Parnell, J. A. N. and Simpson, D. A. and Moat, J. and Kirkup, D. W. and Chantaranothai, P. and Boyce, P. C. and Bygrave, P. and Dransfield, S. and Jebb, M. H. P. and Macklin, J. and Meade, Conor and Middleton, D. J. and Muasya, A. M. and Prajaksood, A. and Pendry, C. A. and Pooma, R. and Suddee, S. and Wilkin, P. (2003) Plant collecting spread and densities: their potential impact on biogeographical studies in Thailand. Journal of Biogeography, 30 (2). pp. 193-209. ISSN 0305-0270

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Abstract

Aims To produce representative aggregate maps of plant collection locations in Thailand and discuss their impact on biogeographical studies in Thailand and the surrounding region. Location Thailand. Methods A representative data set comprising 6593 plant specimen records for Thailand has been assembled. The data set contains ± all known collections for fifteen representative plant families and further records for another 104. All records are localized to Changwat (province), 6441 to at least quarter degree square. Results Analysis shows that the spread of collecting activity in Thailand is markedly uneven; 20% of collections come from a single Changwat (Chiang Mai) and 53% of Changwat have fifty or fewer collections. The distribution of collections by Changwat and by quarter degree square is erratic with most squares and Changwat having few collections, both in proportionate and absolute terms. Some of the most densely forested Changwats and squares appear undercollected. Distribution maps for common, easily recognized tree species in the genus Syzygium show distributional gaps. Conclusions Thailand is defined as an undercollected country. Even within the few well-collected quarter degree squares the spread of collecting is still poor; almost all collections being localized to one of three mountain ranges or their foothills. There are many gaps in collecting activity which make impossible a straightforward interpretation of biogeographical pattern. It is argued that targeted collecting activity is needed, that assembly of this type of data set is therefore essential and that our data set and its interpretation is a model for all countries in the region.

Item Type:	Article
Keywords:	Thailand; biogeography; biodiversity; collection density; conservation; plants; GIS; flora of Thailand; collection; Southeast Asia;
Academic Unit:	Faculty of Science and Engineering > Biology
Item ID:	17158
Identification Number:	https://doi.org/10.1046/j.1365-2699.2003.00828.x
Depositing User:	Dr. Conor Meade
Date Deposited:	08 May 2023 13:40
Journal or Publication Title:	Journal of Biogeography
Publisher:	Blackwell Publishing Ltd.
Refereed:	Yes
URI:	Publisher
Use Licence:	This item is available under a Creative Commons Attribution Non Commercial Share Alike Licence (CC BY-NC-SA). Details of this licence are available here

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