Dethardt Goetze | University of Rostock (original) (raw)

Papers by Dethardt Goetze

Research paper thumbnail of Biodiversity of landscape sections: assessing and analyzing y-diversity by means of vegetation complexes

Phytocoenologia, Mar 20, 2000

Research paper thumbnail of Structural and floristic traits of habitats with differing relative abundance of the lemurs Microcebus murinus and M. ravelobensis in northwestern Madagascar

Research paper thumbnail of Changes in plant species composition following a climatic gradient in West Africa

Research paper thumbnail of Local Perception of Ecosystem Services and their Conservation in Sudanian Savannas of Burkina Faso (West Africa)

Context: In Burkina Faso, Sudanian savannas are important ecosystems for plant diversity conserva... more Context: In Burkina Faso, Sudanian savannas are important ecosystems for plant diversity conservation. However, population migration from the north due to desertification and insecurity has increased human density and caused an intensification of anthropogenic pressure on southern savannas. This study aims to investigate local population's knowledge on ecosystem services (ES), and perception on their conservation. Method: Individual semi-structured interviews focused on informants’ knowledge on ES and ecosystem conservation issues were conducted. Informants were selected according to the sociocultural groups and sex in three land use intensity levels: the communal area of Dano (CAD), the Total Wildlife Reserve of Bontioli (TWRB) and the Game Ranch of Nazinga (GRN). The use value and vulnerability index of each plant species were determined. Cluster analysis and principal component analysis were conducted to identify the particular knowledge of the different groups.Results: Overa...

Research paper thumbnail of Biodiversité et Changement global : importance de la phytodiversité des régions cacaoyères en Côte d’Ivoire (Afrique de l’Ouest)

La production de feves de cacao est a la base de la prosperite economique et sociale de la Cote d... more La production de feves de cacao est a la base de la prosperite economique et sociale de la Cote d’Ivoire, premier producteur mondial de cacao. La culture du cacaoyer est realisee sur 56% des terres consacrees aux cultures de rente, entrainant des changements profonds dans l’utilisation des terres. Une dynamique d'extension sur les fronts pionniers par abattage de la foret et brulis a permis au verger de cacaoyer, de connaitre une progression historique et geographique de l'Est vers l'Ouest du pays. Nous assistons a une perte de la phyto-diversite due a la cacao-culture alors qu’elle joue un role important dans la vie des populations locales. Notre etude a pour objectifs de decrire la phytodiversite des regions cacaoyeres, de montrer son importance pour les populations locales et de faire des recommandations. Des releves floristiques dans une centaine de plantations de 1 a 40 ans, dans des jacheres et forets environnantes, au Centre (Region de la Reserve de Lamto) et l’O...

Research paper thumbnail of Vegetation characteristics and changes under cash crop cultivation in forest-Savanna mosaics in Cote d'Ivoire

Research paper thumbnail of Savannas Ecosystems Services: Local Knowledge On Vulnerability And Adaptation To Climate Change In South-Western Burkina Faso (West Africa)

Research paper thumbnail of Floral and reproductive biology of Moringa oleifera (Moringaceae) in Burkina Faso, West Africa

Research paper thumbnail of Border and ecotone detection by vegetation composition along forest‐savanna transects in Ivory Coast

Journal of Vegetation Science, 2005

Research paper thumbnail of Phytomass and fire occurrence along forest–savanna transects in the Comoé National Park, Ivory Coast

Journal of Tropical Ecology, 2006

... Science 221:1341–1347. CÉSAR, J. 1981. Cycles of the biomass and regrowths after cutting in s... more ... Science 221:1341–1347. CÉSAR, J. 1981. Cycles of the biomass and regrowths after cutting in savanna (Ivory-Coast). Revue d'Elevage et de Médecine Vétérinaire des Pays Tropicaux 34:73–81. CLEVELAND, WS, GROSSE, E. & SHYU, WM 1992. Local regression models. ...

