Spiders from Macaronesia_Azores

The data presented here comes from samples collected as part of two recent research projects (ISLANDBIODIV and MACDIV), which aimed to understand the drivers of community assembly in Macaronesian isla... The data presented here comes from samples collected as part of two recent research projects (ISLANDBIODIV and MACDIV), which aimed to understand the drivers of community assembly in Macaronesian islands. We applied the sampling protocol COBRA (Conservation Oriented Biodiversity Rapid Assessment, Cardoso 2009) in ten 50 m x 50 m native forest plots in the Azorean Islands of Pico (6 plots) and Terceira (10 plots) to assess the diversity of spiders species. Through this publication we contribute to the knowledge of the arachnofauna of the Azores, and more specifically, to that of the islands of Pico and Terceira. This dataset presents data generated from spider samples collected in 16 forest plots on the Azorean islands of Pico and Terceira. Of the 40 species collected, 16 were introduced, 13 endemic, seven native (five of them Macaronesian endemics) and four undescribed species. Although most of the species had been previously recorded on both islands, two of the introduced species were recorded in Pico for the first time.7

Spiders from Macaronesia_Madeira

The data presented here comes from samples collected as part of one recent research project (MACDIV), which aimed to understand the drivers of community assembly in Macaronesian islands. We applied th... The data presented here comes from samples collected as part of one recent research project (MACDIV), which aimed to understand the drivers of community assembly in Macaronesian islands. We applied the sampling protocol COBRA (Conservation Oriented Biodiversity Rapid Assessment, Cardoso 2009) in twelve 50 m x 50 m native forest plots in the Madeira Island, five dry plots in Madeira Island and five dry plots in Porto Santo Island to assess the diversity of spiders species. Through this publication we contribute to the knowledge of the arachnofauna of the Madeira archipelago, and more specifically, to that of the islands of Madeira and Porto Santo. Of the 87 species and 18 morphospecies (undescribed) collected, 34 were endemic, 26 native non-endemic, 22 introduced and 23 species of unknown origin. Although most of the species had been previously recorded on both islands, 21 species are new records for Madeira island and 32 new for Porto Santo (33 for the whole archipelago).7

Long-term monitoring of Azorean forest spiders

The data we present are part of the long-term project SLAM (Long Term Ecological Study of the Impacts of Climate Change in the natural forest of Azores) that aims to understand the impact of biodivers... The data we present are part of the long-term project SLAM (Long Term Ecological Study of the Impacts of Climate Change in the natural forest of Azores) that aims to understand the impact of biodiversity erosion drivers on Azorean native forests. Passive flight interception SLAM traps (Sea, Land and Air Malaise trap) were used to sample forest plots in both islands, with one trap being setup at each plot. A total of twenty 50m x 50m plots were sampled in two of the islands from the archipelago, 13 in Terceira and 7 in Pico. This publication contributes not only to a better knowledge of the arachnofauna present in native forests of Terceira and Pico, but also contributes to understand the patterns of abundance and diversity both seasonally and between years.7

A survey of exotic arthropods in disturbed Azorean forest habitats using SLAM traps

