How Habitats are Classified

Wildlife biologists know that some wildlife may use many different habitats. These are called generalists. Others use only specific habitats and are called specialists. Wildlife habitat association models are tables that list all the different habitats a species may use in its lifetime. The only way scientists know the models are correct is through field observations.

The Habitat Codes are a series of 3 numbers. The first of the 3 numbers identifies the major habitat. There are 9 major habitats. NatureMappers are urged, at a minimum, to include these habitats in their data reporting forms.

The major habitat codes are:

• 100 – Unvegetated (beach, sand dunes, glaciers)
  
• 200 – Developed (residential, city, parking lots, playing fields, golf courses)
  
• 300 – Agriculture (commercial or hobby farms, vineyards)
  
• 400 – Open water (lakes, rivers, ocean)
  
• 500 – Wetlands (ponds, edges of streams - also called riparian, vegetated beaches)
  
• 600 – Non-forest (clearcuts, prairies, tundra)
  
• 700 – Deciduous/hardwood forest
  
• 800 – Deciduous/conifer forest
  
• 900 – Conifer forest
  

The second number in the Habitat Code provides more detail. For example, 200 is any kind of development, but 220 is medium development, with about 50% development and 50% vegetation.

The third number provides even more detail. The code 221 describes medium development in a residential area.

Note: These habitat codes were developed for the Washington Gap Analysis Project and continued to be used in the NatureMapping database.

List of Habitat Codes (pdf)