Research paper thumbnail of Size-class distribution of Anogeissus leiocarpus (Combretaceae) along forest–savanna ecotones in northern Ivory Coast

Journal of Tropical Ecology, 2005

Along eight forest–savanna transects at seven semi-deciduous forest islands in the southern Comoé... more Along eight forest–savanna transects at seven semi-deciduous forest islands in the southern Comoé National Park data on spatial distribution of tree-size classes and environmental parameters (fuel load, shading by upper tree layers, and soil depth) were collected. For dominant tree species, a sequential series was observed from the forest border into the forest interior. At the forest border, Anogeissus leiocarpus was the most abundant tree with juveniles (<1 cm dbh) reaching highest density values (mean of 502 individuals ha−1) at the outer periphery of the forests. Regression analysis of juveniles of dominant tree species and environmental parameters resulted in a separation of forest and savanna species. Forest tree species regenerated well at forest sites, but also in the shade of A. leiocarpus stands. We conclude that (1) the studied forest islands advance against savanna by sequential succession, and (2) A. leiocarpus has a high potential to regenerate at savanna–forest bou...

Research paper thumbnail of Dynamics of forest–savanna mosaics in north‐eastern Ivory Coast from 1954 to 2002

Journal of Biogeography, 2006

Aim In the transition between the southern Sudanian and northern Guinean zones of West Africa, n... more Aim In the transition between the southern Sudanian and northern Guinean zones of West Africa, numerous islands of predominantly semi‐deciduous forests are interspersed in extensive savannas. During the past decades, human population and intensity of land use have increased. At the same time, almost nothing is known about the natural dynamics of this widespread forest–savanna mosaic and how they are altered by human activities. This was investigated with respect to past, present and future forest–savanna dynamics, which presumably influence northern Guinean biodiversity.Location The Comoé National Park (CNP) region in north‐eastern Ivory Coast.Methods Landscape dynamics and the rates of anthropogenic deforestation and natural reforestation were retrospectively analysed by means of historical and recent aerial photographs and satellite images, directly relating the semi‐natural conditions in the CNP to neighbouring, traditionally utilized countryside.Results From 1954 to 1996, th...

Research paper thumbnail of Spatial and temporal dimensions of biodiversity dynamics

Research paper thumbnail of Table 2 Overview of the established BIOTA Observatories in Africa & Appendix

The international, interdisciplinary biodiversity research project BIOTA AFRICA initiated a stand... more The international, interdisciplinary biodiversity research project BIOTA AFRICA initiated a standardized biodiversity monitoring network along climatic gradients across the African continent. Due to an identified lack of adequate monitoring designs, BIOTA AFRICA developed and implemented the standardized BIOTA Biodiversity Observatories, that meet the following criteria (a) enable long-term monitoring of biodiversity, potential driving factors, and relevant indicators with adequate spatial and temporal resolution, (b) facilitate comparability of data generated within different ecosystems, (c) allow integration of many disciplines, (d) allow spatial up-scaling, and (e) be applicable within a network approach. A BIOTA Observatory encompasses an area of 1 km2 and is subdivided into 100 1-ha plots. For meeting the needs of sampling of different organism groups, the hectare plot is again subdivided into standardized subplots, whose sizes follow a geometric series. To allow for different sampling intensities but at the same time to characterize the whole square kilometer, the number of hectare plots to be sampled depends on the requirements of the respective discipline. A hierarchical ranking of the hectare plots ensures that all disciplines monitor as many hectare plots jointly as possible. The BIOTA Observatory design assures repeated, multidisciplinary standardized inventories of biodiversity and its environmental drivers, including options for spatial up- and downscaling and different sampling intensities. BIOTA Observatories have been installed along climatic and landscape gradients in Morocco, West Africa, and southern Africa. In regions with varying land use, several BIOTA Observatories are situated close to each other to analyze management effects.

Research paper thumbnail of Plant-Pollinator Networks in Savannas of Burkina Faso, West Africa

Diversity

West African savannas are severely threatened with intensified land use and increasing degradatio... more West African savannas are severely threatened with intensified land use and increasing degradation. Bees are important for terrestrial biodiversity as they provide native plant species with pollination services. However, little information is available regarding their mutualistic interactions with woody plant species. In the first network study from sub-Saharan West Africa, we investigated the effects of land-use intensity and climatic seasonality on plant–bee communities and their interaction networks. In total, we recorded 5686 interactions between 53 flowering woody plant species and 100 bee species. Bee-species richness and the number of interactions were higher in the low compared to medium and high land-use intensity sites. Bee- and plant-species richness and the number of interactions were higher in the dry compared to the rainy season. Plant–bee visitation networks were not strongly affected by land-use intensity; however, climatic seasonality had a strong effect on network ...

