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Biodiversity monitoring is an essential aspect of conservation that involves the tracking of species within protected areas. Known as biodiversity occurrence data, this information is key to making informed conservation choices.
The current lack of staff in South African conservation organisations has limited the collection, processing and availability of this data, leading to outdated species checklists due to changes in species names and occurrences.
A project funded by the JRS Biodiversity Foundation was launched in response to these challenges. The research aims to enhance the management of biodiversity occurrence data in South African National Parks.
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The project involved a comprehensive review of relevant literature, data sources and tools for managing biodiversity information. It revealed an abundance of resources available for conservation staff and the public.
The resulting paper provides strategies for effectively using these resources, even in the face of financial limitations.
The paper can be read here.
Using global standards and encouraging involvement
The adoption of ‘FAIR’ data principles and standards like Darwin Core is vital for making data more accessible and compatible across various organisations.
Platforms such as the Global Biodiversity Information Facility, along with citizen science initiatives like iNaturalist and eBird, play a significant role in this process.
They aid in keeping species checklists up-to-date and standardising species names. Citizen participation in these platforms is also crucial for data collection.
Scientists also need to engage in data sharing, a practice that has been historically limited due to capacity issues. However, with increasing demand from funding bodies and the open science community, platforms like GBIF and Dryad Digital Repository are easing this transition.
Conservation area staff are also encouraged to publish their findings and checklists on these platforms, enhancing data accessibility for effective management.
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Looking forward
Raising awareness about the extensive historical specimens and available data is crucial. The research provides practical guidelines to assist conservation organisations in gathering and standardising biodiversity occurrence data.
This will improve the quality of the data used in conservation assessments and enhance responses to pressing environmental issues.
The collaboration of conservationists, scientists, the public and policymakers is imperative to protect and preserve South Africa’s diverse ecological landscape.
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Picture: Benjamin le Roux / Unsplash