Rapid Biodiversity Assessment GRID Sampling (citizen science) in the White Mountains, northern Alaska, USA, June 2013

Metadata also available as

Metadata:


Identification_Information:
Citation:
Citation_Information:
Originator: Falk Huettmann - Laszlo Koever
Publication_Date: 20130703
Publication_Time: NA
Title:
Rapid Biodiversity Assessment GRID Sampling (citizen science) in the White Mountains, northern Alaska, USA, June 2013
Online_Linkage: dSPACE repository Uni of Alaska-Fairbanks (UAF)
Online_Linkage: USGS Metadata Clearinghouse
Geospatial_Data_Presentation_Form: database
Description:
Abstract:
This data set consists of a Rapid Biodiversity Sampling from a non-intrusive citizen science GRID (5*5 geo-referenced sampling + 5 random plots = 30 plots overall). It includes raw count data for 305 bird observations of 14 identified bird species, and plants from the 25+5 survey sampling plots (3m radius), as well as insects from four trapping webs (3m radius, 25 traps each, 3 repeats; mostly spiders were detected). The survey was done between 25th of June and 27th of June in 2013 at the White Mountains (north to the NorthForkBirch and Twelvemile Creeks - near the Steese Hgw 6) in Alaska USA (decimal degrees latitude 65.39590, longitude -145.72890, geographic datum of WGS84) . Plots are located near the public road in the rolling hills, subartic tundra on some slope, and some are located. All plot locations were photographed (sky, ground and habitat shots) and for a visual assessment. All bird detections (visual and oral) carry a radial distance 360 degrees from the observer, and were collected according to DISTANCE Sampling point transect protocols. Respectively, a DISTANCE Sampling trapping web protocol, with a 3m radius and allowing for detectability correction in abundance estimates, was applied for ground-living insects. Generally, these data do not cover high detailed taxonomic information (and usually just follow basic but accurate descriptions). Each plot was visited three times according to the PRESENCE software requirements to obtain occupancy estimates. All of these data can be data-mined using for instance freely available RandomForest, Distance Sampling and PRESENCE software packages. Comparable Biodiversity GRID data so far is available for over 11 other regions (e.g. Nicaragua, Central Alaska, Costa Rica, Papua New-Guinea, Northern & Interior Alaska, Northeastern China and Russian Far East). Data from the other study sites are also available online. For more details please contact authors. The fllowing species were identified: dwarf birch (Betula nana Taxonomic Serial Number TSN by ITIS.org 19479), Black crowberry (Empetrum nigrum 23743), Cottongrass (Eriophorum 40079), marsh Labrador tea (Rhododendron tomentosum 894434), Alaska blue berry (Vaccinium ovalifolium 23607), Bird vetch (Vicia cracca 26335), Ant (Formica 154211), Bohemian Waxwing (Bombycilla garrulus 178529), Fox Sparrow (Carduelis flammea 179230), Gray Jay (Perisoreus canadensis 179667), Swainson`s Thrush (Catharus ustulatus 179788), Raven (Corvus corax 179725), Yellow-rumped Warbler (Dendroica coronata 178891), Savannah Sparow (Passerculus sandwichensis 179314), Fox Sparrow (Passerella iliaca 179464), Grouse (Phasianidae 175861), Woodpecker (Picidae 178148), American Robin (Turdus migratorius 179759), Wilson Warbler (Wilsonia pusilla 178973), White-crowned Sparrow (Zonotrichia leucophrys 179455), Common Redpoll (Carduelis flammea 179230).
Purpose:
These non-intrusive citizen science GRID data were collected in order to develop low-cost rapid biodiversity assessment methods corrected for detectability. Data from this site are compatible with other GRID locations worldwide, where the same data were collected following an identical protocol. Findings from this study should allow to learn more about the global state of biodiversity and multiple-species monitoring worldwide. This data will prove specifically valuable for repeats in the future, as well as for quantitative analysis referenced in space and time.
Time_Period_of_Content:
Time_Period_Information:
Single_Date/Time:
Calendar_Date: 201306
Currentness_Reference: current
Spatial_Domain:
Bounding_Coordinates:
West_Bounding_Coordinate: 145.71718
East_Bounding_Coordinate: 145.72890
North_Bounding_Coordinate: 65.39415
South_Bounding_Coordinate: 65.39906
Bounding_Altitudes:
Altitude_Minimum: 640.000
Altitude_Maximum: 682.000
Description_of_Geographic_Extent:
A square grid of 5 times 5 plots (100m spaced apart; 400m2 + 5 random plots), located at White Mountains (North to the NorthForkBirch and Twelvemile Creeks - near the public Steese Hgw 6) in Alaska, USA.
