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Connecting Earth observation to high-throughput biodiversity data

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June 23, 2017

Martin Herold, amongst others, has co-authored an article: Connecting Earth observation to high-throughput biodiversity data, published in Nature Ecology & Evolution 1, Article number: 0176 (2017).

doi:10.1038/s41559-017-0176

Abstract

Understandably, given the fast pace of biodiversity loss, there is much interest in using Earth observation technology to track biodiversity, ecosystem functions and ecosystem services. However, because most biodiversity is invisible to Earth observation, indicators based on Earth observation could be misleading and reduce the effectiveness of nature conservation and even unintentionally decrease conservation effort. We describe an approach that combines automated recording devices, highthroughput DNA sequencing and modern ecological modelling to extract much more of the information available in Earth observation data. This approach is achievable now, offering efficient and near-real-time monitoring of management impacts on biodiversity and its functions and services.