sMon is a synthesis project of the German Centre for Integrative Biodiversity Research (iDiv) Halle-Jena-Leipzig. The main aim of sMon is to harmonise and combine structured and opportunistic monitoring data of varying taxa and habitats, thereby ascertaining the potential and limitations of analysing changes in the state of biodiversity in Germany. Utilising these insights, we will formulate recommendations for the future design of biodiversity monitoring programmes in Germany.
Motivation
A considerable number of species in Germany are threatened or endangered, and there is ample evidence to suggest a progressive decline in species occurrences and/or abundances. However, statistically robust data for changes in biodiversity is lacking for the majority of species groups in Germany, or such information is only available at a coarse scale.
Aims
The aims of sMon are threefold:
firstly, to screen, harmonise and integrate heterogeneous time series data from different sources and from exemplary species groups (e.g. vascular plants, amphibians, orthopterans);
secondly, to develop statistical methods to derive statistically sound trends for species from these taxa based on this heterogeneous data;
and thirdly, to assist in the identification of statistical cornerstones for the collection of biodiversity data within an efficient future biodiversity monitoring scheme in Germany.
Methods
sMon focuses on data from federal agencies, nature conservation organisations and professional societies for the example taxa, as well as scientific institutions. Exemplary time-series analyses is carried out based on non-systematic, non-random and potentially spatially and temporally misaligned species-observation data. Furthermore, an attempt will be made to integrate potential drivers for changes in temporal species population trends.
Gaps in existing data will be identified, and assistance will be provided in developing potential improvements for future data assessment.
In cooperation with stakeholders from a variety of organisations and experts in data analysis, yearly workshops are organised to bring together a broad spectrum of knowledge and expertise.
Contact
Dr Martin Friedrichs-Manthey
Postdoc/ Project coordinator
martin.friedrichs-manthey@idiv.de
(I’m currently working from Edmonton, Canada. I might get back to you a bit later than usual, since there’s a -8 hour time difference between us.)