Keywords:
Theme:
Theme_Keyword_Thesaurus: None
Theme_Keyword: Biodiversity Monitoring
Theme_Keyword: GRID Sampling
Theme_Keyword: DISTANCE Sampling
Theme_Keyword: PRESENCE
Theme_Keyword: Occupancy
Theme_Keyword: Data Mining
Theme_Keyword: Predictive Modeling
Theme_Keyword: Multiple-Species Survey
Theme_Keyword: Biodiversity
Theme_Keyword: Subarctic
Theme_Keyword: Mountains
Theme_Keyword: White Mountains
Theme_Keyword: Fairbanks
Theme_Keyword: USA
Theme_Keyword: birds
Theme_Keyword: plants
Theme_Keyword: spruce
Theme_Keyword: landscape
Theme_Keyword: dwarf birch (Betula nana 19479),
Theme_Keyword: Black crowberry (Empetrum nigrum 23743),
Theme_Keyword: Cottongrass (Eriophorum 40079),
Theme_Keyword: marsh Labrador tea (Rhododendron tomentosum 894434),
Theme_Keyword: Alaska blue berry (Vaccinium ovalifolium 23607),
Theme_Keyword: Bird vetch (Vicia cracca 26335)
Theme_Keyword: Ant (Formica 154211),
Theme_Keyword: Bohemian Waxwing (Bombycilla garrulus 178529),
Theme_Keyword: Fox Sparrow (Carduelis flammea 179230),
Theme_Keyword: Gray Jay (Perisoreus canadensis 179667),
Theme_Keyword: Swainson`s Thrush (Catharus ustulatus 179788),
Theme_Keyword: Raven (Corvus corax 179725),
Theme_Keyword: Yellow-rumped Warbler (Dendroica coronata 178891),
Theme_Keyword: Savannah Sparow (Passerculus sandwichensis 179314),
Theme_Keyword: Fox Sparrow (Passerella iliaca 179464),
Theme_Keyword: Grouse (Phasianidae 175861),
Theme_Keyword: Woodpecker (Picidae 178148),
Theme_Keyword: American Robin (Turdus migratorius 179759),
Theme_Keyword: Wilson Warbler (Wilsonia pusilla 178973),
Theme_Keyword: White-crowned Sparrow (Zonotrichia leucophrys 179455),
Theme_Keyword: Common Redpoll (Carduelis flammea 179230)
Theme:
Theme_Keyword_Thesaurus: National Park Service Theme Category Thesaurus
Theme:
Theme_Keyword_Thesaurus: ISO 19115 Topic Category
Place:
Place_Keyword_Thesaurus: None
Place_Keyword: White Montains
Place_Keyword: NorthForkBirch Creek
Place_Keyword: Twelvemile Creek
Place_Keyword: near the Steese Hgw 6
Place_Keyword: Steese Highway
Place_Keyword: Alaska
Place_Keyword: USA
Place_Keyword: Subarctic
Place_Keyword: BLM
Place_Keyword: Bureau of Land Management
Place:
Place_Keyword_Thesaurus: National Park System Unit Name Thesaurus
Place:
Place_Keyword_Thesaurus: National Park System Unit Code Thesaurus
Access_Constraints:
The authors and EWHALE/UAF remain the owners of this dataset. However, this data is open access and can be distributed or utilized by interested parties.
Use_Constraints:
The authors and EWHALE/UAF remain the owners of this dataset. This data is open access and can be distributed or utilized by interested parties. However, it is important to interprete the data and findings in the context of the overall study and the methods outlined. Please refer to Citation for directions on how to cite when using the data. See also other BiodiversityGRIDs by the author and the M.Sc. thesis by Dirk Nemitz.
Point_of_Contact:
Contact_Information:
Contact_Person_Primary:
Contact_Person: Falk Huettmann
Contact_Organization: UAF
Contact_Position: Associate Professor
Contact_Voice_Telephone: 907 474 7882
Contact_Electronic_Mail_Address: fhuettmann@alaska.edu
Browse_Graphic:
Browse_Graphic_File_Name: photos
Browse_Graphic_File_Description: camera photos
Browse_Graphic_File_Type: JPEG
Cross_Reference:
Citation_Information:
Originator: other grids done by the author and online.
Publication_Date: Unknown
Geospatial_Data_Presentation_Form:
Taxonomy:
Keywords/Taxon:
Taxonomic_Keyword_Thesaurus: None
Taxonomic_Keywords: collection
Taxonomic_Keywords: multiple species
Taxonomic_Keywords: single species
Taxonomic_Keywords: invertebrates
Taxonomic_Keywords: plants
Taxonomic_Keywords: vegetation
Taxonomic_Keywords: vertebrates
Taxonomic_Keywords: spiders
Taxonomic_Keywords: moss
Taxonomic_Keywords: lichen
Taxonomic_Keywords: dwarf birch (Betula nana 19479),
Taxonomic_Keywords: Black crowberry (Empetrum nigrum 23743),
Taxonomic_Keywords: Cottongrass (Eriophorum 40079)
Taxonomic_Keywords: marsh Labrador tea (Rhododendron tomentosum 894434),
Taxonomic_Keywords: Alaska blue berry (Vaccinium ovalifolium 23607),
Taxonomic_Keywords: Bird vetch (Vicia cracca 26335)
Taxonomic_Keywords: Ant (Formica 154211),
Taxonomic_Keywords: Bohemian Waxwing (Bombycilla garrulus 178529),
Taxonomic_Keywords: Fox Sparrow (Carduelis flammea 179230),
Taxonomic_Keywords: Gray Jay (Perisoreus canadensis 179667),
Taxonomic_Keywords: Swainson`s Thrush (Catharus ustulatus 179788),
Taxonomic_Keywords: Raven (Corvus corax 179725),
Taxonomic_Keywords: Yellow-rumped Warbler (Dendroica coronata 178891),
Taxonomic_Keywords: Savannah Sparow (Passerculus sandwichensis 179314),
Taxonomic_Keywords: Fox Sparrow (Passerella iliaca 179464),
