Abstract
This paper proposes a new hierarchical land classification system for the mapping of species distribution at national or regional scales. Our integrative framework incorporates two hierarchical levels inferred from historical, climatic, geomorphological and geological attributes. The feasibility of this proposal is based on the use of historical collections and literature data, as well as on its ability to combine old low-precision data with more recent records of higher resolution. The system is set up for vascular plants, but it can also be used for other taxonomic groups. Furthermore, it has the potential for application to the whole Mediterranean region because it is based on information that is generally available in all Mediterranean countries. This model is tested with the distribution of loci classici of the Italian endemic plants occurring in Sicily.
Highlights
Biodiversity mapping is widely considered as the basis for effective territorial and conservation planning
This paper presents a hierarchical approach designed for the mapping and comparison of plan distribution data at different scales, on behalf of environmental analysis
Practical methods for tracing homogeneous areas are required in all types of studies at various scales
Summary
Biodiversity mapping is widely considered as the basis for effective territorial and conservation planning. The two main approaches adopted for mapping biological distribution data are, according to Pedrotti (2013), maps of dots and maps of polygons. Polygons can be regular or irregular in size and either freely arranged or according to a fixed grid. Dots in a fixed grid system can be assimilated to form regular polygons. Dot maps can be used when highly detailed distribution data are available, but for large-scale analysis, their conversion in a matrix is advisable. Maps comprising irregular polygons use portions of territory of different sizes and shapes as survey units, such as political-administrative borders or the limits of protected areas. A large part of biodiversity data collection and processing activities in France is based on the 96 departments into which its territory is subdivided A large part of biodiversity data collection and processing activities in France is based on the 96 departments into which its territory is subdivided (e.g. Prelli and Boudrie 1992)
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