The data we present consists in an inventory of exotic arthropods, potentially invasive, collected on exotic and mixed forests, as well disturbed native forest patches most of them not included in pro... The data we present consists in an inventory of exotic arthropods, potentially invasive, collected on exotic and mixed forests, as well disturbed native forest patches most of them not included in protected areas, on the Azores archipelago. The study was carried out between 2019 and 2020 in four islands: Corvo, Flores, Terceira and Santa Maria, where a total of 45 passive flight interception SLAM traps were deployed, during three to six consecutive months. This manuscript is the second contribution of the “SLAM Project - Long Term Ecological Study of the Impacts of Climate Change in the natural forest of Azores”. A total of 45 passive flight interception SLAM traps were deployed, during six consecutive months, collecting arthropods belonging to Arachnida, Diplopoda, Chilopoda and Insecta Classes. We collected a total of 21,175 specimens, belonging to 20 orders, 93 families and 249 species of arthropods. A total of 125 species are considered introduced, 89 native non-endemic and 35 endemic. We registered a total of 33 new records for one or more islands, of which five are new for Azores: Dieckmanniellus nitidulus (Gyllenhal, 1838), Gronops fasciatus Küster, 1851, Hadroplontus trimaculatus (Fabricius, 1775), Hypurus berandi (Perris, 1852) (all Coleoptera, Curculionidae) and Cardiocondyla mauritanica Forel, 1890 (Hymenoptera, Formicidae). This publication remarks the importance of disturbed native forest patches and exotic vegetation areas as potential reservoirs of exotic potentially invasive arthropods and also accommodating some rare relict endemic arthropod species7

Monthly monitoring of Azorean forest arthropods testing for edge effects (Terceira Island, Azores, Portugal)

The data we present consists in an inventory of arthropods collected in three areas of a native forest fragment at Terra-Brava protected area (Terceira, Azores, Portugal): (i) in the edge of the fores... The data we present consists in an inventory of arthropods collected in three areas of a native forest fragment at Terra-Brava protected area (Terceira, Azores, Portugal): (i) in the edge of the forest, closer to pasturelands; (ii) in the deepest and pristine part of the native fragment (more than 500 m from edge); (iii) and in an intermediate area (150 from edge), in order to test the edge effect on Azorean arthropod community. The study was carried out between June 2014 and December 2015, in Terceira Island (Azores). A total of nine passive flight interception SLAM traps were deployed, during 18 consecutive months, collecting monthly the arthropods belonging to Arachnida, Diplopoda, Chilopoda and Insecta Classes. This publication provides new information about Azorean arthropods communities across gradients of temporal and edge effect variation7

Long-term monitoring of Azorean forest spiders – Part 2

The data we present hereafter are part of the long-term project SLAM (Long Term Ecological Study of the Impacts of Climate Change in the natural forest of Azores). This project started in 2012, and fo... The data we present hereafter are part of the long-term project SLAM (Long Term Ecological Study of the Impacts of Climate Change in the natural forest of Azores). This project started in 2012, and focuses on arthropod monitoring, with the aim to understand the impact of the drivers of biodiversity erosion on Azorean native forests (Azores, Macaronesia, Portugal). In this publication, we describe the second SLAM sampling database for the arachnofauna of native forests on two islands (Pico and Terceira), collected between 2019 and 2021.7

Long-term monitoring of Azorean forest arthropods

Since 2012 we are conducting in Azorean Islands (Portugal) native and exotic forests a long-term monitoring study named SLAM - Long Term Ecological Study of the Impacts of Climate Change in the natura... Since 2012 we are conducting in Azorean Islands (Portugal) native and exotic forests a long-term monitoring study named SLAM - Long Term Ecological Study of the Impacts of Climate Change in the natural forest of Azores. This long-term monitoring study is monitoring arthropods (Arthropoda), aiming to understand the impact of biodiversity erosion drivers in Azorean native forests arthropod distribution, abundance and diversity. The current dataset represents arthropods that were recorded using a total of 42 passive SLAM traps (Sea, Land and Air Malaise) deployed inside native and exotic forest fragments in seven Azorean Islands (Flores, Faial, Pico, Graciosa, Terceira São Miguel and Santa Maria). This manuscript is the fifth data-paper contribution based on data from this long-term project.7

