Quantifying Pattern of Recorded Biodiversity Observations in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa from GBIF Database
Quantifying Pattern of Recorded Biodiversity Observations in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa from GBIF Database
Barkat Ullah Khan*, Ayaz Ahmad, Ashar Farooq, Muhammad Bilal Zia, Hammad-Ud-Din and Muhammad Atif Majeed
ABSTRACT
This paper analyzes species occurrence data obtained from multiple sources through the Global Biodiversity Information Facility (GBIF) to understand the distribution and density of recorded biodiversity observations patterns in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa (KP), Pakistan. The dataset includes 4,638 observations with spatial coordinates available. The data was analyzed using MS Excel and ArcGIS. The sources of observations include iNaturalist, the Natural History Museum, United Kingdom, Cornell University Lab of Ornithology, and the Paleobiology Database. The types of observations recorded in the dataset are fossil specimens, human observations, material samples, and preserved specimens. Fossil specimens contribute 3.66% observations, providing insights into past biodiversity and evolutionary history. Human observations comprise 31.86% records, representing direct sightings or visual identifications made by researchers and citizen scientists. Material samples account for 63.20% observations and are collected for genetic, morphological, or ecological analysis. Preserved specimens contribute 1.27% records and undergo preservation techniques for scientific study. The analysis of year-wise observations reveals an increasing trend in recorded observations from the 1980s to the early 2010s. The year 1984 stands out with a significant leap in data collection efforts. The years 2012 and 2013 demonstrate a notable surge in recorded observations, followed by a gradual decrease in subsequent years. However, there are fluctuations and variations in different years, indicating potential variations in data collection intensity or other factors influencing observation counts. Month-wise observations show a seasonal pattern, with higher counts during the summer months (June, July, and August) and a decrease towards the end of the year and the beginning of the following year. June and July exhibit the highest counts, suggesting increased fieldwork and data collection efforts during the warmer seasons. In the spatial analysis Swat, Peshawar, Shangla, Kohistan, Mansehra and Abbottabad were identified as the hotspots in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa. The study acknowledges limitations, including reliance on GBIF data, potential data quality issues, and incomplete coverage of occurrences. To overcome these limitations, future research is recommended to incorporate additional data sources, conduct spatial and temporal analyses, implement data validation protocols, focus on species-specific investigations, and integrate contextual information.
To share on other social networks, click on any share button. What are these?
