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abis-mapping v9.0.1   survey_occurrence_data v3.0.0

SYSTEMATIC SURVEY OCCURRENCES DATA TEMPLATE INSTRUCTIONS

Intended Usage

This Systematic Survey Occurrences Data template is used to record occurrence data; that is, the presence or absence of an organism at a particular site locality at a point in time.

This Systematic Survey Occurrences Data template must be used in combination with the Systematic Survey Metadata template, or with the Systematic Survey Metadata and the Systematic Survey Sites Data template, or with the Systematic Survey Metadata, the Systematic Survey Site Data and the Systematic Survey Site Visit Data template.

Templates have been provided to facilitate integration of your data into the Biodiversity Data Repository database. Not all types of data have been catered for in the available templates at this stage; therefore, if you are unable to find a suitable template, please contact bdr-support@dcceew.gov.au to make us aware of your data needs.

Data Validation Requirements:

For data validation, you will need your data file to:

  • be in the correct file format,
  • have fields that match the template downloaded (do not remove, or change the order of fields),
  • have extant values for mandatory fields (see Table 1),
  • comply with all data value constraints; for example the geographic coordinates are consistent with a geodeticDatum type of the 5 available options, and
  • align with existing controlled vocabularies wherever possible (this is mandatory for geodeticDatum), but new terms may be submitted for consideration amd will not cause a validation error.

Additional fields may be added after the templated fields (noting that the data type is not assumed and values will be encoded as strings).

FILE FORMAT

  • The systematic survey occurrence data template is a UTF-8 encoded csv (that is, not Microsoft Excel Spreadsheets). Be sure to save this file with your data as a .csv (UTF-8):
    [MS Excel: Save As > More options > Tools > Web options > Save this document as > Unicode (UTF-8)]
    otherwise it will not pass the csv validation step upon upload.
  • Do not include empty rows.

FILE NAME

When making a manual submission to the Biodiversity Data Repository, the file name must include the version number of this biodiversity data template (v3.0.0). The following format is an example of a valid file name:

data_descripion-v3.0.0-additional_description.csv

where:

  • data_description: A short description of the data (e.g. survey_occ, test_data).
  • v3.0.0: The version number of this template.
  • additional_description: (Optional) Additional description of the data, if needed (e.g. test_data).
  • .csv: Ensure the file name ends with .csv.

For example, survey_occ-v3.0.0-test_data.csv or test_data-v3.0.0.csv

FILE SIZE

MS Excel imposes a limit of 1,048,576 rows on a spreadsheet, limiting a CSV file to the header row followed by 1,048,575 occurrences. Furthermore, MS Excel has a 32,767-character limit on individual cells in a spreadsheet. These limits may be overcome by using or editing CSV files with other software.

Larger datasets may be more readily ingested using the API interface. Please contact bdr-support@dcceew.gov.au to make us aware of your data needs.

TEMPLATE FIELDS

The template contains the field names in the top row. Table 1 will assist you in transferring your data to the template by providing guidance on:

  • Field name in the template (and an external link to the Darwin Core standard for that field where relevant);
  • Description of the field;
  • Required i.e. whether the field is mandatory, conditionally mandatory, or optional;
  • Format (datatype) required for the data values for example text (string), number (integer, float), or date;
  • Example of an entry or entries for that field; and
  • Vocabulary links within this document (for example pick list values) where relevant. The fields that have suggested values options for the fields in Table 1 are listed in Table 2 in alphabetical order of the field name.

ADDITIONAL FIELDS

Data that does not match the existing template fields may be added as additional columns in the CSV files after the templated fields. For example: eventRemarks, associatedTaxa, pathway.

Table 1: Systematic Survey Occurrence data template fields with descriptions, conditions, datatype format, and examples.

