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This dataset provides spatial representation for the 234 “Data Sheet Sites” in the Centres of Plant Diversity (Davis et al. 1994-1997). In addition to the 234 priority sites selected for Data Sheet Site treatment, the Centres of Plant Diversity volumes recognize a number of additional sites in the Regional Summaries, but these are not included here. Theoretically, based on spatial information provided for some non-Data Sheet Sites in the CPD volumes (or even just the name of the sites in many cases), it would be possible to map many non-Data Sheet Sites. However, it would be difficult to do so consistently, and, furthermore, only the Data Sheet Sites are based on actual criteria. Specifically, to qualify for “Data Sheet” treatment in the volumes, mainland sites must have >1000 vascular plants, of which at least 100 are endemic to the site or to the phytogeographical region in which the site occurs; island floras must contain at least 50 endemic species or at least 10% of the flora must be endemic.

For the purpose of digitizing the Data Sheet Sites, it has been necessary to make a subjective assessment as to whether to use the coarser resolution maps shown on the continental / regional maps, or the more detailed maps provided on Data Sheet Site pages. Where possible, sites have been digitized according to the more detailed maps (sometimes using an elevation model to assist), but since the books lack any coordinate or geographic information, digitizing these with any degree of accuracy is difficult. The map source used can be determined by consulting the relevant page number in the “Page_Ref” attribute field.

In some cases, both a representation of the polygon from the book (marked “Original”) and a representation of the site corresponding to the World Database on Protected Areas (marked “WDPA”) are presented (e.g., Cristal Mountains, Edwards Plateau) – in such cases, users should be aware that the “Original” polygon may better reflect the intentions of the Data Sheet authors.

Note the following with reference to several CPD sites:

• NA16: the major centres of endemism within the California Floristic Province (designated as NA16a-g) are not mapped.
• SEA18: SEA18h is mapped based on rough approximation of the three mountains mentioned in the text under the Data Sheet text (Gunung Bra-ang, Gunung Selabor and Gunung Serapat). SEA18i is technically part of SEA33 (Gunung Mulu National Park etc…) and so not mapped.

WCMC welcomes any proposed corrections that would help improve the accuracy of the digitized dataset. These should be returned to the named Contact Person above for incorporation into the master layer.

Field

ESRI Field Type

Description

FID

Object ID

Internal Record ID

SHAPE

Geometry

Geometry

SITE_REF

Text

Reference to Data Sheet Site code used in CPD volumes

AREANAME

Text

Reference to Data Sheet Site name used in CPD volumes

Notes

Text

Notes on how the shape was created, as follows:

Original – boundary corresponds to source material

WDPA – boundary either entirely, or partly, follows the World Database on Protected Areas

Buffered point – based on coordinate information provided in the data sheet

Volume

Short

CPD Volume number (Volume 1: Europe, Africa, South West Asia and the Middle East; Volume 2: Asia, Australasia and the Pacific; Volume 3: The Americas)

Page_Ref

Long

Reference to page of map source in corresponding CPD volume.