Research paper thumbnail of Climate change reduces the distribution area of the shea tree (Vitellaria paradoxa C.F. Gaertn.) in Burkina Faso

Journal of Arid Environments

Research paper thumbnail of Figure 4 from: Borsch T, Stevens A-D, Häffner E, Güntsch A, Berendsohn WG, Appelhans MS, Barilaro C, Beszteri B, Blattner FR, Bossdorf O, Dalitz H, Dressler S, Duque-Thüs R, Esser H-J, Franzke A, Goetze D, Grein M, Grünert U, Hellwig F, Hentschel J, Hörandl E, Janßen T, Jürgens N, Kadereit G, Kar...

Figure 4 from: Borsch T, Stevens A-D, Häffner E, Güntsch A, Berendsohn WG, Appelhans MS, Barilaro C, Beszteri B, Blattner FR, Bossdorf O, Dalitz H, Dressler S, Duque-Thüs R, Esser H-J, Franzke A, Goetze D, Grein M, Grünert U, Hellwig F, Hentschel J, Hörandl E, Janßen T, Jürgens N, Kadereit G, Kar...

Plants, fungi and algae are important components of global biodiversity and are fundamental to al... more Plants, fungi and algae are important components of global biodiversity and are fundamental to all ecosystems. They are the basis for human well-being, providing food, materials and medicines. Specimens of all three groups of organisms are accommodated in herbaria, where they are commonly referred to as botanical specimens. We have compiled nine scientific use cases of immediate societal relevance for an integrated infrastructure of botanical collections. They address accelerated biodiversity discovery and research, biomonitoring and conservation planning, biodiversity modelling, the generation of trait information, automated image recognition by artificial intelligence, automated pathogen detection, contextualization by interlinking objects, enabling provenance research, as well as education, outreach and citizen science. We propose to start this initiative now in order to valorize German botanical collections as a vital part of a worldwide biodiversity data pool.

Research paper thumbnail of Figure 3 from: Borsch T, Stevens A-D, Häffner E, Güntsch A, Berendsohn WG, Appelhans MS, Barilaro C, Beszteri B, Blattner FR, Bossdorf O, Dalitz H, Dressler S, Duque-Thüs R, Esser H-J, Franzke A, Goetze D, Grein M, Grünert U, Hellwig F, Hentschel J, Hörandl E, Janßen T, Jürgens N, Kadereit G, Kar...

Figure 3 from: Borsch T, Stevens A-D, Häffner E, Güntsch A, Berendsohn WG, Appelhans MS, Barilaro C, Beszteri B, Blattner FR, Bossdorf O, Dalitz H, Dressler S, Duque-Thüs R, Esser H-J, Franzke A, Goetze D, Grein M, Grünert U, Hellwig F, Hentschel J, Hörandl E, Janßen T, Jürgens N, Kadereit G, Kar...

Plants, fungi and algae are important components of global biodiversity and are fundamental to al... more Plants, fungi and algae are important components of global biodiversity and are fundamental to all ecosystems. They are the basis for human well-being, providing food, materials and medicines. Specimens of all three groups of organisms are accommodated in herbaria, where they are commonly referred to as botanical specimens. We have compiled nine scientific use cases of immediate societal relevance for an integrated infrastructure of botanical collections. They address accelerated biodiversity discovery and research, biomonitoring and conservation planning, biodiversity modelling, the generation of trait information, automated image recognition by artificial intelligence, automated pathogen detection, contextualization by interlinking objects, enabling provenance research, as well as education, outreach and citizen science. We propose to start this initiative now in order to valorize German botanical collections as a vital part of a worldwide biodiversity data pool.

Research paper thumbnail of Figure 1 from: Borsch T, Stevens A-D, Häffner E, Güntsch A, Berendsohn WG, Appelhans MS, Barilaro C, Beszteri B, Blattner FR, Bossdorf O, Dalitz H, Dressler S, Duque-Thüs R, Esser H-J, Franzke A, Goetze D, Grein M, Grünert U, Hellwig F, Hentschel J, Hörandl E, Janßen T, Jürgens N, Kadereit G, Kar...