Field # Name Description Mandatory / Optional Datatype Format Examples
1 providerRecordID Unique (within provider) identifier for the record. Mandatory String 8022FSJMJ079c5cf
2 providerRecordIDSource Person or Organisation that generated the providerRecordID. Mandatory String Western Australian Biodiversity Information Office
3 locality The specific description of the place. Optional String Cowaramup Bay Road
4 decimalLatitude The geographic latitude (in decimal degrees, using the spatial reference system given in geodeticDatum) of the geographic centre of a Location. Positive values are north of the Equator, negative values are south of it. Valid coordinate ranges for the BDR system are within and inclusive of -90 to 0. Mandatory if spatial information not provided by either, a validated linked siteID and siteIDSource, or existingBDRSiteIRI. Number -33.812314
5 decimalLongitude The geographic longitude (in decimal degrees, using the spatial reference system given in geodeticDatum) of the geographic centre of a Location. Positive values are east of the Greenwich Meridian, negative values are west of it. Valid coordinate ranges for the BDR system are within and inclusive of 0 to 180. Mandatory if spatial information not provided by either, a validated linked siteID and siteIDSource, or existingBDRSiteIRI. Number 115.231512
6 geodeticDatum The acronym for the ellipsoid, geodetic datum, or spatial reference system (SRS) upon which the geographic (non-projected) coordinates given in decimalLatitude and decimalLongitude as based. Mandatory if spatial information not provided by either, a validated linked siteID and siteIDSource, or existingBDRSiteIRI. String WGS84
(Vocabulary link)
7 coordinateUncertaintyInMeters The horizontal distance (in metres) from the given decimalLatitude and decimalLongitude describing the smallest circle containing the whole of the Location. Leave the value empty if the uncertainty is unknown, cannot be estimated, or is not applicable (because there are no coordinates). Zero is not a valid value for this term. Optional Number 50.0
8 dataGeneralizations Actions taken to make the shared data less specific or complete than in its original form, due to restrictions around identifying locations of particular species. Suggests that alternative data of higher quality may be available on request. Optional String Coordinates rounded to the nearest 10 km for conservation concern
9 eventDateStart The start date (with precision of year (YYYY), month year (YYYY-MM) or date in the following formats DD/MM/YYYY or YYYY-MM-DD are accepted) or date-time without timezone (in ISO 8601 format for example 2021-07-11T06:23:00) or date-time with timezone (in ISO 8601 format for example 2022-05-20T06:23:00+08:00) of the period during which a species occurrence was observed. For occurrences, this is the date-time when the event was recorded. Not suitable for a time in a geological context. Mandatory if temporal information not provided by a validated linked siteVisitID. Timestamp 2019-09-23T14:03+08:00
10 eventDateEnd The end date (with precision of year (YYYY), month year (YYYY-MM) or date in the following formats DD/MM/YYYY or YYYY-MM-DD are accepted) or date-time without timezone (in ISO 8601 format for example 2021-07-11T06:23:00) or date-time with timezone (in ISO 8601 format for example 2022-05-20T06:23:00+08:00) of the period during which a species occurrence was observed. For occurrences, this is the date-time when the event was recorded. Not suitable for a time in a geological context. Optional Timestamp 2019-09-24
11 samplingProtocol The sampling protocol is the method used to sample the locality to determine the presence (or absence) of the taxon referred to in this record at the indicated time. This may be a collecting method or a method to observe an organism without collection.
Recommended best practice is to describe a species occurrence with no more than one sampling protocol. In the case of a summary, in which a specific protocol can not be attributed to specific species occurrences, the recommended best practice is to repeat the property for each IRI that denotes a different sampling protocol that applies to the occurrence.		 Optional String Human Observation
(Vocabulary link)
12 basisOfRecord The specific nature of the data record. Optional String Preserved Specimen
(Vocabulary link)
13 recordedBy A person, group, or organisation responsible for recording the original Occurrence. Optional String Stream Environment and Water Pty Ltd
14 recordNumber An identifier given to the Occurrence at the time it was recorded. Often serves as a link between field notes and an Occurrence record, such as a specimen collector's number. Optional String PE:12:8832
15 occurrenceStatus A statement about the presence or absence of a Taxon at a Location. Optional String Present
(Vocabulary link)
16 habitat A category or description of the habitat in which the event occurred. Optional String Closed forest of Melaleuca lanceolata. White, grey or brown sand, sandy loam.
(Vocabulary link)
17 establishmentMeans Statement about whether an organism or organisms have been introduced to a given place and time through the direct or indirect activity of modern humans. Optional String Native
(Vocabulary link)
18 organismRemarks Comments or notes about the Organism instance. Optional String Dried out leaf tips.
19 individualCount The number of individuals present at the time of the Occurrence. 0 = none, no value = the specific number was not recorded. Optional Integer 26
20 organismQuantity A number or enumeration value for the quantity of organisms. Mandatory if organismQuantityType is provided. Number 12.5
21 organismQuantityType The type of quantification system used for the quantity organisms. Mandatory if organismQuantity is provided. String % biomass
(Vocabulary link)
22 lifeStage The age class or life stage of the Organism(s) at the time the Occurrence was recorded. Optional String adult
(Vocabulary link)
23 sex The sex of the biological individual(s) represented in the Occurrence. Optional String Unspecified
(Vocabulary link)
24 reproductiveCondition The reproductive condition of the biological individual(s) represented in the Occurrence. Optional String No breeding evident
25 ownerRecordID Identifier given to the occurrence by the owner of the data. Populate this field if the data owner is different to the data provider. Unique (within data owner) identifier for the record. Mandatory if ownerRecordIDSource is provided. String 12345NT521mc5h
26 ownerRecordIDSource Person or Organisation that generated the ownerRecordID. For organisations registered with the BDR, this field should contain the BDR registrationID. For all others, please provide the name of Person or Organisation who owns the data. Mandatory if ownerRecordID is provided. String WAM
27 collectionCode The name, acronym, code, or initialism identifying the collection or data set from which the record was derived. It is associated with the catalogNumber. Optional String ARACH
28 catalogNumber An identifier (preferably unique) for the record within the data set or collection. Mandatory if catalogNumberSource is provided. String 145732, 145732a, 2008.1334, R-4313
29 catalogNumberSource Organisation that generated the catalogNumber. In the BDR context, this is likely to be a collecting institution where a specimen or material sample is located. For organisations registered with the BDR, this field should contain the BDR registrationID. For all others, please provide the name of Person or Organisation. Mandatory if catalogNumber is provided. String Western Australian Museum
30 otherCatalogNumbers A list (concatenated and separated with a space vertical bar space ( | )) of previous or alternate fully qualified catalog numbers or other human-used identifiers for the same Occurrence, whether in the current or any other data set or collection. Mandatory if otherCatalogNumbersSource is provided. List BHP2012-7521 | M12378
31 otherCatalogNumbersSource Organisation that generated the otherCatalogNumbers. For organisations registered with the BDR, this field should contain the BDR registrationID. For all others, please provide the name of Person or Organisation. Mandatory if otherCatalogNumbers is provided. String University of Western Australia
32 preparations A list (concatenated and separated with a space vertical bar space ( | )) of preparations and preservation methods for a specimen. Optional String alcohol
(Vocabulary link)
33 preparedDate The date (with precision of year (YYYY), month year (YYYY-MM) or date in the following formats DD/MM/YYYY or YYYY-MM-DD are accepted) or date-time without timezone (in ISO 8601 format for example 2021-07-11T11:23:00) or date-time with timezone(in ISO 8601 format for example 2022-05-20T06:23:00+08:00) representing the date or date-time the specimen was prepared. Optional Timestamp 2019-09-24
34 associatedSequences A list (concatenated and separated with a space vertical bar space ( | )) of identifiers (publication, global unique identifier, URI) of genetic sequence information associated with the Occurrence. Optional List https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/nuccore/MH040669.1 | https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/nuccore/MH040616.1
35 sequencingMethod The method used to obtain sequence data for example DNA, RNA, or protein from the sample. Optional String Sanger-dideoxy-sequencing
(Vocabulary link)
36 verbatimIdentification A string representing the taxonomic identification as it appeared in the original record. This term is meant to allow the capture of an unaltered original identification/determination, including identification qualifiers, hybrid formulas, uncertainties, etc. This term is meant to be used in addition to scientificName (and identificationQualifier etc.), not instead of it. Optional String Caladenia ?excelsa
37 dateIdentified The date (with precision of year (YYYY), month year (YYYY-MM) or date in the following formats DD/MM/YYYY or YYYY-MM-DD are accepted) or date-time without timezone (in ISO 8601 format for example 2021-07-11T11:23:00) or date-time with timezone(in ISO 8601 format for example 2022-05-20T06:23:00+08:00) on which the subject was determined as representing the Taxon. Optional Timestamp 2019-09-24
38 identifiedBy Group of names, organisations who assigned the Taxon to the subject. For multiple names, use the pipe separator ( | ). Optional String J. Doe | WAM
39 identificationMethod Method used to associate the organism with the scientificName label. Optional String DNA
(Vocabulary link)
40 scientificName The full scientific name, with authorship and date information if known. When forming part of an Identification, this should be the name in lowest level taxonomic rank that can be determined. This term should not contain identification qualifications, which should instead be supplied in the identificationQualifier column.
NOTE: Phrase names such as Rhagodia sp. Hamersley (M.Trudgen 17794) are permitted in the scientificName field where those are in use.		 Mandatory String Caladenia excelsa
41 identificationQualifier A brief phrase or a standard term ("cf.", "aff.") to express the determiner's doubts about the Identification. Optional String Species incerta
(Vocabulary link)
42 identificationRemarks Comments or notes about the Identification. Optional String DNA evidence may indicate a new species. Further analysis required.
43 acceptedNameUsage The full name, with authorship and date information if known, of the currently valid (zoological) or accepted (botanical) taxon. Optional String Occiperipatoides gilesii (Spencer, 1909)
44 kingdom The full scientific name of the kingdom in which the taxon is classified. Mandatory String Plantae
(Vocabulary link)
45 taxonRank The taxonomic rank of the most specific name in the scientificName. Optional String Species
(Vocabulary link)
46 threatStatus The conservation status (or code) assigned to an organism that is recognised in conjunction with a specific authority. Mandatory if conservationAuthority is provided. String EN
(Vocabulary link)
47 conservationAuthority The authority under which an organism is recognised to have a specific conservation status applied. Mandatory if threatStatus is provided. String EPBC, WA
(Vocabulary link)
48 threatStatusCheckProtocol The method used to determine if the organism is listed under the relevant jurisdictional threatened species list. Optional String Species name check of the Department of Climate Change, Energy, the Environment and Water’s Species Profile and Threat Database http://www.environment.gov.au/cgi-bin/sprat/public/sprat.pl
(Vocabulary link)
49 threatStatusDateDetermined The date (with precision of year (YYYY), month year (YYYY-MM) or date in the following formats DD/MM/YYYY or YYYY-MM-DD are accepted) or date-time without timezone (in ISO 8601 format for example 2021-07-11T11:23:00) or date-time with timezone(in ISO 8601 format for example 2022-05-20T06:23:00+08:00) on which this record of this organism was assigned to the nominated threatStatus and conservationAuthority Optional Timestamp 30/08/2022
50 threatStatusDeterminedBy The person and/organisation responsible for appending the threatStatus and conservationAuthority to this organism’s occurrence record. Optional String WA-BIO
51 sensitivityCategory A category that defines a type of data sensitivity or restriction. Mandatory if sensitivityAuthority is provided. String Category 2
(Vocabulary link)
52 sensitivityAuthority The authority under which a data sensitivity or restriction has been applied. Mandatory if sensitivityCategory is provided. String Department of Environment, Climate Change and Water NSW
(Vocabulary link)
53 surveyID The identifier of the Survey that the Occurrence comes from. If this field is left blank, the Occurrence will be treated as incidental. Optional String AR220-01
54 siteID Corresponds to a unique site identifier, provided within accompanying survey_site_data.csv template. Mandatory if siteVisitID is provided and existingBDRSiteIRI is not provided.
Mandatory if siteIDSource is provided.		 String P1
55 siteIDSource The organisation that assigned the SiteID to this Site Mandatory if siteVisitID is provided and existingBDRSiteIRI is not provided.
Mandatory if siteID is provided.		 String TERN
56 existingBDRSiteIRI Corresponds to a unique Site IRI that is registered in the BDR. Using this field overrides entries in the siteID and siteIDSource fields and utilises the properties that are associated with the registered Site. Mandatory if siteVisitID is provided and siteID and siteIDSource are not provided. String https://linked.data.gov.au/dataset/bdr/sites/TERN/P1
57 siteVisitID The identifier of the site visit that the occurrence comes from. This field should be completed if actions taken during a site visit resulted in this occurrence record. Optional String CPXEI0000001

