Dataset Information
Patterns, biases and prospects in the distribution and diversity of Neotropical snakes.
Ontology highlight
ABSTRACT: Motivation
We generated a novel database of Neotropical snakes (one of the world's richest herpetofauna) combining the most comprehensive, manually compiled distribution dataset with publicly available data. We assess, for the first time, the diversity patterns for all Neotropical snakes as well as sampling density and sampling biases.Main types of variables contained
We compiled three databases of species occurrences: a dataset downloaded from the Global Biodiversity Information Facility (GBIF), a verified dataset built through taxonomic work and specialized literature, and a combined dataset comprising a cleaned version of the GBIF dataset merged with the verified dataset.Spatial location and grain
Neotropics, Behrmann projection equivalent to 1° × 1°.Time period
Specimens housed in museums during the last 150 years.Major taxa studied
Squamata: Serpentes.Software format
Geographical information system (GIS).Results
The combined dataset provides the most comprehensive distribution database for Neotropical snakes to date. It contains 147,515 records for 886 species across 12 families, representing 74% of all species of snakes, spanning 27 countries in the Americas. Species richness and phylogenetic diversity show overall similar patterns. Amazonia is the least sampled Neotropical region, whereas most well-sampled sites are located near large universities and scientific collections. We provide a list and updated maps of geographical distribution of all snake species surveyed.Main conclusions
The biodiversity metrics of Neotropical snakes reflect patterns previously documented for other vertebrates, suggesting that similar factors may determine the diversity of both ectothermic and endothermic animals. We suggest conservation strategies for high-diversity areas and sampling efforts be directed towards Amazonia and poorly known species.
SUBMITTER: Guedes TB
PROVIDER: S-EPMC5765514 | biostudies-literature | 2018 Jan
REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature
Publications
Patterns, biases and prospects in the distribution and diversity of Neotropical snakes.
Global ecology and biogeography : a journal of macroecology 20171123 1
<h4>Motivation</h4>We generated a novel database of Neotropical snakes (one of the world's richest herpetofauna) combining the most comprehensive, manually compiled distribution dataset with publicly available data. We assess, for the first time, the diversity patterns for all Neotropical snakes as well as sampling density and sampling biases.<h4>Main types of variables contained</h4>We compiled three databases of species occurrences: a dataset downloaded from the Global Biodiversity Information ...[more]