Global biodiversity monitoring: From data sources to Essential Biodiversity Variables

Essential Biodiversity Variables (EBVs) consolidate information from varied biodiversity observation sources. Here we demonstrate the links between data sources, EBVs and indicators and discuss how different sources of biodiversity observations can be harnessed to inform EBVs. We classify sources of primary observations into four types: extensive and intensive monitoring schemes, ecological field studies and satellite remote sensing. We characterize their geographic, taxonomic and temporal coverage. Ecological field studies and intensive monitoring schemes inform a wide range of EBVs, but the former tend to deliver short-term data, while the geographic coverage of the latter is limited. In contrast, extensive monitoring schemes mostly inform the population abundance EBV, but deliver long-term data across an extensive network of sites. Satellite remote sensing is particularly suited to providing information on ecosystem function and structure EBVs. Biases behind data sources may affect the representativeness of global biodiversity datasets. To improve them, researchers must assess data sources and then develop strategies to compensate for identified gaps. We draw on the population abundance dataset informing the Living Planet Index (LPI) to illustrate the effects of data sources on EBV representativeness. We find that long-term monitoring schemes informing the LPI are still scarce outside of Europe and North America and that ecological field studies play a key role in covering that gap. Achieving representative EBV datasets will depend both on the ability to integrate available data, through data harmonization and modeling efforts, and on the establishment of new monitoring programs to address critical data gaps

Vulture populations in Uganda : using road survey data to measure both densities and encounter rates within protected and unprotected areas

The cost of field work was generously covered by The Peregrine Fund (USA) and the Royal Society for the Protection of Birds (UK).Six out of seven vulture species whose global ranges lie largely or wholly within Africa are listed as globally threatened. Since their current distributions individually span up to 39 range states there is a pressing need to develop robust, standardised methods that provide a clear measure of range-wide changes in abundance. Yet, survey methods currently used tend to yield either of two measures: estimates of breeding density, derived mainly from nest counts; or linear encounter rates, derived from road surveys. Here, we present the results of a six-year survey of six vulture species in Uganda, in which we used road counts, in combination with Distance sampling, to determine both encounter rates and densities within protected areas (PAs), and in predominantly pastoral and agricultural areas. In combination, five scavenging species were detected 4–6 times more frequently in PAs than elsewhere, and two species, White-backed Vulture Gyps africanus and Lappet-faced Vulture Torgus tracheliotus, were recorded only within PAs. We estimate that PAs held c.1,300–3,900 individuals of the five scavenging species combined, including c.1,250–2,900 individuals of two Gyps species. We also present national population estimates for two species: White-backed Vulture (c.1,000–2,600 birds) and Lappet-faced Vulture (c.160–500 birds). Although sightings were assigned to only three broad distance bands, Distance sampling provided estimates with a level of precision similar to that achieved for linear encounter rates, but as density estimates; a form more readily comparable with results obtained from other survey types.PostprintPeer reviewe

Collaborative Forest Management in Uganda - Recommendations for CSOs

As part of a multi-country review of community forest rights, Ecological Trends Alliance set out to assess the outcomes of the Collaborative Forest Management model in Uganda; identify factors that influence its success; and discuss strategies that can be undertaken by CSOs to improve the outcomes of CFM. In this policy brief we summarize some of the main outcomes of the review, and the consequent recommendations for CSOs

Oil palm development in Buvuma - Learning from previous experiences and recommendations for future developments

This synthesis paper informs the planned oil palm expansion in Buvuma. It draws on documented experiences from Uganda and especially Kalangala district, and highlighting the possible threats, pressures and impacts in Buvuma, and offering strategies and recommendations to mitigate these

Impacts and implications of oil palm in Uganda’s Lake Victoria Islands - The case of Kalangala district

This synthesis paper brings together numerous studies on the impacts of oil palm plantations established in Kalangala district since 2002. It highlights the lessons, and presents recommen¬dations for reviewing the Kalangala oil palm model in the light of the evidence presented

second count of vultures at carcasses in Uganda, and a revised proposal for a standardised method

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Global Biodiversity Monitoring

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