CHANGELOG

Changes from Systematic Survey Occurrence Data Template v2.0.0

CHANGED FIELDS

CHANGED VALIDATION

  • When surveyID is provided, it must have a value that matches a surveyID in the Systematic Survey Metadata template to indicate which Survey the Occurrence belongs to. When surveyID is blank, the Occurrence will be treated as incidental.
  • siteID and the new field siteIDSource are conditionally mandatory. Must be provided together, or neither provided.
  • When siteVisitID is provided, either siteID and siteIDSource, or existingBDRSiteIRI, or both, must be provided.

APPENDICES

APPENDIX-I: Vocabulary List

With the exception of geodeticDatum, data validation does not require fields to adhere to the vocabularies specified for the various vocabularied fields. These vocabularies are merely provided as a means of assistance in developing a consistent language within the database. New terms may be added to more appropriately describe your data that goes beyond the current list. Table 2 provides some suggested values from existing sources such as: Biodiversity Information Standard (TDWG), EPSG.io Coordinate systems worldwide, the Global Biodiversity Information System, and Open Nomenclature in the biodiversity era.

Table 2: Suggested values for the controlled vocabulary fields in the template. Each term has a preferred label with a definition to aid understanding of its meaning. For some terms, alternative labels with similar semantics are provided. Note: geodeticDatum value must come from one of five options in this table.

