LIFEPLAN: A worldwide biodiversity sampling design

Area of Science:

• Ecology
• Biodiversity Science
• Environmental Monitoring

Background:

• Rapid advancements in species identification technology necessitate standardized global data collection methods.
• The LIFEPLAN project addresses the need for systematic biodiversity data acquisition across diverse environments.
• Existing methods require integration with emerging sensor-based and automated data processing capabilities.

Purpose of the Study:

• To describe five standardized field sampling methods for global biodiversity data collection within the LIFEPLAN project.
• To detail protocols for collecting diverse biological and environmental data, including images, audio, and DNA.
• To establish a baseline for future comparisons and technological advancements in biodiversity monitoring.

Main Methods:

• Development and implementation of five distinct field sampling techniques.
• Utilizing infrared camera traps for animal imagery, audio recorders for environmental sounds, Malaise traps for invertebrate DNA, and cyclone samplers for airborne fungal DNA.
• Systematic selection of international urban and natural sampling sites with a nested scale design in specific regions.

Main Results:

• Successful deployment of five standardized sampling methods across global locations.
• Collection of diverse datasets including animal images, environmental audio recordings, and DNA from invertebrates, soil, and air.
• Emphasis on comprehensive metadata collection to ensure data usability and consistency.

Conclusions:

• The described LIFEPLAN sampling methods provide a robust framework for global biodiversity assessment.
• Standardized protocols facilitate consistent data collection, crucial for large-scale ecological studies.
• The methods are adaptable and serve as a baseline for evaluating future technological improvements in biodiversity monitoring.