400 
THE CORAL TRIANGLE: HEARST BIODIVERSITY EXPEDITION 
lecting packet ensures that each collection receives the same level of ecological data obtained 
direetly at the time of collection. It is difficult to consistently write on every brown paper or plas¬ 
tic bag all of these important ecological attributes about a collection, especially if weather condi¬ 
tions in the field are not ideal. Circling the attributes for a collection on the template fonn takes 
only a few seconds. Also, once the specimen is dried, identified, and ready for processing into the 
herbarium, the front flap of the field collecting packet with the circled ecological data becomes part 
of the specimen record. If there is only a single colleetion for a particular number, the template with 
the circled ecological attributes can be cut from the field packet and placed inside the labeled 
archival quality herbarium packet thereby adding further to the scientific value of the collected 
specimen. If there are additional duplicates of a particular collection number the ecological data 
fomi is simply replicated and a copy of the original data is placed within each duplicate speeimen 
packet of that collection number. Specimens collected and dried directly in packets have the fol¬ 
lowing advantages: 
1) Specimens are much better looking since they dry relatively flat 
2) Specimens are handled less frequently before being dried thereby saving valuable time 
3) Data is recorded directly on the field collecting packet at the time of collection and remains with 
the specimen 
4) Data recorded for each specimen at a collecting site is more consistently obtained 
5) Specimens dried in packets will later fit perfectly into the archival herbarium packets 
6) Packets diy faster since there is more exposed surface area available for drying than in bags 
7) Draft labels can be stapled directly onto the front flap of the packets once specimens are dry 
8) Specimens are easier to store and sort into taxonomic groups until identified. 
A small plastic shoe-box sized container is ideal for transporting specimens while in the field. 
The specimens fit nicely in these inexpensive plastic boxes and they are placed in the box like a 
row of filing cards. These plastic containers easily fit in a daypack or backpack. This is also espe¬ 
cially useful while collecting in wet weather since the samples are protected from the elements plus 
the packets are less likely to be damaged during transport. A rubber band can be used to keep bulky 
specimens from moving about. For bryophytes collected from wet habitats (like streams, lakes, 
rivers, springs), gently place the specunen between your hands and squeeze out any excess water. 
If a water source is nearby biyophytes collected on muddy soil can be rinsed off, squeezed to 
remove excess water (do not wring) and then placed into the collecting packet. Keeping the collec¬ 
tions in numerical order ensures that each collection has been properly numbered as it is collected 
and is linked back to the field notebook. 
In addition to the collecting packets and a container to transport them from the field, we have 
found that a field vest is an essential piece of equipment while conducting surveys. The field vest 
provides a convenient place to store essential items to conduct a survey including collecting pack¬ 
ets, a field notebook, pens, GPS, and a loiife or other tool for removing bryophytes from the sub¬ 
strate all neatly fastened to the vest to avoid losing them in the field while collecting. 
How MUCH PLANT MATERIAL SHOULD BE COLLECTED? 
An ample bryophyte collection is the amount of plant material that fits in the palm of your 
hand. However, some species occupy much smaller-sized colonies. While collection is an essential 
activity for developing biodiversity inventories, one must also consider the impact of collecting. A 
good rule to apply in the field is not to remove more than 10 percent of a population from the sub¬ 
strate. Some voucher specimens may be relatively small (a tuft only 25 mm in diameter) but many 
species occur in much larger colonies. Under most conditions, a single collecting packet can 
accommodate 2-3 duplicates depending on the size and amount of the bryophyte collected. To pro- 