Template field name Preferred label Definition Alternate label
basisOfRecord FOSSIL SPECIMEN A preserved specimen that is a fossil.
basisOfRecord HUMAN OBSERVATION An output of a human observation.
basisOfRecord LIVING SPECIMEN A specimen that is alive.
basisOfRecord MACHINE OBSERVATION An output of a machine observation process.
basisOfRecord MATERIAL SAMPLE A physical result of a sampling (or subsampling) event. In biological collections, the material sample is typically collected, and either preserved or destructively processed.
basisOfRecord OCCURRENCE An existence of an Organism (sensu http://rs.tdwg.org/dwc/terms/Organism) at a particular place at a particular time.
basisOfRecord PRESERVED SPECIMEN A specimen that has been preserved.
establishmentMeans INTRODUCED Establishment of a taxon by numan agency into an area that is not part of its natural range.
establishmentMeans INTRODUCED ASSISTED COLONISATION Establishment of a taxon specifically with the intention of creating a self-sustaining wild population in an area that is not part of the taxon's natural range. ASSISTED COLONISATION
establishmentMeans NATIVE A taxon occurring within its natural range. NATIVE (INDIGENOUS)
establishmentMeans NATIVE REINTRODUCED A taxon re-established by direct introduction by humans into an area that is not part of its natural range, but from where it had become extinct. NATIVE: REINTRODUCED
establishmentMeans UNCERTAIN The origin of the occurrence of the taxon in an area is obscure. UNKNOWN, CRYPTOGENIC
establishmentMeans VAGRANT The temporary occurrence of a taxon far outside its natural or migratory range. CASUAL
geodeticDatum AGD66 Australian Geodetic Datum 1966 EPSG:4202
geodeticDatum AGD84 Australian Geodetic Datum 1984 EPSG:4203
geodeticDatum GDA2020 Geocentric Datum of Australia 2020 EPSG:7844
geodeticDatum GDA94 Geocentric Datum of Australia 1994 EPSG:4283
geodeticDatum WGS84 World Geodetic System 1984, used in GPS EPSG:4326
habitat BEACH Type of Landform Element, which is usually short; low; very wide slope; gently or moderately inclined; built up or eroded by waves; forming the shore of a lake or sea.
habitat BILLABONG OR SWAMP A swamp is a wetland that features temporary or permanent inundation of large areas of land by shallow bodies of water, generally with a substantial number of hammocks, or dry-land protrusions, and covered by aquatic vegetation, or vegetation that tolerates periodical inundation.
habitat CAVE The type of habitat representative of a naturally formed, subterranean open area or chamber.
habitat CHENOPOD SHRUBLAND Refers to the NVIS dominant vegetation structural formation class, with a percent cover of about 50-80% members of Chenopodiaceae.
habitat CLOSED CHENOPOD SHRUBLAND Refers to the NVIS dominant vegetation structural formation class, with a percent cover of about >80% members of Chenopodiaceae.
habitat CLOSED FERNLAND Refers to the NVIS dominant vegetation structural formation class, with a percent cover of about >80% members of Fern and Fern-allies.
habitat CLOSED FORBLAND Refers to the NVIS dominant vegetation structural formation class, with a percent cover of about >80% members of Forbs or herbs other than grasses.
habitat CLOSED FOREST Refers to the NVIS dominant vegetation structural formation class, with a percent cover of about >80% members of Forbs or herbs other than grasses.
habitat CLOSED HEATHLAND Refers to the NVIS dominant vegetation structural formation class, with a percent cover of about >80% members of heath shrubs (e.g., members of Ericaceae, Myrtaceae).
habitat CLOSED HUMMOCK GRASSLAND Refers to the NVIS dominant vegetation structural formation class, with a percent cover of about >80% members of hummock (e.g., Triodia) grasses.
habitat CLOSED LICHENLAND Refers to the type of habitat characterised by lichenised tree trunks and rocks.
habitat CLOSED LIVERWORTLAND Refers to the type of habitat characterised by lower plant groups such as moss, liverworts and bryophytes.
habitat CLOSED MALLEE FOREST Refers to the NVIS dominant vegetation structural formation class, with a percent cover of about >80% members of tree mallee (e.g., some members of Eucalyptus).
habitat CLOSED MALLEE SHRUBLAND Refers to the NVIS dominant vegetation structural formation class, with a percent cover of about >80% members of mallee shrubs (e.g., some members of Eucalyptus).
habitat CLOSED MOSSLAND Refers to the type of habitat characterised by lower plant groups such as moss, liverworts and bryophytes.
habitat CLOSED RUSHLAND Refers to the NVIS dominant vegetation structural formation class, with a percent cover of about >80% members of Rushes (e.g., Juncaceae).
habitat CLOSED SEDGELAND Refers to the NVIS dominant vegetation structural formation class, with a percent cover of about >80% members of sedges (e.g., Cyperaceae).
habitat CLOSED SHRUBLAND Refers to the NVIS dominant vegetation structural formation class, with a percent cover of about >80% members of sedges (e.g., Cyperaceae).
habitat CLOSED SOD GRASSLAND Refers to the type of habitat representative of a characteristic sod-like (turf) grass.
habitat CLOSED TUSSOCK GRASSLAND Refers to the NVIS dominant vegetation structural formation class, with a percent cover of about >80% members of tussock grasses (e.g., Poa).
habitat CLOSED VINELAND Refers to the type of habitat represented by a closed vegetation dominated by stragglers and woody climbers.
habitat COASTAL WATERS Refers to the type of habitat representative of an aquatic body typically characterized by a shallow continental shelf, gently sloping seaward to a continental slope, which drops relatively abruptly to the deep ocean.
habitat CROP LAND Refers to the type of habitat representative of a cultivated land or land on which agricultural crops are grown or land that is set aside or temporarily not being used for crop production.
habitat ESTUARY Type of Landform Element which has a stream channel close to its junction with a sea or lake; where the action of channelled stream flow is modified by tide and waves. The width typically increases downstream.
habitat FERNLAND Refers to the NVIS dominant vegetation structural formation class, with a percent cover of about 50-80% members of Fern and Fern-allies.
habitat FORBLAND Refers to the NVIS dominant vegetation structural formation class, with a percent cover of about 50-80% members of Forbs or herbaceous plants other than grasses.
habitat FRESHWATER LAKE Refers to the type of habitat representative of an enclosed aquatic body having a relatively low mineral content, generally less than 500 mg/l of dissolved solids.
habitat GRAZING LAND Refers to the type of habitat representative of a land predominantly used for grazing.
habitat HEATHLAND Refers to the NVIS dominant vegetation structural formation class, with a percent cover of about 50-80% members of Heath (e.g., Ericaceae, Myrtaceae).
habitat HUMMOCK GRASSLAND Refers to the NVIS dominant vegetation structural formation class, with a percent cover of about 50-80% members of hummock grasses (e.g., Triodia).
habitat ISOLATED CHENOPOD SHRUBS Refers to the NVIS dominant vegetation structural formation class, with a percent cover of about <0.25% members of Chenopodiaceae.
habitat ISOLATED CLUMP OF CHENOPOD SHRUBS Refers to the type of habitat characterised by isolated clumps of chenopod shrubs.
habitat ISOLATED CLUMP OF HEATH SHRUBS Refers to the type of habitat characterised by isolated clumps of heath or heath-like shrubs.
habitat ISOLATED CLUMP OF HUMMOCK GRASSES Refers to the type of habitat characterised by isolated clumps of hummocky grass (e.g., Triodia spp., Spinifex spp.).
habitat ISOLATED CLUMP OF LIVERWORTS Refers to the type of habitat characterised by isolated clumps of bryophytes, moss and liverworts.
habitat ISOLATED CLUMP OF MALLEE SHRUBS Refers to the type of habitat characterised by isolated clumps of mallee shrubs (members of Eucalyptus spp., multistemmed from base).
habitat ISOLATED CLUMP OF MALLEE TREES Refers to the type of habitat characterised by isolated clumps of tree mallee (members of Eucalyptus spp., multistemmed from base).
habitat ISOLATED CLUMP OF MOSSES Refers to the type of habitat characterised by isolated clumps of bryophytes, moss and liverworts.
habitat ISOLATED CLUMP OF RUSHES Refers to the type of habitat characterised by isolated clumps of rushes.
habitat ISOLATED CLUMP OF SEDGES Refers to the type of habitat characterised by isolated clumps of sedges.
habitat ISOLATED CLUMP OF SHRUBS Refers to the type of habitat characterised by isolated clumps of shrubs.
habitat ISOLATED CLUMP OF SOD GRASSES Refers to the type of habitat characterised by isolated clumps of sod grass.
habitat ISOLATED CLUMP OF TREES Refers to the type of habitat characterised by isolated clumps of trees.