Taxonomic_Keywords: Grouse (Phasianidae 175861),
Taxonomic_Keywords: Woodpecker (Picidae 178148),
Taxonomic_Keywords: American Robin (Turdus migratorius 179759),
Taxonomic_Keywords: Wilson Warbler (Wilsonia pusilla 178973),
Taxonomic_Keywords: White-crowned Sparrow (Zonotrichia leucophrys 179455),
Taxonomic_Keywords: Common Redpoll (Carduelis flammea 179230)
Taxonomic_Classification:
Taxon_Rank_Name: Kingdom
Taxon_Rank_Value: Animalia
Taxonomic_Classification:
Taxon_Rank_Name: Phylum
Taxon_Rank_Value: Arthropoda
Taxonomic_Classification:
Taxon_Rank_Name: Subphylum
Taxon_Rank_Value: Hexapoda
Taxonomic_Classification:
Taxon_Rank_Name: Class
Taxon_Rank_Value: Insecta
Taxonomic_Classification:
Taxon_Rank_Name: Subclass
Taxon_Rank_Value: Pterygota
Taxonomic_Classification:
Taxon_Rank_Name: Infraclass
Taxon_Rank_Value: Neoptera
Taxonomic_Classification:
Taxon_Rank_Name: Order
Taxon_Rank_Value: Hymenoptera
Taxonomic_Classification:
Taxon_Rank_Name: Suborder
Taxon_Rank_Value: Apocrita
Taxonomic_Classification:
Taxon_Rank_Name: Infraorder
Taxon_Rank_Value: Aculeata
Taxonomic_Classification:
Taxon_Rank_Name: Superfamily
Taxon_Rank_Value: Vespoidea
Taxonomic_Classification:
Taxon_Rank_Name: Family
Taxon_Rank_Value: Formicidae
Taxonomic_Classification:
Taxon_Rank_Name: Subfamily
Taxon_Rank_Value: Formicinae
Taxonomic_Classification:
Taxon_Rank_Name: Tribe
Taxon_Rank_Value: Formicini
Taxonomic_Classification:
Taxon_Rank_Name: Genus
Taxon_Rank_Value: Formica
Taxonomic_Classification:
Taxon_Rank_Name: Phylum
Taxon_Rank_Value: Chordata
Taxonomic_Classification:
Taxon_Rank_Name: Subphylum
Taxon_Rank_Value: Vertebrata
Taxonomic_Classification:
Taxon_Rank_Name: Class
Taxon_Rank_Value: Aves
Taxonomic_Classification:
Taxon_Rank_Name: Order
Taxon_Rank_Value: Galliformes
Taxonomic_Classification:
Taxon_Rank_Name: Family
Taxon_Rank_Value: Phasianidae
Applicable_Common_Name: Partridges
Applicable_Common_Name: Turkeys
Applicable_Common_Name: Grouse
Applicable_Common_Name: Pheasants
Applicable_Common_Name: Quail
Applicable_Common_Name: cailles
Applicable_Common_Name: faisans
Taxonomic_Classification:
Taxon_Rank_Name: Order
Taxon_Rank_Value: Passeriformes
Taxonomic_Classification:
Taxon_Rank_Name: Family
Taxon_Rank_Value: Bombycillidae
Taxonomic_Classification:
Taxon_Rank_Name: Genus
Taxon_Rank_Value: Bombycilla
Taxonomic_Classification:
Taxon_Rank_Name: Species
Taxon_Rank_Value: Bombycilla garrulus
Applicable_Common_Name: Bohemian Waxwing
Applicable_Common_Name: jaseur boréal
Taxonomic_Classification:
Taxon_Rank_Name: Family
Taxon_Rank_Value: Corvidae
Taxonomic_Classification:
Taxon_Rank_Name: Genus
Taxon_Rank_Value: Corvus
Taxonomic_Classification:
Taxon_Rank_Name: Species
Taxon_Rank_Value: Corvus corax
Applicable_Common_Name: Cuervo común
Applicable_Common_Name: Common Raven
Applicable_Common_Name: grand corbeau
Applicable_Common_Name: Northern Raven
Taxonomic_Classification:
Taxon_Rank_Name: Genus
Taxon_Rank_Value: Perisoreus
Taxonomic_Classification:
Taxon_Rank_Name: Species
Taxon_Rank_Value: Perisoreus canadensis
Applicable_Common_Name: Gray Jay
Applicable_Common_Name: mésangeai du Canada
Applicable_Common_Name: Grey Jay
Taxonomic_Classification:
Taxon_Rank_Name: Family
Taxon_Rank_Value: Emberizidae
Taxonomic_Classification:
Taxon_Rank_Name: Genus
Taxon_Rank_Value: Passerculus
Taxonomic_Classification:
Taxon_Rank_Name: Species
Taxon_Rank_Value: Passerculus sandwichensis
Applicable_Common_Name: Savannah Sparrow
Applicable_Common_Name: Gorrión sabanero
Applicable_Common_Name: bruant des prés
Taxonomic_Classification:
Taxon_Rank_Name: Genus
Taxon_Rank_Value: Passerella
Taxonomic_Classification:
Taxon_Rank_Name: Species
Taxon_Rank_Value: Passerella iliaca
Applicable_Common_Name: Fox Sparrow
Applicable_Common_Name: bruant fauve
Applicable_Common_Name: Gorrión rascador
Taxonomic_Classification:
Taxon_Rank_Name: Genus
Taxon_Rank_Value: Zonotrichia
Taxonomic_Classification:
Taxon_Rank_Name: Species
Taxon_Rank_Value: Zonotrichia leucophrys
Applicable_Common_Name: White-crowned Sparrow
Applicable_Common_Name: bruant à couronne blanche
Applicable_Common_Name: Gorrión corona blanca
Taxonomic_Classification:
Taxon_Rank_Name: Family
Taxon_Rank_Value: Fringillidae
Taxonomic_Classification:
Taxon_Rank_Name: Subfamily
Taxon_Rank_Value: Carduelinae
Taxonomic_Classification:
Taxon_Rank_Name: Genus
Taxon_Rank_Value: Carduelis
Taxonomic_Classification:
Taxon_Rank_Name: Species
Taxon_Rank_Value: Carduelis flammea
Applicable_Common_Name: Common Redpoll
Applicable_Common_Name: sizerin flammé
Taxonomic_Classification:
Taxon_Rank_Name: Family
Taxon_Rank_Value: Parulidae
Taxonomic_Classification:
Taxon_Rank_Name: Genus
Taxon_Rank_Value: Dendroica
Taxonomic_Classification:
Taxon_Rank_Name: Species