Figure 1 from: Borsch T, Stevens A-D, Häffner E, Güntsch A, Berendsohn WG, Appelhans MS, Barilaro C, Beszteri B, Blattner FR, Bossdorf O, Dalitz H, Dressler S, Duque-Thüs R, Esser H-J, Franzke A, Goetze D, Grein M, Grünert U, Hellwig F, Hentschel J, Hörandl E, Janßen T, Jürgens N, Kadereit G, Kar...

Plants, fungi and algae are important components of global biodiversity and are fundamental to al... more Plants, fungi and algae are important components of global biodiversity and are fundamental to all ecosystems. They are the basis for human well-being, providing food, materials and medicines. Specimens of all three groups of organisms are accommodated in herbaria, where they are commonly referred to as botanical specimens. We have compiled nine scientific use cases of immediate societal relevance for an integrated infrastructure of botanical collections. They address accelerated biodiversity discovery and research, biomonitoring and conservation planning, biodiversity modelling, the generation of trait information, automated image recognition by artificial intelligence, automated pathogen detection, contextualization by interlinking objects, enabling provenance research, as well as education, outreach and citizen science. We propose to start this initiative now in order to valorize German botanical collections as a vital part of a worldwide biodiversity data pool.

Research paper thumbnail of A complete digitization of German herbaria is possible, sensible and should be started now

Research Ideas and Outcomes

Plants, fungi and algae are important components of global biodiversity and are fundamental to al... more Plants, fungi and algae are important components of global biodiversity and are fundamental to all ecosystems. They are the basis for human well-being, providing food, materials and medicines. Specimens of all three groups of organisms are accommodated in herbaria, where they are commonly referred to as botanical specimens. The large number of specimens in herbaria provides an ample, permanent and continuously improving knowledge base on these organisms and an indispensable source for the analysis of the distribution of species in space and time critical for current and future research relating to global biodiversity. In order to make full use of this resource, a research infrastructure has to be built that grants comprehensive and free access to the information in herbaria and botanical collections in general. This can be achieved through digitization of the botanical objects and associated data. The botanical research community can count on a long-standing tradition of collaborati...

Research paper thumbnail of Biodiversity of landscape sections: assessing and analyzing y-diversity by means of vegetation complexes

Phytocoenologia, Mar 20, 2000

Research paper thumbnail of Structural and floristic traits of habitats with differing relative abundance of the lemurs Microcebus murinus and M. ravelobensis in northwestern Madagascar

Research paper thumbnail of Changes in plant species composition following a climatic gradient in West Africa

Research paper thumbnail of Local Perception of Ecosystem Services and their Conservation in Sudanian Savannas of Burkina Faso (West Africa)

Context: In Burkina Faso, Sudanian savannas are important ecosystems for plant diversity conserva... more Context: In Burkina Faso, Sudanian savannas are important ecosystems for plant diversity conservation. However, population migration from the north due to desertification and insecurity has increased human density and caused an intensification of anthropogenic pressure on southern savannas. This study aims to investigate local population's knowledge on ecosystem services (ES), and perception on their conservation. Method: Individual semi-structured interviews focused on informants’ knowledge on ES and ecosystem conservation issues were conducted. Informants were selected according to the sociocultural groups and sex in three land use intensity levels: the communal area of Dano (CAD), the Total Wildlife Reserve of Bontioli (TWRB) and the Game Ranch of Nazinga (GRN). The use value and vulnerability index of each plant species were determined. Cluster analysis and principal component analysis were conducted to identify the particular knowledge of the different groups.Results: Overa...

Research paper thumbnail of Biodiversité et Changement global : importance de la phytodiversité des régions cacaoyères en Côte d’Ivoire (Afrique de l’Ouest)

La production de feves de cacao est a la base de la prosperite economique et sociale de la Cote d... more La production de feves de cacao est a la base de la prosperite economique et sociale de la Cote d’Ivoire, premier producteur mondial de cacao. La culture du cacaoyer est realisee sur 56% des terres consacrees aux cultures de rente, entrainant des changements profonds dans l’utilisation des terres. Une dynamique d'extension sur les fronts pionniers par abattage de la foret et brulis a permis au verger de cacaoyer, de connaitre une progression historique et geographique de l'Est vers l'Ouest du pays. Nous assistons a une perte de la phyto-diversite due a la cacao-culture alors qu’elle joue un role important dans la vie des populations locales. Notre etude a pour objectifs de decrire la phytodiversite des regions cacaoyeres, de montrer son importance pour les populations locales et de faire des recommandations. Des releves floristiques dans une centaine de plantations de 1 a 40 ans, dans des jacheres et forets environnantes, au Centre (Region de la Reserve de Lamto) et l’O...