habitat ISOLATED CLUMP OF TUSSOCK GRASSES Refers to the type of habitat characterised by isolated clumps of tussock grasses (e.g., Poa spp).
habitat ISOLATED CLUMP OF VINES Refers to the type of habitat characterised by isolated clumps of vines.
habitat ISOLATED CLUMPS OF FERNS Refers to the NVIS dominant vegetation structural formation class, with a percent cover of about 0-5% members of Fern and Fern-allies.
habitat ISOLATED CLUMPS OF FORBS Refers to the NVIS dominant vegetation structural formation class, with a percent cover of about 0-5% members of Forbs or herbs other than grasses.
habitat ISOLATED CLUP OF LICHENS Refers to the type of habitat characterised by isolated clumps of lichens.
habitat ISOLATED FERNS Refers to the NVIS dominant vegetation structural formation class, with a percent cover of about <0.25% of fern and fern allies.
habitat ISOLATED FORBS Refers to the NVIS dominant vegetation structural formation class, with a percent cover of about <0.25% of forbs or herbs other than grasses.
habitat ISOLATED HEATH SHRUBS Refers to the NVIS dominant vegetation structural formation class, with a percent cover of about <0.25% of heath shrubs (e.g., Ericaceae, Myrtaceae).
habitat ISOLATED HUMMOCK GRASSES Refers to the NVIS dominant vegetation structural formation class, with a percent cover of about <0.25% of hummock grasses (e.g., Triodia).
habitat ISOLATED LICHENS Refers to the type of habitat characterised by isolated or sparse lichens.
habitat ISOLATED LIVERWORTS Refers to the type of habitat characterised by isolated or sparse liverworts.
habitat ISOLATED MALLEE SHRUBS Refers to the NVIS dominant vegetation structural formation class, with a percent cover of about <0.25% of mallee shrubs (e.g., some multistemmed individuals from base of Eucalyptus).
habitat ISOLATED MALLEE TREES Refers to the NVIS dominant vegetation structural formation class, with a percent cover of about <0.25% of tree mallee (e.g., some multistemmed individuals from base of Eucalyptus).
habitat ISOLATED MOSSES Refers to the type of habitat characterised by isolated mosses, including bryophytes and liverworts.
habitat ISOLATED RUSHES Refers to the NVIS dominant vegetation structural formation class, with a percent cover of about <0.25% of rushes (e.g., Juncaceae).
habitat ISOLATED SEDGES Refers to the NVIS dominant vegetation structural formation class, with a percent cover of about <0.25% of sedges (e.g., Cyperaceae).
habitat ISOLATED SHRUBS Refers to the NVIS dominant vegetation structural formation class, with a percent cover of about <0.25% of shrubs including cycads, grass-tree and tree-fern.
habitat ISOLATED SOD GRASSES Refers to the type of habitat characterised by isolated or sparse sod or turf-like grasses.
habitat ISOLATED TREES Refers to the NVIS dominant vegetation structural formation class, with a percent cover of about <0.25% of trees including palms.
habitat ISOLATED TUSSOCK GRASSES Refers to the NVIS dominant vegetation structural formation class, with a percent cover of about <0.25% of tussock grass (e.g. Poa species).
habitat ISOLATED VINES Refers to the type of habitat characterised by isolated or sparse stragglers or climbing woody vines.
habitat LICHENLAND Refers to the type of habitat predominated by lichens on rocks, trees or tree stumps, etc.
habitat LIVERWORTLAND Refers to the type of habitat predominated by liverworts.
habitat MALLEE SHRUBLAND Refers to the NVIS dominant vegetation structural formation class, with a percent cover of about 50-80% of shrub mallee (e.g., individuals of some Eucalypts multistemmed from base).
habitat MALLEE WOODLAND Refers to the dominant vegetation structural formation, with a percent cover of about 20-50% of Tree Mallee.
habitat MOSSLAND Refers to the type of habitat dominated by mosses.
habitat MUDFLAT Refers to the type of habitat characterised by a wetland that forms when mud is deposited by the tides, rivers, sea or oceans.
habitat OPEN CHENOPOD SHRUBLAND Refers to the NVIS dominant vegetation structural formation class, with a percent cover of about 20-50% of members of Chenopodiaceae.
habitat OPEN FERNLAND Refers to the NVIS dominant vegetation structural formation class, with a percent cover of about 20-50% of ferns and fern allies.
habitat OPEN FORBLAND Refers to the NVIS dominant vegetation structural formation class, with a percent cover of about 20-50% of forbs or herbs other than grasses.
habitat OPEN FOREST Refers to the NVIS dominant vegetation structural formation class, with a percent cover of about 20-50% of trees including palms.
habitat OPEN HEATH Refers to the NVIS dominant vegetation structural formation class, with a percent cover of about 20-50% of heaths (e.g., Ericaceae, Myrtaceae).
habitat OPEN HUMMOCK GRASSLAND Refers to the NVIS dominant vegetation structural formation class, with a percent cover of about 20-50% of hummock grasses (e.g., Triodia).
habitat OPEN LICHENLAND Refers to the type of habitat represented by open or sparse (i.e., 10-30%) hummocky grasses (e.g., Spinifex spp., Triodia spp.).
habitat OPEN LIVERWORTLAND Refers to the type of habitat characterised by open or sparse lichenised tree trunks and rocks.
habitat OPEN MALLEE FOREST Refers to the NVIS dominant vegetation structural formation class, with a percent cover of about 50-80% of tree Mallee (e.g., certain individuals of Eucalypts multistemmed from base).
habitat OPEN MALLEE SHRUBLAND Refers to the NVIS dominant vegetation structural formation class, with a percent cover of about 20-50% of Mallee shrubs (e.g., certain individuals of Eucalypts multistemmed from base).
habitat OPEN MALLEE WOODLAND Refers to the NVIS dominant vegetation structural formation class, with a percent cover of about 0.25-20% of tree mallee (e.g., certain individuals of Eucalypts multistemmed from base).
habitat OPEN MOSSLAND Refers to the type of habitat characterised by open or sparse members of lower plant groups such as moss, liverworts and bryophytes.
habitat OPEN OCEAN Refers to the type of habitat surrounded by ocean, i.e., a continuous saline-water bodies that surround the continents and fill the Earth's great depressions.
habitat OPEN RUSHLAND Refers to the NVIS dominant vegetation structural formation class, with a percent cover of about 20-50% of rushes (e.g. Juncaceae).
habitat OPEN SEDGELAND Refers to the NVIS dominant vegetation structural formation class, with a percent cover of about 20-50% of sedges (e.g. Cyperaceae).
habitat OPEN SHRUBLAND Refers to the NVIS dominant vegetation structural formation class, with a percent cover of about 20-50% of shrubs (e.g. shrubs, cycads, grass-tree, tree-fern).
habitat OPEN SOD GRASSLAND Refers to the type of habitat characterised by open or sparse (10-30% ground cover) of a characteristic sod-like (turf) grass.
habitat OPEN TUSSOCK GRASSLAND Refers to the NVIS dominant vegetation structural formation class, with a percent cover of about 20-50% of tussock grasses (e.g. Poa species).
habitat OPEN VINELAND Refers to the type of habitat represented by a closed vegetation dominated by stragglers and woody climbers.
habitat OPEN WOODLAND Refers to the NVIS dominant vegetation structural formation class, with a percent cover of about 0.25-20% of trees including palms.
habitat ROCK OUTCROP Refers to the type of habitat characterised by rocks, which protrudes through the surface layer.
habitat RUSHLAND Refers to the NVIS dominant vegetation structural formation class, with a percent cover of about 50-80% of rushes (e.g. Juncaceae).
habitat SALTWATER LAKE Refers to the type of habitat representative of an aquatic body filled with water (with high salinity) of considerable size contained in a depression on a landmass.
habitat SEDGELAND Refers to the NVIS dominant vegetation structural formation class, with a percent cover of about 50-80% of sedges (e.g., Cyperaceae).
habitat SHRUBLAND Refers to the NVIS dominant vegetation structural formation class, with a percent cover of about 50-80% of shrubs (e.g., shrub, cycad, grass-tree, tree-fern).
habitat SOD GRASSLAND Refers to the type of habitat characterised by mid-dense (30-70% cover) sod or turf-like grasses.
habitat SPARSE CHENOPOD SHRUBLAND Refers to the NVIS dominant vegetation structural formation class, with a percent cover of about 0.25-20% of members of Chenopodiaceae.
habitat SPARSE FERNLAND Refers to the NVIS dominant vegetation structural formation class, with a percent cover of about 0.25-20% of members of fern and fern-allies.
habitat SPARSE FORBLAND Refers to the NVIS dominant vegetation structural formation class, with a percent cover of about 0.25-20% of members of forbs and herbs other than grasses.
habitat SPARSE GRASSLAND Refers to the NVIS dominant vegetation structural formation class, with a percent cover of about 0.25-20% of grasses.
habitat SPARSE HEATH Refers to the NVIS dominant vegetation structural formation class, with a percent cover of about 0.25-20% of members of heath (e.g., Ericaceae, Myrtaceae).