Inventory of Arthropods of Azorean Urban Gardens

The data we present are part of the long-term project SLAM (Long Term Ecological Study of the Impacts of Climate Change in the natural forest of Azores) aiming to assess the impact of biodiversity ero... The data we present are part of the long-term project SLAM (Long Term Ecological Study of the Impacts of Climate Change in the natural forest of Azores) aiming to assess the impact of biodiversity erosion drivers on Azorean native biota, using long-term ecological data. Additionally to SLAM traps, nocturnal Active Aerial Searching and nocturnal Foliage Beating methods were used to sample, between 2017 and 2018, the arthropod biodiversity on two historical urban gardens of Azores, the “Jardim Botânico” of Faial Island, and “Jardim Duque da Terceira” of Terceira Island. This publication includes new data and updates the knowledge about the arthropod diversity and taxonomy of Arteaga et al. 2020, and contributes to the study of the urban gardens role to conservation of native biota.7

Monitoring grassland’s arthropods in a in situ climate change experimentation (Terceira, Azores, Portugal)

The data presented are part of the project PASTURCLIM (Impact of climate change on pasture’s productivity and nutritional composition in the Azores). The project aims to assess consequences of clima... The data presented are part of the project PASTURCLIM (Impact of climate change on pasture’s productivity and nutritional composition in the Azores). The project aims to assess consequences of climate change (in this case, increasing temperature) on the grass production and quality for cattle forage. The project also aims to assess changes in the arthropod’s community associated to the grassland. An in situ experimentation was set up using Open Top Chambers (OTC’s), in order to simulate an increasing of temperature (average of +1.2ºC) on grassland. In this paper, we present data relative to the arthropods collection. Overall, we collected 45,423 specimens belonging to four classes, 18 orders, 64 families and 177 morphospecies (including 34 taxa identified only at order, family of genus level). Therefore, for only 147 taxa we have a scientific name associated (n = 42,999).7

Spiders from Macaronesia: Cabo Verde

The data presented in this study were obtained from samples collected as part of the project "Macaronesian Islands as a testing ground to assess biodiversity drivers at multiple scales" (FCT... The data presented in this study were obtained from samples collected as part of the project "Macaronesian Islands as a testing ground to assess biodiversity drivers at multiple scales" (FCT - MACDIV) (2015-2018). This project aimed at gaining insights into the factors influencing community assembly in Macaronesian islands. To assess spider diversity, we employed the COBRA (Conservation Oriented Biodiversity Rapid Assessment) sampling protocol. Our sampling efforts were conducted in ten 50 m x 50 m dry shrub plots located on the Cabo Verde Islands of Santo Antão (comprising five plots) and São Vicente (comprising five plots). Additional ad-hoc samples are also available. With this publication, we contribute valuable information to the understanding of the arachnofauna of Cabo verde, specifically focusing on the islands of Santo Antão and São Vicente.7

Monitoring arthropods under the scope of LIFE-Snails project – Baseline Data

The database we present is part of the LIFE SNAILS project (Support and Naturalization in Areas of Importance for Land Snails), which has the main aim of protect three species of terrestrial molluscs,... The database we present is part of the LIFE SNAILS project (Support and Naturalization in Areas of Importance for Land Snails), which has the main aim of protect three species of terrestrial molluscs, two snails (Oxychilus agostinhoi and Leptaxis minor) and a semislug (Plutonia angulosa), which are endemic of Santa Maria Island, and whose populations are at high risk. In this study, we established a comprehensive database derived from a long-term arthropod monitoring campaign utilizing SLAM (Sea, Land, Air, Malaise) traps. While molluscs were not the focus, our findings present a credible proxy for assessing the overall habitat quality for endemic invertebrates, using arthropods as principal indicators. Between September and December of 2022, a total of 11 SLAM traps were installed and monitored monthly in eleven sites of mixed forests of Santa Maria Island. Based on the 33 available samples (11 sites x 3 months), we registered 94 identified taxa. A total of 21 species were endemic, 31 native non-endemic, 32 introduced and 10 indeterminate. This publication not only contributes to the conservation of highly threatened endemic molluscs, through an assessment of habitat quality based on arthropod communities and habitat description (e.g. native or exotic vegetation), but also provide an updated inventory of arthropods from Santa Maria Island.7