Taxon_Rank_Value: Dendroica coronata
Applicable_Common_Name: Chipe coronado
Applicable_Common_Name: Yellow-rumped Warbler
Applicable_Common_Name: paruline à croupion jaune
Taxonomic_Classification:
Taxon_Rank_Name: Genus
Taxon_Rank_Value: Wilsonia
Taxonomic_Classification:
Taxon_Rank_Name: Species
Taxon_Rank_Value: Wilsonia pusilla
Applicable_Common_Name: Chipe corona negra
Applicable_Common_Name: Wilson's Warbler
Applicable_Common_Name: paruline à calotte noire
Taxonomic_Classification:
Taxon_Rank_Name: Family
Taxon_Rank_Value: Turdidae
Taxonomic_Classification:
Taxon_Rank_Name: Genus
Taxon_Rank_Value: Catharus
Taxonomic_Classification:
Taxon_Rank_Name: Species
Taxon_Rank_Value: Catharus ustulatus
Applicable_Common_Name: Zorzal de Swainson
Applicable_Common_Name: Swainson's Thrush
Applicable_Common_Name: grive à dos olive
Taxonomic_Classification:
Taxon_Rank_Name: Genus
Taxon_Rank_Value: Turdus
Taxonomic_Classification:
Taxon_Rank_Name: Species
Taxon_Rank_Value: Turdus migratorius
Applicable_Common_Name: Mirlo primavera
Applicable_Common_Name: American Robin
Applicable_Common_Name: merle d'Amérique
Taxonomic_Classification:
Taxon_Rank_Name: Order
Taxon_Rank_Value: Piciformes
Taxonomic_Classification:
Taxon_Rank_Name: Family
Taxon_Rank_Value: Picidae
Applicable_Common_Name: Woodpeckers
Applicable_Common_Name: Wrynecks
Applicable_Common_Name: fourmiliers
Applicable_Common_Name: pic-bois
Taxonomic_Classification:
Taxon_Rank_Name: Kingdom
Taxon_Rank_Value: Plantae
Taxonomic_Classification:
Taxon_Rank_Name: Subkingdom
Taxon_Rank_Value: Viridaeplantae
Taxonomic_Classification:
Taxon_Rank_Name: Infrakingdom
Taxon_Rank_Value: Streptophyta
Taxonomic_Classification:
Taxon_Rank_Name: Division
Taxon_Rank_Value: Tracheophyta
Taxonomic_Classification:
Taxon_Rank_Name: Subdivision
Taxon_Rank_Value: Spermatophytina
Taxonomic_Classification:
Taxon_Rank_Name: Infradivision
Taxon_Rank_Value: Angiospermae
Taxonomic_Classification:
Taxon_Rank_Name: Class
Taxon_Rank_Value: Magnoliopsida
Taxonomic_Classification:
Taxon_Rank_Name: Superorder
Taxon_Rank_Value: Asteranae
Taxonomic_Classification:
Taxon_Rank_Name: Order
Taxon_Rank_Value: Ericales
Taxonomic_Classification:
Taxon_Rank_Name: Family
Taxon_Rank_Value: Ericaceae
Taxonomic_Classification:
Taxon_Rank_Name: Genus
Taxon_Rank_Value: Empetrum
Taxonomic_Classification:
Taxon_Rank_Name: Species
Taxon_Rank_Value: Empetrum nigrum
Applicable_Common_Name: black crowberry
Taxonomic_Classification:
Taxon_Rank_Name: Genus
Taxon_Rank_Value: Rhododendron
Taxonomic_Classification:
Taxon_Rank_Name: Species
Taxon_Rank_Value: Rhododendron tomentosum
Applicable_Common_Name: marsh Labrador tea
Taxonomic_Classification:
Taxon_Rank_Name: Genus
Taxon_Rank_Value: Vaccinium
Taxonomic_Classification:
Taxon_Rank_Name: Species
Taxon_Rank_Value: Vaccinium ovalifolium
Applicable_Common_Name: oval-leaf blueberry
Applicable_Common_Name: Alaska blueberry
Taxonomic_Classification:
Taxon_Rank_Name: Superorder
Taxon_Rank_Value: Lilianae
Taxonomic_Classification:
Taxon_Rank_Name: Order
Taxon_Rank_Value: Poales
Taxonomic_Classification:
Taxon_Rank_Name: Family
Taxon_Rank_Value: Cyperaceae
Taxonomic_Classification:
Taxon_Rank_Name: Genus
Taxon_Rank_Value: Eriophorum
Applicable_Common_Name: cottongrass
Taxonomic_Classification:
Taxon_Rank_Name: Superorder
Taxon_Rank_Value: Rosanae
Taxonomic_Classification:
Taxon_Rank_Name: Order
Taxon_Rank_Value: Fabales
Taxonomic_Classification:
Taxon_Rank_Name: Family
Taxon_Rank_Value: Fabaceae
Taxonomic_Classification:
Taxon_Rank_Name: Genus
Taxon_Rank_Value: Vicia
Taxonomic_Classification:
Taxon_Rank_Name: Species
Taxon_Rank_Value: Vicia cracca
Applicable_Common_Name: bird vetch
Applicable_Common_Name: tufted vetch
Applicable_Common_Name: cow vetch
Taxonomic_Classification:
Taxon_Rank_Name: Order
Taxon_Rank_Value: Fagales
Taxonomic_Classification:
Taxon_Rank_Name: Family
Taxon_Rank_Value: Betulaceae
Taxonomic_Classification:
Taxon_Rank_Name: Genus
Taxon_Rank_Value: Betula
Taxonomic_Classification:
Taxon_Rank_Name: Species
Taxon_Rank_Value: Betula nana
Applicable_Common_Name: shrub birch
Applicable_Common_Name: bog birch
Applicable_Common_Name: dwarf birch
Data_Set_Credit: Falk Huettmann and Laszlo Koever
Security_Information:
Security_Classification_System: None
Security_Classification: Unclassified
Security_Handling_Description: None
Native_Data_Set_Environment: excel sheet and notebook
Analytical_Tool:
Analytical_Tool_Description:
Dirk Nemitz did an analysis of such data for his M.Sc. thesis, based on data mining, Random Forest and PRESENCE and DISTANCE Sampling software, Details are available from the authors (or see cross reference for citation).
Tool_Access_Information:
Online_Linkage: see other GRIDs by author and online
Tool_Access_Instructions:
