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Published on: April 18, 2025
Sampling bias and uneven data coverage shape observed biodiversity patterns in a megadiverse island archipelago
Kier Mitchel E Pitogo1, Camila G Meneses1, Syrus Cesar P Decena1,2
1Department of Ecology and Evolutionary Biology & Biodiversity Institute, University of Kansas, Lawrence, Kansas, United States of America.
Plos One
|July 17, 2026
Summary
Biodiversity knowledge in the Philippines is unevenly sampled, with preserved specimens heavily influencing richness patterns. Integrating diverse data sources is crucial for effective conservation planning.
Area of Science:
- Biodiversity research
- Conservation science
- Herpetology
Background:
- Species sampling methods significantly impact biodiversity knowledge and conservation strategies.
- Uneven sampling in megadiverse regions, like the Philippines, hinders comprehensive biodiversity assessments and conservation planning.
- Existing data often lack synthesis, obscuring spatial heterogeneity in biodiversity, particularly within conservation-relevant areas.
Purpose of the Study:
- To analyze the spatial distribution of amphibian and squamate reptile species richness in the Philippines using over a century of occurrence records.
- To investigate the relationships between observed species richness in Philippine conservation-relevant areas (PCAs) and factors like area, topographic relief, and sampling effort.
- To compare these relationships between different types of PCAs: protected and conserved areas versus key biodiversity areas.
Main Methods:
- Compilation and curation of over a century of digitally accessible species occurrence records for amphibians and squamate reptiles in the Philippines.
- Spatial analysis of species richness patterns across the country and within PCAs.
- Statistical testing to assess the influence of area, topographic relief, and sampling effort on observed richness, comparing different PCA types.
Main Results:
- Strong spatial heterogeneity in occurrence records was observed, with preserved specimens dominating (92%) and heavily influencing richness patterns.
- Citizen-science data reinforced well-sampled areas, while literature-derived records improved coverage in undersampled regions.
- Observed richness and sampling effort in PCAs generally increased with area, but this relationship weakened with greater topographic relief. Differences in predictor-richness relationships were noted between protected/conserved areas and key biodiversity areas.
Conclusions:
- Observed biodiversity patterns are significantly shaped by sampling structure and data sources, highlighting uneven data coverage.
- Philippine conservation-relevant areas show variable representation and differing relationships between richness and environmental factors.
- Integrating multiple biodiversity data sources and identifying undersampled regions are essential for improving future biodiversity assessments and conservation efforts in the Philippines.
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