Reconciling methodologically different biodiversity assessments

摘要: Ongoing large-scale habitat disturbance requires quick identification of con- servation priorities such as targeting sites rich in species and/or endemics. Biodiversity assessments are time consuming and expensive, so surveys often rely on partial sampling. Optimal use should be made all currently available sources information, but meth- odological differences between hamper direct comparison. Because diversity de- pends spatial scale, characteristics different best compared the basis species-area relationships. As a result incompleteness sampling, observed relationship deviates from ''true'' relationship. In this paper, we identify five key factors affecting shape re- lationship due to incomplete sampling: (1) total extent observations, (2) distribution (3) proportion sampled, (4) individuals sampled area included survey, (5) successfully identified. We outline how odologically can combined optimize existing data evaluation conservation needs, particularly for tropical forests. an illustration, analyzed four methodologically botanical same old growth lowland forest South Cameroon with aim reconciling these surveys. The were reconnaissance scale vegetation mapping, detailed assessment (all individuals), (10% herbarium collections. By correcting able match results biodiversity affected recorded number endemics differently; sampling three most important factors. conclude that reconciliation is possible if methods accounted for. advocate reliable documentation survey methods, especially factors, because it greatly enhances potential com- bining comparative analyses.