Research paper thumbnail of Vegetation characteristics and changes under cash crop cultivation in forest-Savanna mosaics in Cote d'Ivoire

Research paper thumbnail of Savannas Ecosystems Services: Local Knowledge On Vulnerability And Adaptation To Climate Change In South-Western Burkina Faso (West Africa)

Research paper thumbnail of Floral and reproductive biology of Moringa oleifera (Moringaceae) in Burkina Faso, West Africa

Research paper thumbnail of Border and ecotone detection by vegetation composition along forest‐savanna transects in Ivory Coast

Journal of Vegetation Science, 2005

Research paper thumbnail of Phytomass and fire occurrence along forest–savanna transects in the Comoé National Park, Ivory Coast

Journal of Tropical Ecology, 2006

... Science 221:1341–1347. CÉSAR, J. 1981. Cycles of the biomass and regrowths after cutting in s... more ... Science 221:1341–1347. CÉSAR, J. 1981. Cycles of the biomass and regrowths after cutting in savanna (Ivory-Coast). Revue d'Elevage et de Médecine Vétérinaire des Pays Tropicaux 34:73–81. CLEVELAND, WS, GROSSE, E. & SHYU, WM 1992. Local regression models. ...

Research paper thumbnail of Size-class distribution of Anogeissus leiocarpus (Combretaceae) along forest–savanna ecotones in northern Ivory Coast

Journal of Tropical Ecology, 2005

Along eight forest–savanna transects at seven semi-deciduous forest islands in the southern Comoé... more Along eight forest–savanna transects at seven semi-deciduous forest islands in the southern Comoé National Park data on spatial distribution of tree-size classes and environmental parameters (fuel load, shading by upper tree layers, and soil depth) were collected. For dominant tree species, a sequential series was observed from the forest border into the forest interior. At the forest border, Anogeissus leiocarpus was the most abundant tree with juveniles (<1 cm dbh) reaching highest density values (mean of 502 individuals ha−1) at the outer periphery of the forests. Regression analysis of juveniles of dominant tree species and environmental parameters resulted in a separation of forest and savanna species. Forest tree species regenerated well at forest sites, but also in the shade of A. leiocarpus stands. We conclude that (1) the studied forest islands advance against savanna by sequential succession, and (2) A. leiocarpus has a high potential to regenerate at savanna–forest bou...

Research paper thumbnail of Dynamics of forest–savanna mosaics in north‐eastern Ivory Coast from 1954 to 2002

Journal of Biogeography, 2006

Aim In the transition between the southern Sudanian and northern Guinean zones of West Africa, n... more Aim In the transition between the southern Sudanian and northern Guinean zones of West Africa, numerous islands of predominantly semi‐deciduous forests are interspersed in extensive savannas. During the past decades, human population and intensity of land use have increased. At the same time, almost nothing is known about the natural dynamics of this widespread forest–savanna mosaic and how they are altered by human activities. This was investigated with respect to past, present and future forest–savanna dynamics, which presumably influence northern Guinean biodiversity.Location The Comoé National Park (CNP) region in north‐eastern Ivory Coast.Methods Landscape dynamics and the rates of anthropogenic deforestation and natural reforestation were retrospectively analysed by means of historical and recent aerial photographs and satellite images, directly relating the semi‐natural conditions in the CNP to neighbouring, traditionally utilized countryside.Results From 1954 to 1996, th...