habitat SPARSE LICHENLAND Refers to the type of habitat characterised by very sparse (<10% cover) lichens.
habitat SPARSE LIVERWORTLAND Refers to the type of habitat characterised by very sparse (<10% cover) liverworts.
habitat SPARSE MALLEE SHRUBLAND Refers to the NVIS dominant vegetation structural formation class, with a percent cover of about 0.25-20% of members of shrub Mallee.
habitat SPARSE MOSSLAND Refers to the type of habitat characterised by very sparse (<10% cover) mosses.
habitat SPARSE RUSHLAND Refers to the NVIS dominant vegetation structural formation class, with a percent cover of about 0.25-20% of rushes (e.g., Juncaceae).
habitat SPARSE SEDGELAND Refers to the NVIS dominant vegetation structural formation class, with a percent cover of about 0.25-20% of sedges (e.g., Cyperaceae).
habitat SPARSE SHRUBLAND Refers to the NVIS dominant vegetation structural formation class, with a percent cover of about 0.25-20% of shrubs, including cycad, grass-tree, tree-fern.
habitat SPARSE SOD GRASSLAND Refers to the type of habitat characterised by very sparse (<10% cover) sod or turf-like grasses.
habitat SPARSE TUSSOCK GRASSLAND Refers to the NVIS dominant vegetation structural formation class, with a percent cover of about 0.25-20% of tussock grass (e.g., Poa species).
habitat SPARSE VINELAND Refers to the type of habitat characterised by well separated or very sparse crown stragglers or woody vines.
habitat STREAM OR RIVER Refers to the type of habitat representative of an aquatic body with a watercourse which is linear and flows across the solid portion of a planetary surface.
habitat TUSSOCK GRASSLAND Refers to the NVIS dominant vegetation structural formation class, with a percent cover of about 50-80% of tussock grass (e.g., Poa species).
habitat URBAN Refers to the type of habitat relating to, located in, or characteristic of a city or densely populated area.
habitat VINELAND Refers to the type of habitat characterised by woody climbers/straggling vines.
habitat WOODLAND Refers to the type of habitat characterised by a low-density forest forming open habitats with plenty of sunlight and limited shade.
identificationMethod TBC TBC
identificationQualifier ANIMALIA CETERA It groups all the unidentified specimens that are not listed as separate taxa. The term cetera (abbreviated c. or cet.) may be applied to a given high-rank taxon, meaning that identification at a lower taxonomic level has not been attempted (see also stetit) but explicitly not including subordinate taxa that may have been identified. A.C.
identificationQualifier CONFER "Compare with". Specimens should be compared to reference material, since most of the diagnostic characters correspond to a given species but some are unclear. Also used in the sense of affinis and species incerta (these usages are discouraged). CF., CFR., CONF., SP. CF.
identificationQualifier EX GREGE "Of the group including". The specimen has some affinity to a known species or it belongs to a species group or species complex; see also affinis and species proxima. EX GR., GR.
identificationQualifier FAMILIA GENUS SPECIES The specimen has not been attributed to any known species nor family; see also species. FAM. GEN. SP.
identificationQualifier GENUS ET SPECIES NOVA The specimen is considered to belong to a new species and a new genus; for more details, see species nova. GEN. ET SP., GEN. NOV., SP. NOV., NOV. GEN. ET SP.
identificationQualifier GENUS NOVUM The specimen is considered to belong to a new species and a new genus; for more details, see species nova GEN. NOV., G. NOV., GEN. N., G. N., NOV. GEN
identificationQualifier GENUS SPECIES The specimen has not been related to any known species nor genus; also species. GEN. SP., G. SP.
identificationQualifier SPECIES The specimen has not been identified, nor it has been related to any known species; the uncertainty is potentially provisional: it could be due to the lack of suitable dichotomous keys, or to the occurrence of a species not previously described. Also used in the sense of species indeterminabilis and stetit (these usages are discouraged. SP.
identificationQualifier SPECIES AFFINIS "Has affinity with". The specimen has some affinity to a known species but it is not identical to it; it generally implies distinction more than a possible identity, in contrast with the qualifier confer; see also species Proxima and ex grege. It is often used in combination with the ON qualifier species nova. Also used in the sense of confer (this usage is discouraged). AFF., SP. AFF.
identificationQualifier SPECIES INCERTA The identification is uncertain; it usually indicates a higher reliability with ?, sp. Inc respect to confer. The sign "sp. inc." is also used in the sense of species, species indeterminabilis and species inquirenda (these usages are discouraged). SP. INC.
identificationQualifier SPECIES INDETERMINABILIS The specimen is indeterminable beyond a certain taxonomic level due to the deterioration or lack of diagnostic characters. Also used in the sense of species and stetit (these usages are discouraged. INDET., IND., SP. INDET., SP. IND.
identificationQualifier SPECIES NOVA The specimen is considered to belong to a new, previously undescribed (1) When describing a new species, the use of the qualifier is required by the ICZN (1999) to explicitly indicate the taxa name as intentionally new. (2) Used as ON qualifier to refer to a new, still unnamed species before the formal publication of the description. SP. NOV., SPEC. NOV., SP. N., NOV. SP., NOV. SPEC., N. SP.
identificationQualifier SPECIES PROXIMA The specimen is near to a known species but it is not identical to it; see also affinis and ex grege. PROX., SP. PROX., NR., SP.NR.
identificationQualifier STETIT Identification at a lower taxonomic level has not been attempted, even if allowed by the sample conditions. It may also be used when more records with different ON qualifiers need to be merged at a safe taxonomic level. STET.
identificationQualifier SUBSPECIES The only infraspecific rank regulated by the ICZN (1999). As ON qualifier, it indicates that the specimen probably belongs to a subspecies but it has not been related to any known one; see also species. SSP., SUBSP.
kingdom ANIMALIA Kingdom Animalia
kingdom FUNGI Kingdom (taxonRank: Regnum) Fungi
kingdom PLANTAE Kingdom (taxonRank: Regnum) Plantae PLANTAE HAECKEL
lifeStage ADULT An adult is a plant, animal, or person who has reached full growth or alternatively is capable of reproduction. IMAGO
lifeStage EMBRYO An embryo is a multicellular diploid eukaryote in its earliest stage of development, from the time of first cell division until birth, hatching, or germination. EGG, SEED
lifeStage GAMETE A gamete is a cell that fuses with another gamete during fertilisation in organisms that reproduce sexually. In species that produce two morphologically distinct types of gametes, and in which each individual produces only one type, a female is any individual that produces the larger type of gamete — called an ovum (or egg) — and a male produces the smaller tadpole-like type — called a sperm. This is an example of anisogamy or heterogamy, the condition wherein females and males produce gametes of different sizes. In contrast, isogamy is the state of gametes from both sexes being the same size and shape, and given arbitrary designators for mating type. Gametes carry half the genetic information of an individual, one chromosome of each type. OVUM, SPERM, POLLEN
lifeStage GAMETOPHYTE In plants and algae that undergo alternation of generations, a gametophyte is the multicellular structure, or phase, that is haploid, containing a single set of chromosomes. The gametophyte produces male or female gametes (or both), by a process of cell division called mitosis. In mosses, liverworts and hornworts (bryophytes), the gametophyte is the commonly known phase of the plant. An early developmental stage in the gametophyte of mosses (immediately following germination of the meiospore) is called the protonema. In most other land plants the gametophyte is very small (as in ferns and their relatives) or even reduced as in flowering plants (angiosperms), where the female gametophyte (ovule) is known as a megagametophyte and the male gametophyte (pollen) is called a microgametophyte. GAMONT, PROTONEMA, POLLEN, OVULE
lifeStage JUVENILE A juvenile is an individual organism that has not yet reached its adult form, sexual maturity or size. Juveniles sometimes look very different from the adult form, particularly in terms of their colour. In many organisms the juvenile has a different name from the adult. SEEDLING, EFT, CALF, HATCHLING, INFANT, FOAL, KITTEN, KIT, CHICK, NYMPH, FAWN, WHELP, PUP, ELVER, FRY