The MOVECLIM – AZORES project: Bryophytes from Pico Island (2012)

In September 2012, Pico Island was surveyed along an elevational transept starting on Manhenha, at 10 m a.s.l., and ending on the Pico Mountain caldera, at 2200 m a.s.l. to obtain a systematic invento... In September 2012, Pico Island was surveyed along an elevational transept starting on Manhenha, at 10 m a.s.l., and ending on the Pico Mountain caldera, at 2200 m a.s.l. to obtain a systematic inventory of the bryophytes living in natural environments. A total of twelve sites were examined, separated by 200 m elevation steps. At each site, two 10 m x 10 m plots were established within 10-15 m from each other, and within each plot, three 2 m x 2 m quadrats were randomly selected and thoroughly sampled for bryophytes using microplots of 10 cm x 5 cm, collected to paper bags. Six substrates were explored within each quadrat: rock, soil, humus, organic matter, tree bark and leaves/fronds; three replicates were made for each substrate, whenever available and colonized by bryophytes, totalling a maximum of 18 microplots per quadrat, 54 microplots per plot, 108 microplots per site and 1296 microplots on the 12 sites of Pico Island. It was possible to collect two thirds of the maximum expected number of microplots (N=878; 67,75%), resulting in 4896 specimens, the great majority of which (n=4869) were identified to the species/subspecies level. Overall, it was possible to identify 70 moss’ and 71 liverwort’ species and subspecies. The elevation levels both with a greater number of microplots and higher richness of species were those between 600-1000 m a.s.l., coinciding with the native forest plots. The study contributed to improve the knowledge of Azorean bryophyte diversity and distribution at both local and regional scales, including the recording of new taxa for Pico Island and the Azores.7

Biodiversity inventory of the Protected Area for the Management of Habitats or Species of Matela (Terceira, Azores, Portugal)

The database we present include data from different taxonomical groups, as bryophytes, arthropods, vascular plants, birds and mammals, from sampling campaigns performed in 2022, on an Azorean Protecte... The database we present include data from different taxonomical groups, as bryophytes, arthropods, vascular plants, birds and mammals, from sampling campaigns performed in 2022, on an Azorean Protected Area – “Protected Area for the Management of Habitats or Species of Matela”, located on Terceira Island (Azores, Portugal). This area is a well-preserved small fragment of native forest, located at medium-low altitude (300-400 m.a.s.l.), which was recently invaded by exotic plant species. The main objectives of this study were (i) provide an updated inventory of bryophytes, vascular plants, arthropods, birds and mammals; and (ii) compare recent sampling data with historical data. The sampling protocol was based on GIMS - A Global Island Monitoring Scheme protocols, where bryophytes were sampled using 2x2quadrats and microplots, vascular plants were sampled using 5x5 sampling-plots, soil and canopy arthropods were sampled using the BALA methodology, complementarily with pitfalls and SLAM traps, birds were sampled using standardized counter points (observations and listening) and mammals were sampled using camera-traps. For bryophytes, we identified 75 taxa (43 mosses; 32 liverworts), 71 of which were indigenous, four indeterminate and one invasive (Campylopus introflexus). The temporal comparison with previous data registered a decrease in richness; however, 23 new species were added to the area. A total of 103 arthropods taxa were identified. For soil arthropods, eight indigenous and 25 introduced taxa were recorded, with the disappearance of endemic taxa and a significant increase in introduced species between 2002 and 2022. A total of 36 indigenous and 18 introduced canopy arthropods taxa were identified. Among the arthropods captured in the SLAM traps, 24 indigenous and 15 introduced taxa were recorded. For vascular plants, 54 species were identified, 28 of which were indigenous taxa and 26 were introduced. From the 54 identified species, 43 were new records for Matela. A total of 12 indigenous and one introduced bird were recorded, decreasing the number of taxa recorded for that area. Finally, eight introduced mammals were recorded, which are considered new records for Matela, and one endemic species (Nyctalus azoreum). Despite Matela harboring numerous native and endemic species, thereby maintaining a highly notable natural heritage, it has recently fallen object to the invasion of introduced species, some of them also invasive. The number of recorded species has substantially increased across almost all groups for which historical data allows comparisons. The genuine impact of these invasive species on native communities remains not fully clarified; nevertheless, the imperative to address this pressing issue for nature conservation in the Azores is unequivocal.7