Online_Linkage: see with NBII and eBIRD for more references and some data
Tool_Computer_and_Operating_System: PC IBM based

Data_Quality_Information:
Attribute_Accuracy:
Attribute_Accuracy_Report:
Data were collected according to the GRID protocols, and as outlined in Nemitz (2008).
Quantitative_Attribute_Accuracy_Assessment:
Attribute_Accuracy_Value:
All data should be high-quality. Insect, plant and tree data are basic but reliable.
Attribute_Accuracy_Explanation: see above
Logical_Consistency_Report:
Consistent methods were used, see GRID protocol in Nemitz (2008)
Positional_Accuracy:
Horizontal_Positional_Accuracy:
Horizontal_Positional_Accuracy_Report:
The GPSwas used for location (latitude and longitude). It is assumed it is accurate to +- 10m.
Lineage:
Methodology:
Methodology_Type: Field and Lab
Methodology_Description:
BIODIVERSITY GRID For efficiency reasons a systematic sampling approach was chosen. First of all an equally spaced GRID was implemented: 25 points were arranged in five rows and five columns in order to cover a consistent area but also to have a known spatial neighbor relationship among all plots. The distance between plots was 100 m, resulting in a total GRID size of 400 m x 400 m. While the final GRID system ideally covers the globe systematically without intentional placement, for these initial studies the GRIDs were placed in a way that roughly half to two thirds of the plots fell inside a forested area, the remaining plots at the forest edge or inside the cultural landscape. This survey setup enables other studies on the same data set to make realistic and representative statements about fragmentation effects. The only exception is GRID in Barrow in northern Alaska, where naturally only one habitat type, arctic tundra, occurs. Additionally, five points were randomly placed within the GRID to be able to model the influence of random patterns on the results and their spatial relations (Figure 8). The coordinates of each plot were obtained from a regular hand-held GPS receiver and re-visited by using the Go to function. All plots as well as the path between them were marked with decomposing flagging tape to make recognition in the field easier. A simple schematic map was drawn by hand for each field work participant to ensure that plots are found when the GPS does not receive signals, as was often the case in dense forest settings. BUDGET CONSTRAINTS The biodiversity GRID is meant as a method for cost-efficient rapid biodiversity assessment that allows for an analysis of spatial relations as well. All methods involved have to work in relatively short time, with low costs and little demand of technological equipment. There is no objection to include more sophisticated methods in add-on protocols, but they are discouraged for the main protocol to keep the inhibition threshold for decision makers low. Trained taxonomists were not available, as they rarely are for many ecosystems. All notes regarding the observed species were made as precisely as possible, although most of the observers were not trained especially in tropical ornithology or entomology. Data collection followed the motto the more detail the better, but it was not intended to refuse data because of lacking taxonomic details. If the observer did not readily know the correct scientific name of a specimen, a common name or, in lack of knowledge of a common name, a short description was noted. This original field note is referred to as the narrative name of an observation respectively of a species. Such process is common when dealing with large numbers of species and in largely unexplored environments, where huge fractions of the biodiversity remains still unknown, or where appropriate taxonomic guide books are missing. This resulted in good abundance and occupancy estimates, but in less detailed taxonomic data. Such is the characteristic in rapid biodiversity assessments on shoestring budgets, which allow for a first impression and provide detailed information for deeper investigation if desired. This type of rapid assessment additionally serves as a pilot study for further assessments. In the present study the focus lies on spatial global coverage, instead of local detail. ANIMAL SPECIES DATA COLLECTION In the ideal case, the protocol should result not only in information about the presence or absence of species, but also in an estimate of population size. The DISTANCE sampling approach uses the concept of a detection function based on distance of the observed object from the observer to estimate population density. It plays a central role in this study and is used in a number of ways. At each of the 30 plots (25 systematic and 5 random), five minute point transect