lifeStage LARVA A larva (Latin; plural larvae) is a young (juvenile) form of animal with indirect development, going through or undergoing metamorphosis (for example, insects, amphibians, or cnidarians). The larva can look completely different from the adult form, for example, a caterpillar differs from a butterfly. Larvae often have special (larval) organs which do not occur in the adult form. The larvae of some species can become pubescent and not further develop into the adult form (for example, in some newts). This is a type of neoteny. It is a misunderstanding that the larval form always reflects the group's evolutionary history. It could be the case, but often the larval stage has evolved secondarily, as in insects. In these cases the larval form might differ more from the group's common origin than the adult form. The early life stages of most fish species are considerably different from juveniles and adults of their species and are called larvae. LARVAE, TADPOLE, POLLIWOG, POLLYWOG, POLLIWIG, POLEWIG, POLWIG, PLANULA, NAUPLIUS, ZOEA, NYMPH, CATERPILLAR
lifeStage PUPA A pupa is the life stage of some insects undergoing transformation between immature and mature stages. The pupal stage is found only in holometabolous insects, those that undergo a complete metamorphosis, with four life stages: egg (-> embryo), larva, pupa, and imago (-> adult). PUPPE
lifeStage SPORE A spore is a reproductive structure that is adapted for dispersal and surviving for extended periods of time in unfavorable conditions. Spores form part of the life cycles of many bacteria, plants, algae, fungi and some protozoans. A chief difference between spores and seeds as dispersal units is that spores have very little stored food resources compared with seeds. Spores are usually haploid and unicellular and are produced by meiosis in the sporangium by the sporophyte. Once conditions are favorable, the spore can develop into a new organism using mitotic division, producing a multicellular gametophyte, which eventually goes on to produce gametes. Many ferns, especially those adapted to dry conditions, produce diploid spores. In this case spores are the units of asexual reproduction, because a single spore develops into a new organism. By contrast, gametes are the units of sexual reproduction, as two gametes need to fuse to create a new organism.
lifeStage SPOROPHYTE All land plants, and some algae, have life cycles in which a haploid gametophyte generation alternates with a diploid sporophyte, the generation of a plant or alga that has a double set of chromosomes. A multicellular sporophyte generation or phase is present in the life cycle of all land plants and in some green algae. For common flowering plants (Angiosperms), the sporophyte generation comprises almost their whole life cycle (that is whole green plant, roots etc), except phases of small reproductive structures (pollen and ovule). AGAMONT
lifeStage ZYGOTE A zygote (or zygocyte) describes the first stage of a new unique organism blastomere when it consists of just a single cell. The term is also used more loosely to refer to the group of cells formed by the first few cell divisions, although this is properly referred to as a blastomere. A zygote is usually produced by a fertilisation event between two haploid cells - an ovum from a female and a sperm cell from a male - which combine to form the single diploid cell. Thus the zygote contains DNA originating from both mother and father and this provides all the genetic information necessary to form a new individual BLASTOMERE
occurrenceStatus ABSENT The occurrence was not present at the location and time of the observation.
occurrenceStatus PRESENT The occurrence was present at the location and time of the observation.
organismQuantityType BIOMASS AFDG A measurement type where the quantity of a species in a sample is recorded as the ash free dry weight biomass in grams (g). BIOMASS ASH FREE DRY WEIGHT IN GRAMS, BIOMASS ASH FREE DRY WEIGHT GRAMS
organismQuantityType BIOMASS G A measurement type where the quantity of a species in a sample is recorded as the biomass in grams (g). BIOMASS IN GRAMS, BIOMASS GRAMS
organismQuantityType BIOMASS KG A measurement type where the quantity of a species in a sample is recorded as the biomass in kilograms (kg). BIOMASS IN KILOGRAMS, BIOMASS KILOGRAMS
organismQuantityType BIOVOLUME CUBIC MICRONS A measurement type where the quantity of a species in a sample is recorded as the biovolume in cubic microns (µ ^ 3). BIOVOLUME IN CUBIC MICRONS
organismQuantityType BIOVOLUME ML A measurement type where the quantity of a species in a sample is recorded as the biovolume in millilitres (ml). BIOVOLUME IN MILLILITRES, BIOVOLUME MILLILITRES
organismQuantityType BRAUN BLANQUET SCALE A measurement type where the cover of a species in a sample is recorded using the Braun-Blanquet scale.
organismQuantityType DOMIN SCALE A measurement type where the cover of a species in a sample is recorded using the Domin scale.
organismQuantityType INDIVIDUALS A measurement type where the quantity of a species in a sample is recorded as the number of individuals (e.g.per litre, per square metre, per cubic metre, per hour, per day).
organismQuantityType PERCENTAGE COVERAGE A measurement type where the quantity of a species in a sample is recorded as the percentage coverage of the total area being sampled. % COVERAGE
organismQuantityType PERCENTAGE OF BIOMASS A measurement type where the quantity of a species in a sample is recorded as a percentage of the total biomass of all species. % OF BIOMASS
organismQuantityType PERCENTAGE OF BIOVOLUME A measurement type where the quantity of a species in a sample is recorded as a percentage of the total biovolume of all species. % OF BIOVOLUME
organismQuantityType PERCENTAGE OF SPECIES A measurement type where the quantity of a species in a sample is recorded as a percentage of the total individual count of all species. % OF SPECIES
preparations ALCOHOL Alcohol
preparations DEEP FROZEN Deep frozen
preparations DRIED Dried
preparations DRIED AND PRESSED Dried and pressed
preparations FORMALIN Formalin
preparations FREEZE DRIED Freeze-dried
preparations GLYCERIN Glycerin
preparations GUM ARABIC Gum arabic
preparations MICROSCOPIC PREPARATION Microscopic preparation
preparations MOUNTED Mounted
preparations NO TREATMENT No treatment
preparations OTHER Other
preparations PINNED Pinned
preparations REFRIGERATED Refrigerated
samplingProtocol ACOUSTIC RECORDING An acoustic recorder is a device that emits a soundwave at a range of frequencies, and are used to detect and monitor biodiversity in a given area.
samplingProtocol ANIMAL CARCASS (WHOLE) Refers to the fauna observation method, i.e., any observations made on a carcass (whole), i.e., dead and or decaying animal., Refers to the type of voucher specimen sample, i.e., an animal carcass (full/complete).
samplingProtocol ANIMAL DIGGINGS The type of evidence of a pest animal presence in the form of 'diggings'.
samplingProtocol ANIMAL GUT (WITHIN) Animal gut is the portions of the alimentary canal, particularly the stomach and the intestines.
samplingProtocol ANIMAL HAIR/FUR Animal fur are densely packed hairs on the skin of mammals.
samplingProtocol ANIMAL PELLET Pellets are fecal droppings of animals such as goat, rats, rabbits, wombats, etc., and are often used as a sign/evidence of the presence of the species in the environment.
samplingProtocol ANIMAL SKIN Skin is the outermost protective layer and the largest organ covering the body of vertebrate animal.
samplingProtocol ANIMAL TRACKING (STATELLITE) A method of tracking the movements of fauna species facilitated by the assistance from satellite (i.e., imagery for example).
samplingProtocol ANIMAL TRACKS Animal tracks are signs in the form of marks or imprints left behind on soil, ground or any related surface indicating the presence of a fauna species., Refers to the fauna observation method, i.e., any signs of a fauna detected from observations of tracks.
samplingProtocol BONE/TEETH Bones/teeth are non-perishable remains of mammals that are often divided into skeleton (bones) and dentition (teeth).
samplingProtocol BURROW A burrow is a hole or tunnel excavated into the ground by an animal to create a space suitable for habitation, temporary refuge, or as a byproduct of locomotion., Burrow is a small tunnel or a hole made by certain ground-dwelling mammals as a place of refuge., Refers to the microhabitat where the targeted fauna was observed. A burrow is a hole or tunnel excavated into the ground by an animal to create a space suitable for habitation, temporary refuge, or as a byproduct of locomotion.
samplingProtocol CAGE TRAP A cage trap is a trap made of metal or galvanised mesh, normally used for trapping mammals., The equipment/method used during a passive, 'targeted fauna survey'. A cage trap is a trap made of metal or galvanised mesh and used in trapping mammals.