Long-term monitoring of Azorean forest arthropods: the BALA Project (1997-2022)

The BALA dataset originates from various projects that employed a consistent sampling protocol to collect arthropods in the Azorean archipelago. Specifically, the Biodiversity of Arthropods from the L... The BALA dataset originates from various projects that employed a consistent sampling protocol to collect arthropods in the Azorean archipelago. Specifically, the Biodiversity of Arthropods from the Laurisilva of the Azores (BALA) project was initiated to comprehensively survey the invertebrate fauna of the Azores, focusing particularly on endemic arthropod species. The core sampling, conducted in three consecutive phases, targeted the identical 30 sites in a repetitive manner. Nevertheless, during the initial sampling round known as BALA1, spanning from 1997 to 2004, a collaborative endeavor from multiple projects led to the surveying of a total of 100 sites across 18 forest fragments in seven islands. During the subsequent rounds, spanning from 2010 to 2012 (BALA2) and 2021 to 2022 (BALA), only the 30 core sites, out of the original 100 sites, located within 15 fragments were revisited and resampled. Altogether, the collection amasses a total of 266,675 specimens of 543 invertebrate morphospecies (123,446 individuals and 404 species in the core dataset), of which 354 are identified at the species level. Of these species 77 (105,919 individuals) are endemic to the Azores, 97 (97,562 individuals) are native but not endemic, and 146 (32,267 individuals) are exotics.7

Monitoring arthropods under the scope of LIFE-BEETLES project – Baseline Data

The presented database is part of the LIFE BEETLES project which aims to conserve three species of endemic beetles that are not protected by the Habitats Directive: Tarphius floresensis Borges & S... The presented database is part of the LIFE BEETLES project which aims to conserve three species of endemic beetles that are not protected by the Habitats Directive: Tarphius floresensis Borges & Serrano, 2017, Pseudanchomenus aptinoides (Tarnier, 1860), and Trechus terrabravensis Borges, Serrano & Amorim, 2004. These species are single island endemics respectively from Flores, Pico, and Terceira. They are threatened by environmental degradation, facing the dual challenge of restricted distribution and habitat degradation. The study established a comprehensive database derived from a long-term arthropod monitoring survey that used SLAM (Sea, Land, Air, Malaise) traps and pitfall traps. Our findings present a proxy for assessing the overall habitat quality for endemic invertebrates, using arthropods as principal indicators. From September 2020 to June 2023, a total of 31 SLAM traps were monitored. The traps were set up as follows: seven in Flores (three in mixed forest and four in native forest), 10 in Pico Island (four in mixed forest and six in native forest), and 14 in Terceira (three in mixed forest and 11 in native forest). Traps installed in a mixed forest dominated by exotic species were monitored every six months, while traps installed within native forest fragments were monitored every three months. In addition, we employed 19 transects consisting of 15 non-attractive pitfall traps. The transects were set up during two weeks at the end of August every year between 2020 and 2023. Eight transects were established in Flores, consisting of one in pasture, four in mixed forest, and three in native forest. Six transects were established on Pico, consisting of two in pastures and four in native forest. Five transects were established in Terceira, consisting of two in mixed forest and three in native forest. A total of 243 arthropod taxa were recorded, with 207 identified at the species or subspecies level. These taxa belonged to four classes, 24 orders, and 101 families. Out of the 207 identified taxa, 46 were endemic, 60 were native non-endemic, 80 were introduced, and 21 were indeterminate. Habitat information is also provided, including general habitat and dominant species composition. This publication contributes to the conservation of highly threatened endemic beetles by assessing habitat quality based on arthropod communities and habitat description (e.g. native or exotic vegetation). Additionally, it provides an updated inventory of arthropods from Pico, Terceira, and Flores islands.7

