-- Name -- habitat aggregation unit -- Definition -- The geometric object derived from reference data (e.g. a geographic grid system) that is used to collect, store and present information on the distribution of habitats within a certain geographic region (e.g. Europe or EU Member state).
-- Definition -- Geographical areas characterised by specific ecological conditions, processes, structure and (life support) functions that physically support the organisms that live there. -- Description -- Includes terrestrial and aquatic areas distinguished by geographical, abiotic and biotic features, whether entirely natural or semi-natural. NOTE Many other attributes may be added to this class when the theme is properly developed as part of Annex III. Currently, only those attributes needed to support the Protected Sites theme in Annex I are included.
-- Definition -- A species that exists in the habitat as expressed using a distribution within a particular aggregation unit.
-- Definition -- classification of habitat type according to EUNIS database -- Description -- The EUNIS Habitat types classification is a comprehensive pan-European system to facilitate the harmonised description and collection of data across Europe through the use of criteria for habitat identification; it covers all types of habitats from natural to artificial, from terrestrial to freshwater and marine. Habitat type is defined for the purposes of the EUNIS habitat type classification as follows: 'Plant and animal communities as the characterising elements of the biotic environment, together with abiotic factors operating together at a particular scale.' All factors included in the definition are addressed in the descriptive framework of the habitat classification. The scope of the EUNIS classification is limited to level 3 in its hierarchy (level 4 for Marine habitat types). At level 4 (5 for the Marine types) and below, the component units are drawn from other classification systems and combine these in the common framework. A criteria-based key has been developed for all units to level 3 and in addition for salt marshes at level 4. The key takes the form of a sequential series of questions with additional detailed explanatory notes. Depending on the answer chosen, the user is directed to the next question in the series or to a habitat type identified by the parameters. The user may follow the key question by question, or view the criteria for each habitat level in a series of static diagrams. The parameters used to form the framework of the classification may also be used in the search options in the web site. The database includes EUNIS Habitats and Annex I Habitats of the EU Habitats Directive.
-- Definition -- A set of codes to indicate the habitat type using the Natura 2000 habitat types under Annex 1 of the Habitat Directive 92/43/EEC. -- Description -- NOTE The code values may be found at: http://converters.eionet.europa.eu/xmlfile/habitats.xml and http://converters.eionet.europa.eu/xmlfile/habitats_per_ms_and_bg.xml
-- Definition -- The generic habitat class. -- Description -- The classification is used by Natura2000, item 4.1 of the Standard Data Form. This classification is similar to Habitat Type, but is more general. However, there is no simple mapping from Habitat Class to Habitat Type, and Natura 2000 requires both, so it is retained. Ultimately, however, this duplication should be addressed.
-- Definition -- A set of codes to indicate the habitat type using the Natura 2000 habitat types under Annex 1 of the Habitat Directive 92/43/EEC. -- Description -- NOTE The code values may be found at: http://converters.eionet.europa.eu/xmlfile/habitats.xml and http://converters.eionet.europa.eu/xmlfile/habitats_per_ms_and_bg.xml
-- Definition -- The generic habitat class. -- Description -- The classification is used by Natura2000, item 4.1 of the Standard Data Form. This classification is similar to Habitat Type, but is more general. However, there is no simple mapping from Habitat Class to Habitat Type, and Natura 2000 requires both, so it is retained. Ultimately, however, this duplication should be addressed.
-- Definition -- The possible codes that may be used to describe the conservation status of the site, expressing a combination of the degree of conservation of the structure, the degree of conservation of the functions and the restoration possibilities.
-- Definition -- A code indicating how typical the site is of the habitat type described (for which is it protected).