptive data describing wildlife habitats is produced from a legal perspective of location, protection and management of habitats. In fact, only the digital version that has been published in the Official Gazette of Quebec is recognized as legal. Last publication of wildlife habitats: November 17, 2022.**This third party metadata element was translated using an automated translation tool (Amazon Translate).**