Research paper thumbnail of Spatial and temporal dimensions of biodiversity dynamics

Research paper thumbnail of Table 2 Overview of the established BIOTA Observatories in Africa & Appendix

The international, interdisciplinary biodiversity research project BIOTA AFRICA initiated a stand... more The international, interdisciplinary biodiversity research project BIOTA AFRICA initiated a standardized biodiversity monitoring network along climatic gradients across the African continent. Due to an identified lack of adequate monitoring designs, BIOTA AFRICA developed and implemented the standardized BIOTA Biodiversity Observatories, that meet the following criteria (a) enable long-term monitoring of biodiversity, potential driving factors, and relevant indicators with adequate spatial and temporal resolution, (b) facilitate comparability of data generated within different ecosystems, (c) allow integration of many disciplines, (d) allow spatial up-scaling, and (e) be applicable within a network approach. A BIOTA Observatory encompasses an area of 1 km2 and is subdivided into 100 1-ha plots. For meeting the needs of sampling of different organism groups, the hectare plot is again subdivided into standardized subplots, whose sizes follow a geometric series. To allow for different sampling intensities but at the same time to characterize the whole square kilometer, the number of hectare plots to be sampled depends on the requirements of the respective discipline. A hierarchical ranking of the hectare plots ensures that all disciplines monitor as many hectare plots jointly as possible. The BIOTA Observatory design assures repeated, multidisciplinary standardized inventories of biodiversity and its environmental drivers, including options for spatial up- and downscaling and different sampling intensities. BIOTA Observatories have been installed along climatic and landscape gradients in Morocco, West Africa, and southern Africa. In regions with varying land use, several BIOTA Observatories are situated close to each other to analyze management effects.

Research paper thumbnail of Plant-Pollinator Networks in Savannas of Burkina Faso, West Africa

Diversity

West African savannas are severely threatened with intensified land use and increasing degradatio... more West African savannas are severely threatened with intensified land use and increasing degradation. Bees are important for terrestrial biodiversity as they provide native plant species with pollination services. However, little information is available regarding their mutualistic interactions with woody plant species. In the first network study from sub-Saharan West Africa, we investigated the effects of land-use intensity and climatic seasonality on plant–bee communities and their interaction networks. In total, we recorded 5686 interactions between 53 flowering woody plant species and 100 bee species. Bee-species richness and the number of interactions were higher in the low compared to medium and high land-use intensity sites. Bee- and plant-species richness and the number of interactions were higher in the dry compared to the rainy season. Plant–bee visitation networks were not strongly affected by land-use intensity; however, climatic seasonality had a strong effect on network ...

Research paper thumbnail of Climate change reduces the distribution area of the shea tree (Vitellaria paradoxa C.F. Gaertn.) in Burkina Faso

Journal of Arid Environments

Research paper thumbnail of Figure 4 from: Borsch T, Stevens A-D, Häffner E, Güntsch A, Berendsohn WG, Appelhans MS, Barilaro C, Beszteri B, Blattner FR, Bossdorf O, Dalitz H, Dressler S, Duque-Thüs R, Esser H-J, Franzke A, Goetze D, Grein M, Grünert U, Hellwig F, Hentschel J, Hörandl E, Janßen T, Jürgens N, Kadereit G, Kar...

Figure 4 from: Borsch T, Stevens A-D, Häffner E, Güntsch A, Berendsohn WG, Appelhans MS, Barilaro C, Beszteri B, Blattner FR, Bossdorf O, Dalitz H, Dressler S, Duque-Thüs R, Esser H-J, Franzke A, Goetze D, Grein M, Grünert U, Hellwig F, Hentschel J, Hörandl E, Janßen T, Jürgens N, Kadereit G, Kar...

Plants, fungi and algae are important components of global biodiversity and are fundamental to al... more Plants, fungi and algae are important components of global biodiversity and are fundamental to all ecosystems. They are the basis for human well-being, providing food, materials and medicines. Specimens of all three groups of organisms are accommodated in herbaria, where they are commonly referred to as botanical specimens. We have compiled nine scientific use cases of immediate societal relevance for an integrated infrastructure of botanical collections. They address accelerated biodiversity discovery and research, biomonitoring and conservation planning, biodiversity modelling, the generation of trait information, automated image recognition by artificial intelligence, automated pathogen detection, contextualization by interlinking objects, enabling provenance research, as well as education, outreach and citizen science. We propose to start this initiative now in order to valorize German botanical collections as a vital part of a worldwide biodiversity data pool.

