Synthetic cartography for mapping biodiversity in the Mediterranean region: Sicily as a case study

By

Domina, Gianniantonio
Venturella, Giuseppe
Gargano, Maria Letizia

Type

Article

Date of Publication

2018

Original Publication

PhytoKeys

Volume

109

Pages

77-92

Subjects

biological collections , data analysis , Distribution , GIS software , Plants , spatial analysis

Contributed by

Pensoft Publishers

Language

English

Published by

Sofia, Bulgaria Pensoft Publishers [2010]-

Identifiers

DOI: https://doi.org/10.3897/phytokeys.109.28297

 

Abstract

This paper proposes a new hierarchical land classification system for the mapping of species distribution at national or regional scales. Our integrative framework incorporates two hierarchical levels inferred from historical, climatic, geomorphological and geological attributes. The feasibility of this proposal is based on the use of historical collections and literature data, as well as on its ability to combine old low-precision data with more recent records of higher resolution. The system is set up for vascular plants, but it can also be used for other taxonomic groups. Furthermore, it has the potential for application to the whole Mediterranean region because it is based on information that is generally available in all Mediterranean countries. This model is tested with the distribution ofloci classiciof the Italian endemic plants occurring in Sicily.