DISTANCE sampling counts for birds were conducted within 360 degrees. A short settle-in period of one minute was granted prior to counting to allow for the snapshot character of DISTANCE sampling, especially meeting the assumption that presence of the observer does not introduce bias by causing responsive movements of animals. Following common practice the point counts took place only in the morning between 5:30 and 10 am. Birds are known to show higher activity at this time, which generally increases detectability and maximizes inventory accuracy. Each bird seen or heard was noted, including an estimate of the radial distance from the observer. Double counts were avoided by the observers attention and the relatively short counting period. Observers decided to make two adjustments: - in study area on Sakhalin Island, Russia seabird observations were excluded from plot A1; - in study area in Barrow, Alaska the survey time was reduced from five to four minutes. The second method of DISTANCE sampling used was a trapping web. 17 pitfall traps with a diameter of 9 cm each were arranged in a DISTANCE sampling trapping web design to estimate ground-living insects. This sampling method is very labor-intensive and could not be implemented at all 30 plots given the short time period available. Thus, four of the plots were systematically selected to capture the general patterns of species and abundances within the GRID: B2, D2, B4 and D4 (underlined in Figure 8) to gather at least some information about ground-living insects. Trapping webs were usually checked every 24 hours; and records were taken every 48 hours. In between check dates the cups were emptied without recording to avoid correlation in time between trapping events, and obtain spatially independent results. Because of the low number of traps and more available work force it was decided to add a third circle of traps at 3 m from the centre in study areas in Russia, Papua New Guinea and Barrow, Alaska. This increased the total number of pitfall traps in these areas to 25. The third application of DISTANCE sampling was an add-on sampling protocol using DISTANCE sampling line transects, conducted at each of the 30 plots. Transects with a length of 10 m and traversing the plot at its centre were surveyed to estimate numbers of butterflies, amphibians and reptiles. DISTANCE sampling point counts for birds and trapping webs for ground living insects were repeated three times. These repetitive visits further allow for an analysis with the software PRESENCE, which gives an estimate of general occurrence of a species in the area in a point-based sense. PRESENCE generates a detection function based on multiple visits under the assumption that the population is closed, meaning that no animals leave or enter the area of interest between several visits. Repetitions were not realized for the add-on protocol for DISTANCE sampling line transects. VEGETATION & ENVIRONMENT Additionally, basic data about the plot environment was collected. If at all possible, the GPS coordinates were noted. A plot picture and a canopy picture were taken with a digital camera to give a general impression of the area and also allow for an analysis of light conditions in other studies on the same data set, e.g. remote sensing investigations. All pictures are available from the authors. A short description of the ecosystem was noted as well (for example: pasture, forest interior, forest edge). Height and diameter at breast height were recorded for all trees within 5 m of plot centre. Estimates were noted regarding canopy cover percentage, understory cover percentage, shrub cover percentage (at 1.35 m height), bare soil percentage, duff coverage percentage, leaf browsing percentage, and number of flowers visible. The thickness of epiphytes, hemi-epiphytes, mosses and lichen was noted in categories (none, low, medium, high). Presence/absence of identified plant species or plant families was noted, as well as remarkable animal tracks (e.g. land crab holes, large mammal tracks, etc). Those are referred to as Covariates 1 to 32 in all six study areas, but the actual meaning is different in each. Detailed lists and the full protocol are available from the authors. The covariates can have one of four effects: 1. affecting habitat quality (presence/ absence of a species) 2. affecting detectability (detection/ non-detection of a species that is present) 3. affecting both of the above 4. affecting none of the above.
Methodology_Citation:
Citation_Information:
Originator: Buckland et al
Publication_Date: 2001
Title: Title: Introduction to DISTANCE sampling
Geospatial_Data_Presentation_Form:
Methodology_Citation:
Citation_Information:
Originator: MacKenzie et al.
