Systematic Data in Biodiversity Studies: Use It or Lose It

Abstract

Systematic data in the form of collections data are useful in biodiversity studies in many ways, most importantly because they serve as the only direct evidence of species distributions. However, collecting bias has been demonstrated for most areas of the world and has led some to propose methods that circumvent the need for collections data. New methods that model collections data in combination with abiotic data and predict potential total species distribution are examined using 25,111 records representing 5,123 species of plants and animals from Guyana; some methods use the reduced number of 320 species. These modeled species distributions are evaluated and potential high-priority biodiversity sites are selected based on the concept of irreplaceability, a measure of uniqueness. The major impediments to using collections data are the lack of data that are available in a useful format and the reluctance of most systematists to become involved in biodiversity and conservation research.

Myrtaceae throughout the Espinhaço Mountain Range of centraleastern Brazil: floristic relationships and geoclimatic controls

“…The floristic differences between the areas become pronounced when we increase the number of study sites (beta diversity increases). Considering that the decisions on conservation basically focus on species richness and the occurrence of endemic restricted range taxa (Drummond et al 2005), we here emphasize the need for further research efforts in order to improve our knowledge of the regional floras, which are the primary sources of information for the development of conservation activities (Funk & Richardson 2002).…”

New records of spiders (Arachnida, Araneae) from the state of Roraima, northern Brazil

“…This type of data can be used in species distribution models for many purposes, such as conservation (Ferraz et al 2012). These collection data are also crucial because they are a permanent record of a species at a given place and time (Funk & Richardson 2002).…”

Samambaias e licófitas do Parque Estadual do Guartelá, PR, Brasil

“…Apesar do foco central deste estudo não ser uma análise biogeográfica detalhada, o resultado desta breve investigação demonstra que estudos florísticos são imprescindíveis para o desenvolvimento de padrões de distribuição e biodiversidade, além de funcionarem como fontes de informação para ações conservacionistas (Funk & Richardson 2002, Funk 2006. É importante ressaltar a elevada riqueza de Hymenophyllaceae (16 espécies) e de Phlegmariurus (oito espécies).…”