The biased distribution of existing information on biodiversity hinders its use in conservation, and we need an integrative approach to act urgently

• DOI: 10.1016/j.biocon.2023.110118
• Publication Date: 2023-05-15T13:19:40Z
• Authors: Emilio García-Ros...; Jacinto González-...; Jorge M. Lobo
• Keywords: Global biodiversity; Taxonomic rank; Measurement of biodiversity

The data collected by the Global Biodiversity Information Facility (GBIF), some 2.2 billion records, is arguably largest international initiative to digitize and share primary biodiversity data. In this study, we examine global distribution of completeness values discriminating those 30-minute cells that are likely have reliable inventories for most important terrestrial classes Animalia Plantae. aim exploration not only show biases deficiencies in information so far, but also estimate climatic variability represented these order known their representativeness conservation purposes. results obtained on taxonomically geographically biased towards regions groups with more taxonomic resources a longer naturalistic tradition. amount distributional very uneven across different biological groups, unrelated diversity they possess. patterns seem be conditioned historical taxonomic, faunistic floristic interest received organisms. addition, well-surveyed areas account barely 1 % climate variability, leaving uncovered large set conditions. All prevent us from relying exclusively available organisms identify and/or design proposals. Given crisis demands urgent action, gaps cannot an excuse decisions must made considering broad criteria based existing scientifically proven knowledge techniques capable providing necessary answers.