A unified plant ecology database for Spain

Area of Science:

• Ecology
• Botany
• Conservation Biology

Background:

• Plant ecological research and conservation require comprehensive spatial data.
• Existing data may be fragmented or lack integration across different categories.
• Spain's diverse flora necessitates a dedicated spatial resource.

Purpose of the Study:

• To create a centralized, high-resolution spatial database for plant ecology and conservation in mainland Spain.
• To integrate diverse data types including species occurrences, environmental variables, distribution models, and thematic maps.
• To provide data under current and future climate scenarios to support long-term planning.

Main Methods:

• Compilation of georeferenced plant occurrence records for native trees, shrubs, vascular plants, and bryophytes.
• Integration of environmental variables (climatic, edaphic, hydrological, solar) influencing plant distribution.
• Development and inclusion of species distribution models for 182 tree and shrub species.
• Generation of thematic maps on species richness, vegetation types, and forest connectivity.
• Projection of climatic variables, models, and maps under future climate scenarios (2070-2100).

Main Results:

• A comprehensive database integrating four key spatial data categories is established.
• Occurrence data covers 81 tree and 101 shrub native species, plus atlas data for 6,456 vascular plants and 1,252 bryophytes.
• Species distribution models are available for all 182 tree and shrub species.
• Thematic maps provide insights into species richness, vegetation distribution, and forest connectivity.
• All data, including future projections, is openly accessible via Zenodo.

Conclusions:

• The database provides a valuable, integrated resource for advancing plant ecological research in Spain.
• It supports evidence-based conservation strategies and land management decisions under changing environmental conditions.
• Open access to this spatial data facilitates wider scientific collaboration and application in biodiversity studies.