The MOVECLIM – AZORES project: Bryophytes from Terceira Island (2012)

From 25 to 28 September 2012, an inventory of the bryoflora was carried out on Terceira Island (Azores) along an elevational transect, starting at the Serreta (38.76658 Latitude; -27.37539 Longitude; ... From 25 to 28 September 2012, an inventory of the bryoflora was carried out on Terceira Island (Azores) along an elevational transect, starting at the Serreta (38.76658 Latitude; -27.37539 Longitude; 40 m a.s.l), and culminating on Santa Bárbara (38.73064 Latitude; -27.32164 Longitude; 1000 m a.s.l). The primary objective was to systematically inventory the bryophytes inhabiting the preserved areas of native vegetation environments. Six sites were selected, each spaced at 200 m elevation intervals. Within each site, two 10 m x 10 m plots were established in close proximity (10-15 m). Within these plots, three 2 m x 2 m quadrats were randomly selected and sampled for bryophytes using microplots measuring 10 cm x 5 cm, which were then collected into paper bags. Six substrates were surveyed in each quadrat (rock, soil, humus, organic matter, tree bark, and leaves/fronds). Three replicates were obtained from all substrates available and colonised by bryophytes, resulting in a total of 636 records (eventID) of a maximum of 824 (3 replicates * 3 quadrats * 2 plots * 6 elevations). The events yielded a grand total of 3677 specimens (occurrenceID), with 38 families, 60 genera, 92 identified species and subspecies, including 34 mosses (Phylum Bryophyta) and 58 liverworts (Phylum Marchantiophyta). Of these 92 taxa, two were Azorean endemic species, five were Macaronesian endemic species, 11 were European endemic species, and 74 were native, non-endemic species. The altitudes with the highest species richness, and highest number of endemic species, spanned between 600-1000 m a.s.l above sea level, coinciding with the most preserved forests at the highest altitudes. This study contributed to expanding knowledge about the diversity and distribution of the Azorean Bryoflora, both on a local and regional scale.7

Inventory of arthropods in Azorean Islands lava tubes and volcanic pits

A total of 75 species and subspecies are listed plus 16 taxa identified at family or genus level. The 75 identified taxa include 17 endemic species, from which eleven are cave adapted species.

Stratified sampling of Azorean forest arthropods

Plot Based biodiversity monitoring of trees on island ecosystems (Terceira, Tenerife, and Réunion)

This study was conducted between 2012 and 2013 to analyze the biodiversity of woody plants across three oceanic islands (Terceira, Tenerife, and Réunion) with distinct geographical characteristics. T... This study was conducted between 2012 and 2013 to analyze the biodiversity of woody plants across three oceanic islands (Terceira, Tenerife, and Réunion) with distinct geographical characteristics. The research aimed to investigate patterns of variation in the structure of the vegetative community within the native forests of each island. A standardized methodology was applied across the three islands, focusing on native forests that were little anthropogenic disturbance. Ten plots (50 m × 50 m) were established on each island, within which a 5 m × 5 m square was demarcated (see Borges et al., 2018a). The study generated 30 event records and 402 occurrence records7

Inventory and monitoring of a protected species in a show cave of Terceira Island - Algar do Carvão

The MOVECLIM – AZORES project: Bryophytes from Flores Island (2013)

Inventory of vascular plants and arthropods in Vale da Fonte agroforest plot.

The MOVECLIM – AZORES project: Vascular Plant Diversity and Ground Cover Across Elevation (São Miguel, Terceira, Pico & Flores)