Research paper thumbnail of Figure 3 from: Borsch T, Stevens A-D, Häffner E, Güntsch A, Berendsohn WG, Appelhans MS, Barilaro C, Beszteri B, Blattner FR, Bossdorf O, Dalitz H, Dressler S, Duque-Thüs R, Esser H-J, Franzke A, Goetze D, Grein M, Grünert U, Hellwig F, Hentschel J, Hörandl E, Janßen T, Jürgens N, Kadereit G, Kar...

Figure 3 from: Borsch T, Stevens A-D, Häffner E, Güntsch A, Berendsohn WG, Appelhans MS, Barilaro C, Beszteri B, Blattner FR, Bossdorf O, Dalitz H, Dressler S, Duque-Thüs R, Esser H-J, Franzke A, Goetze D, Grein M, Grünert U, Hellwig F, Hentschel J, Hörandl E, Janßen T, Jürgens N, Kadereit G, Kar...

Plants, fungi and algae are important components of global biodiversity and are fundamental to al... more Plants, fungi and algae are important components of global biodiversity and are fundamental to all ecosystems. They are the basis for human well-being, providing food, materials and medicines. Specimens of all three groups of organisms are accommodated in herbaria, where they are commonly referred to as botanical specimens. We have compiled nine scientific use cases of immediate societal relevance for an integrated infrastructure of botanical collections. They address accelerated biodiversity discovery and research, biomonitoring and conservation planning, biodiversity modelling, the generation of trait information, automated image recognition by artificial intelligence, automated pathogen detection, contextualization by interlinking objects, enabling provenance research, as well as education, outreach and citizen science. We propose to start this initiative now in order to valorize German botanical collections as a vital part of a worldwide biodiversity data pool.

Research paper thumbnail of Figure 1 from: Borsch T, Stevens A-D, Häffner E, Güntsch A, Berendsohn WG, Appelhans MS, Barilaro C, Beszteri B, Blattner FR, Bossdorf O, Dalitz H, Dressler S, Duque-Thüs R, Esser H-J, Franzke A, Goetze D, Grein M, Grünert U, Hellwig F, Hentschel J, Hörandl E, Janßen T, Jürgens N, Kadereit G, Kar...

Figure 1 from: Borsch T, Stevens A-D, Häffner E, Güntsch A, Berendsohn WG, Appelhans MS, Barilaro C, Beszteri B, Blattner FR, Bossdorf O, Dalitz H, Dressler S, Duque-Thüs R, Esser H-J, Franzke A, Goetze D, Grein M, Grünert U, Hellwig F, Hentschel J, Hörandl E, Janßen T, Jürgens N, Kadereit G, Kar...

Plants, fungi and algae are important components of global biodiversity and are fundamental to al... more Plants, fungi and algae are important components of global biodiversity and are fundamental to all ecosystems. They are the basis for human well-being, providing food, materials and medicines. Specimens of all three groups of organisms are accommodated in herbaria, where they are commonly referred to as botanical specimens. We have compiled nine scientific use cases of immediate societal relevance for an integrated infrastructure of botanical collections. They address accelerated biodiversity discovery and research, biomonitoring and conservation planning, biodiversity modelling, the generation of trait information, automated image recognition by artificial intelligence, automated pathogen detection, contextualization by interlinking objects, enabling provenance research, as well as education, outreach and citizen science. We propose to start this initiative now in order to valorize German botanical collections as a vital part of a worldwide biodiversity data pool.

Research paper thumbnail of A complete digitization of German herbaria is possible, sensible and should be started now

Research Ideas and Outcomes

Plants, fungi and algae are important components of global biodiversity and are fundamental to al... more Plants, fungi and algae are important components of global biodiversity and are fundamental to all ecosystems. They are the basis for human well-being, providing food, materials and medicines. Specimens of all three groups of organisms are accommodated in herbaria, where they are commonly referred to as botanical specimens. The large number of specimens in herbaria provides an ample, permanent and continuously improving knowledge base on these organisms and an indispensable source for the analysis of the distribution of species in space and time critical for current and future research relating to global biodiversity. In order to make full use of this resource, a research infrastructure has to be built that grants comprehensive and free access to the information in herbaria and botanical collections in general. This can be achieved through digitization of the botanical objects and associated data. The botanical research community can count on a long-standing tradition of collaborati...