Publication_Date: 2005
Title: Occupancy estimates and modeling
Geospatial_Data_Presentation_Form:
Methodology_Citation:
Citation_Information:
Originator: Breiman
Publication_Date: 2001
Title: Statistical modelling: the two cultures
Geospatial_Data_Presentation_Form:
Methodology_Citation:
Citation_Information:
Originator: Huettmann & Nemitz
Publication_Date: Unknown
Title: Biodiversity GRID Sampling Protocol
Geospatial_Data_Presentation_Form:
Process_Step:
Process_Description: No process steps have been described for this data set
Process_Date: Unknown

Spatial_Data_Organization_Information:
Indirect_Spatial_Reference: White mountains, Steese Highway
Direct_Spatial_Reference_Method: Point

Spatial_Reference_Information:
Horizontal_Coordinate_System_Definition:
Geographic:
Latitude_Resolution: 0.001
Longitude_Resolution: 0.001
Geographic_Coordinate_Units: Decimal degrees
Geodetic_Model:
Horizontal_Datum_Name: World Geodetic System of 1984
Ellipsoid_Name: World Geodetic System of 1984
Semi-major_Axis: 6378137
Denominator_of_Flattening_Ratio: 298.25722210088
Vertical_Coordinate_System_Definition:
Altitude_System_Definition:
Altitude_Datum_Name: North American Vertical Datum of 1988
Altitude_Distance_Units: meters
Altitude_Encoding_Method: Attribute values

Entity_and_Attribute_Information:
Detailed_Description:
Entity_Type:
Entity_Type_Label: Bird_survey
Entity_Type_Definition: bird detecion information for each plot
Entity_Type_Definition_Source: authors
Attribute:
Attribute_Label: day
Attribute_Definition: day of survey
Attribute_Definition_Source: authors
Attribute:
Attribute_Label: month
Attribute_Definition: month of survey
Attribute_Definition_Source: authors
Attribute:
Attribute_Label: date
Attribute_Definition: date of survey
Attribute_Definition_Source: authors
Attribute:
Attribute_Label: observers
Attribute_Definition: people who done the survey
Attribute_Definition_Source: authors
Attribute:
Attribute_Label: location
Attribute_Definition: location where the survey done
Attribute_Definition_Source: authors
Attribute:
Attribute_Label: state
Attribute_Definition: state where the survey done
Attribute_Definition_Source: authors
Attribute:
Attribute_Label: country
Attribute_Definition: country where the survey done
Attribute_Definition_Source: authors
Attribute:
Attribute_Label: GeoProj
Attribute_Definition: used geo system
Attribute_Definition_Source: authors
Attribute:
Attribute_Label: institution
Attribute_Definition: institution carried out the survey
Attribute_Definition_Source: authors
Attribute:
Attribute_Label: Surveytype
Attribute_Definition: method of survey
Attribute_Definition_Source: authors
Attribute:
Attribute_Label: Surveylength
Attribute_Definition: time of survey duration at a point
Attribute_Definition_Source: authors
Attribute:
Attribute_Label: weather
Attribute_Definition: description of the weather
Attribute_Definition_Source: authors
Attribute:
Attribute_Label: plotname
Attribute_Definition: name of point
Attribute_Definition_Source: author
Attribute:
Attribute_Label: latitude
Attribute_Definition: latitude of point
Attribute_Definition_Source: authors
Attribute:
Attribute_Label: longitude
Attribute_Definition: longitude of point
Attribute_Definition_Source: authors
Attribute:
Attribute_Label: session
Attribute_Definition: number of repeat
Attribute_Definition_Source: authors
Attribute:
Attribute_Label: starttime
Attribute_Definition: time of survey starting
Attribute_Definition_Source: authors
Attribute:
Attribute_Label: detectiontime
Attribute_Definition: time of the bird detection
Attribute_Definition_Source: authors
Attribute:
Attribute_Label: species
Attribute_Definition: name of the detected bird
Attribute_Definition_Source: authors
Attribute:
Attribute_Label: number
Attribute_Definition: number of the detected individual
Attribute_Definition_Source: authors
Attribute:
Attribute_Label: distancem
Attribute_Definition: distance from the detected bird species
Attribute_Definition_Source: authors
Attribute:
Attribute_Label: detectiontype
Attribute_Definition: type of the bird detection
Attribute_Definition_Source: authors
Attribute:
Attribute_Label: behaviour
Attribute_Definition: description of the bird`s behaviour
Attribute_Definition_Source: authors
Attribute:
Attribute_Label: comments
Attribute_Definition: comments
Attribute_Definition_Source: authors
Attribute:
Attribute_Label: year
Attribute_Definition: year of survey
Attribute_Definition_Source: authors
Detailed_Description:
Entity_Type:
Entity_Type_Label: Vegetation
Entity_Type_Definition: Vegetation for each plot
Entity_Type_Definition_Source: authors
Attribute:
Attribute_Label: plotname
Attribute_Definition: name of point
Attribute_Definition_Source: author
Attribute:
Attribute_Label: latitude
Attribute_Definition: latitude of point
Attribute_Definition_Source: authors
Attribute:
Attribute_Label: longitude
Attribute_Definition: longitude of point
Attribute_Definition_Source: authors
Attribute:
Attribute_Label: altitude
Attribute_Definition: altitude of point
Attribute_Definition_Source: authors
Attribute:
Attribute_Label: GeoProj
Attribute_Definition: used geo system
Attribute_Definition_Source: authors
Attribute:
Attribute_Label: location
Attribute_Definition: location where the survey done
Attribute_Definition_Source: authors
Attribute:
Attribute_Label: state
Attribute_Definition: state where the survey done
Attribute_Definition_Source: authors
Attribute:
Attribute_Label: country
Attribute_Definition: country where the survey done
Attribute_Definition_Source: authors
Attribute:
Attribute_Label: day
Attribute_Definition: day of survey
Attribute_Definition_Source: authors
Attribute:
Attribute_Label: month
Attribute_Definition: month of survey
Attribute_Definition_Source: authors
Attribute:
Attribute_Label: year
Attribute_Definition: year of survey
Attribute_Definition_Source: authors
