Out-of-date datasets hamper conservation of species close to extinction

Abstract

International databases and data aggregators on species conservation status are powerful tools supporting the efforts of conservation biologists and practitioners in reducing the loss of biodiversity. However, out-of-date information and poor interoperability of databases can hamper conservation of highly threatened species or in extreme cases can result in their removal from conservation frameworks. Lack of common standards for database updates, slow update timing and incongruencies among datasets result in confusing information that prevent proper conservation prioritisation and actions. A simple survey to update and solve incongruencies between the BGCI PlantSearch Database, the IUCN Red List and other datasets resulted in a change of status of sixteen plant species, including the “rehabilitation” of fourteen species thought to be extinct.