SQL Data integration ETL Global data Biogeography

Biodiversity Databases

Biodiversity Databases

I have led and contributed to the development of multiple biodiversity databases. Specifically, I was one of two main developers behind GIFT, the Global Inventory of Floras and Traits database. GIFT provides information on the geographical distribution and biological characteristics (functional traits) of more than 300.000 plant species worldwide. Geographical regions in GIFT range from small protected areas to entire countries and are geostatistically processed to derive features related to, e.g., topography, climate or socioeconomic status. Consequently, GIFT serves as ready-to-use data platform for studying global biodiversity patterns, which has produced numerous peer-reviewed studies to this date.

Overview of GIFT

Overview of the GIFT database (figure from original publication here )

Other database projects I have contributed data or code to include TRY (plant functional traits), GloNAF (invasive species) and GRooT (root traits).

Further resources

  • GIFT homepage – Data browser and simple visualization features for parts of the data base.

  • Biodiversity data integration – Conceptual paper and case studies highlighting synergies biodiversity data integration.