Attribute:
Attribute_Label: date
Attribute_Definition: date of survey
Attribute_Definition_Source: authors
Attribute:
Attribute_Label: time
Attribute_Definition: time of survey
Attribute_Definition_Source: authors
Attribute:
Attribute_Label: observers
Attribute_Definition: people who done the survey
Attribute_Definition_Source: authors
Attribute:
Attribute_Label: Photostaken
Attribute_Definition: photos about the point
Attribute_Definition_Source: authors
Attribute:
Attribute_Label: NumbofWhiteSpruce
Attribute_Definition: number of White Spruce of the point
Attribute_Definition_Source: author
Attribute:
Attribute_Label: HeightofSpruce
Attribute_Definition: height of white spuce at we observed at the point
Attribute_Definition_Source: authors
Attribute:
Attribute_Label: otherplants
Attribute_Definition: name of the plants that we observed at point
Attribute_Definition_Source: authors
Attribute:
Attribute_Label: identificationreferences
Attribute_Definition: person who determined the species
Attribute_Definition_Source: authors
Attribute:
Attribute_Label: notes
Attribute_Definition: note about the point
Attribute_Definition_Source: authors
Detailed_Description:
Entity_Type:
Entity_Type_Label: TrappingWeb
Entity_Type_Definition: Distance Sampling Trapping Web for insects
Entity_Type_Definition_Source: authors
Attribute:
Attribute_Label: plotname
Attribute_Definition: name of point
Attribute_Definition_Source: author
Attribute:
Attribute_Label: latitude
Attribute_Definition: latitude of point
Attribute_Definition_Source: authors
Attribute:
Attribute_Label: longitude
Attribute_Definition: longitude of point
Attribute_Definition_Source: authors
Attribute:
Attribute_Label: altitude
Attribute_Definition: altitude of point
Attribute_Definition_Source: authors
Attribute:
Attribute_Label: GeoProj
Attribute_Definition: used geo system
Attribute_Definition_Source: authors
Attribute:
Attribute_Label: location
Attribute_Definition: location where the survey done
Attribute_Definition_Source: authors
Attribute:
Attribute_Label: state
Attribute_Definition: state where the survey done
Attribute_Definition_Source: authors
Attribute:
Attribute_Label: country
Attribute_Definition: country where the survey done
Attribute_Definition_Source: authors
Attribute:
Attribute_Label: setday
Attribute_Definition: day when we set up the trap
Attribute_Definition_Source: authors
Attribute:
Attribute_Label: setmonth
Attribute_Definition: month when we set up the trap
Attribute_Definition_Source: authors
Attribute:
Attribute_Label: setyear
Attribute_Definition: year when we set up the trap
Attribute_Definition_Source: authors
Attribute:
Attribute_Label: setDate
Attribute_Definition: date when we set up the trap
Attribute_Definition_Source: authors
Attribute:
Attribute_Label: settime
Attribute_Definition: time when we set up the trap
Attribute_Definition_Source: authors
Attribute:
Attribute_Label: observers
Attribute_Definition: people who done the survey
Attribute_Definition_Source: authors
Attribute:
Attribute_Label: checkday
Attribute_Definition: day when we checked the trap
Attribute_Definition_Source: authors
Attribute:
Attribute_Label: checkmonth
Attribute_Definition: month when we checked the trap
Attribute_Definition_Source: authors
Attribute:
Attribute_Label: checkyear
Attribute_Definition: year when we checked the trap
Attribute_Definition_Source: authors
Attribute:
Attribute_Label: checkdate
Attribute_Definition: date when we checked the trap
Attribute_Definition_Source: authors
Attribute:
Attribute_Label: checktime
Attribute_Definition: time when we checked the trap
Attribute_Definition_Source: authors
Attribute:
Attribute_Label: sessionrepeat
Attribute_Definition: number of repeat
Attribute_Definition_Source: authors
Attribute:
Attribute_Label: trapname
Attribute_Definition: name of the trap
Attribute_Definition_Source: authors
Attribute:
Attribute_Label: distfromcenternm
Attribute_Definition: distance from the center in meter
Attribute_Definition_Source: authors
Attribute:
Attribute_Label: species
Attribute_Definition: species that we found in the trap
Attribute_Definition_Source: authors
Attribute:
Attribute_Label: number
Attribute_Definition: number of the detected individual
Attribute_Definition_Source: authors
Attribute:
Attribute_Label: notes
Attribute_Definition: note about the point
Attribute_Definition_Source: authors
Detailed_Description:
Entity_Type:
Entity_Type_Label: Explanation
Entity_Type_Definition: some basic explanation about the GRID survey
Entity_Type_Definition_Source: authors

Distribution_Information:
Distributor:
Contact_Information:
Contact_Person_Primary:
Contact_Person: see authors
Distribution_Liability: none
Standard_Order_Process:
Fees: None
Resource_Description: PC IBM MS Excel or Open Office sheet
Custom_Order_Process: regular office, phone or email

Metadata_Reference_Information:
Metadata_Date: 20031106
Metadata_Review_Date: 20031114
Metadata_Contact:
Contact_Information:
Contact_Person_Primary:
Contact_Person: Falk Huettmann and Laszlo Koever
Contact_Organization: UAF and University of Debrecen
Contact_Position: Associate Professor and Ph.D. student
Contact_Voice_Telephone: 907 474 7882
Contact_Electronic_Mail_Address: fhuettmann@alaska.edu
Metadata_Standard_Name:
FGDC Biological Data Profile of the Content Standard for Digital Geospatial Metadata
Metadata_Standard_Version: FGDC-STD-001.1-1999
Metadata_Extensions:
Online_Linkage: <http://nrdata.nps.gov/profiles/NPS_Profile.xml>
Profile_Name: NPS NR and GIS Metadata Profile
Metadata_Future_Review_Date: 20031106
Metadata_Time_Convention: local time
Metadata_Access_Constraints: NA
Metadata_Use_Constraints: NA
Metadata_Security_Information:
Metadata_Security_Classification_System: NA
Metadata_Security_Classification: NA
Metadata_Security_Handling_Description: NA

Generated by mp version 2.8.25 on Wed Jul 31 07:51:24 2013