Occurrence data on beetles (Coleoptera) collected in Dutch coastal dunes between 1953 and 1960

Area of Science:

• Ecology
• Biodiversity research
• Entomology

Background:

• Historical ecological data are rare and crucial for understanding long-term biodiversity changes.
• The study focuses on a 65-year-old dataset of ground-dwelling beetles from the Meijendel coastal dune area in the Netherlands.
• This dataset provides a valuable reference point for contemporary biodiversity research.

Purpose of the Study:

• To digitize and publish a historically significant ecological dataset.
• To make historical biodiversity data accessible for current research.
• To preserve and share valuable ecological information on ground-dwelling beetles.

Main Methods:

• Digitization of a 65-year-old dataset on ground-dwelling beetles.
• Data collection involved 100 pitfall traps active weekly from 1953 to 1960.
• Specimens were identified to species level, counted, and sex determined where possible.

Main Results:

• A comprehensive database of approximately 90,000 recorded beetle occurrences from 36,400 samples.
• The digitized dataset covers ground-dwelling beetle populations in the Meijendel coastal dune area over an eight-year period.
• The data has been registered and is publicly accessible via the Global Biodiversity Information Facility (GBIF).

Conclusions:

• The digitization and publication of this historical dataset significantly enhance the accessibility of long-term ecological information.
• This resource supports current biodiversity research by providing a historical baseline for the Meijendel region.
• The availability of such historical data is vital for ecological monitoring and conservation efforts.