samplingProtocol DNA DNA, or deoxyribonucleic acid, is the hereditary material in almost all living organisms that carries the genetic instructions used in growth, development, functioning, and reproduction. It consists of two long chains of nucleotides twisted into a double helix, with sequences of four types of nitrogen bases (adenine, thymine, cytosine, and guanine) that encode genetic information.
samplingProtocol EDNA Environment DNA (eDNA) are the DNA that contains genetic information of living organisms representing a specific environmental and is usually sourced from soil, water, etc. , Refers to the method of identification of Vertebrate fauna. Taxon is identified using DNA sequencing techniques from environmental samples (eDNA).
samplingProtocol EGGS/EGGSHELL An animal egg, or ovum, is the female reproductive cell (gamete) in many animals and vay in shape, size and structure. Egg shells are outer protctive layer that surrounds the egg of many animals. The animal eggs/egg shells here represent particular life stage of animal and often used as a sign/evidence to detect their presence in its habitat.
samplingProtocol ELLIOTT TRAP The equipment/method used during a passive, 'fauna survey'. Elliott trapping is a technique used to trap small to medium sized mammals. The are usually hinged design that allows trapping to be conducted by folding into a compact panel and easy transport to field locations and storage., The equipment/method used during a passive, 'targeted fauna survey'. Elliott trapping is a technique used to trap small to medium sized mammals. The are usually hinged design that allows trapping to be conducted by folding into a compact panel and easy transport to field locations and storage.
samplingProtocol EXOSKELETON Exoskeleton is the outer rigid covering of an invertebrate fauna with its structural features generally intact.
samplingProtocol FEATHER Feathers are light, upright epidermal outgrowths that form the external covering of the body of birds. Feathers include the smaller down feathers and the larger contour and flight feathers., Refers to the type of voucher specimen sample. Feathers are one of the epidermal growths that form the distinctive outer covering, or plumage, on birds.
samplingProtocol FOSSIL/SUBFOSSIL Fossils are preserved remains of animal or plant parts, usually of a prehistoric origin. Whereas, a sub-fossil are remains (usually skeletal) of animals that are not ancient enough to qualify as a fossil.
samplingProtocol FUNNEL TRAP The equipment/method used in a 'fauna survey'. Funnel trap is a trapping method used in trapping insects/invertebrates. Funnel traps are made of nested black funnels (up to as many as 12). Insects fall through the funnels to a cup that is filled with a preservative., The equipment/method used in a 'targeted fauna survey'. Funnel trap is a trapping method used in trapping insects/invertebrates. Funnel traps are made of nested black funnels (up to as many as 12). Insects fall through the funnels to a cup that is filled with a preservative.
samplingProtocol GPS TRACKING Geospatial tracking devices are portable units designed to monitor and track location. They use satellite navigation to determine movement and establish geographic positions.
samplingProtocol HAIR TUBE Hair Tubes are short sections of PVC pipe lined with pieces of double-sided sticky-tape and useful to obtain hair/fur samples of animals., Refers to the targeted fauna observation method, i.e., any observations on a fauna made using 'Hair Tubes', which are short sections of PVC pipe lined with pieces of double-sided sticky-tape.
samplingProtocol HARP TRAP Refers to the fauna observation method, i.e., any observations made on a fauna captured in a 'Harp trap' (especially designed for bats). They are particularly useful in situations where bats in flight can be channeled through a natural funnel such as above a water course, a cave or mine entrance or a clear area within a forest.
samplingProtocol HEARD The method of bird sighting in the form of calls, or acoustic signals., The method of fauna sighting in the form of calls, or acoustic signals.
samplingProtocol HUMAN OBSERVATION An observation performed by a human.
samplingProtocol LIGHT TRAP Light trapping is designed for collecting flying insects attracted to ultra violet light and is useful for sampling insect populations., The equipment/method used during a passive, 'targeted fauna survey'. Light trapping is designed for collecting flying insects attracted to ultra violet light and is useful for sampling insect populations.
samplingProtocol MALAISE TRAP A Malaise trap is a type of insect trap primarily used to capture invertebrates. They are large, tent-like structure effective in capturing flying insects (e.g., members of Hymenoptera and Diptera)., Refers to the targeted fauna observation method, i.e., any observations on a fauna captured using a malaise trap. A Malaise trap is a type of insect trap primarily used to capture invertebrates. They are large, tent-like structure effective in capturing flying insects (e.g., members of Hymenoptera and Diptera).
samplingProtocol MIST NET Refers to the fauna observation method, i.e., any observations on a fauna captured using mist nets. The net is made of a very fine diameter cord, which is almost invisible when set up and is often used to capture birds, because they fail to see it, and fly straight into it., Refers to the targeted fauna observation method, i.e., any observations on a fauna captured using mist nets. The net is made of a very fine diameter cord, which is almost invisible when set up and is often used to capture birds, because they fail to see it, and fly straight into it.
samplingProtocol NEST A nest is a place of refuge to hold an animal's eggs or provide a place to live or raise offspring.
samplingProtocol NO STATED METHOD Refers to NO recognised method of observation stated for a target fauna.
samplingProtocol NONE Refers to No observation method of a target fauna., Refers to the targeted fauna observation method, i.e., 'No' standard observation methods were applied.
samplingProtocol OBSERVATION METHOD - AFTER CALL PLAYBACK After call playback, is a method used for fauna observations (usually birds) and involves pre-recorded call playback to detect the presence of a target species in the survey area.
samplingProtocol OBSERVATION METHOD - ANIMAL DEN A den is a place of refuge for many mammals and are usually either buried deep underground or built by the animal to create a secret shelter., Refers to the microhabitat where the fauna was observed. A den is a place of refuge for many mammals and are usually either buried deep underground or built by the animal to create a secret shelter.
samplingProtocol OBSERVATION METHOD - ANIMAL ODOUR Animal odour or pheromones are distinct secretions of animals, often used as a sign/evidence of their presence in its habitat., Refers to the type of fauna observation method, which involves detection of a fauna species via its odour or pheromones.
samplingProtocol OTHER (SPECIFY) Other types of liquid preservative used to store invertebrate samples., Refers to the any Other type of substrate/s used for fauna signs-based observation., Represents any 'Other' categorical collection NOT listed in the given collection., Represents any 'other' categorical collection NOT listed.
samplingProtocol PAN TRAP A pan trap is a type of insect trap primarily used to capture small invertebrates (e.g., members of Hymenoptera) and often used to sample the abundance and diversity of insects., Refers to the targeted fauna observation method, i.e., any observations made from fauna captures in a pan trap. A pan trap is a type of insect trap primarily used to capture small invertebrates (e.g., members of Hymenoptera) and often used to sample the abundance and diversity of insects., The type/method of invertebrate fauna sampling implemented. Pan trapping consists of small, coloured bowls placed on the ground, either filled with water and a small amount of dishwashing liquid for sampling over one day, or propylene glycol for sampling over a longer duration.
samplingProtocol PELLET (WITHIN) Pellets are fecal droppings of animals such as goat, rats, rabbits, wombats, etc., and are often used as a sign/evidence of the presence of the species in the environment. 'Within pellet' here represents an observation method (tier-2) that involves searching for any signs/evidence of a fauna species within a scat.
samplingProtocol PITFALL TRAP Refers to the fauna observation method, i.e., any observations made from fauna captures in a pitfall trap. A pitfall trap is a simple device used to catch small animals , particularly insects and other invertebrates , that spend most of their time on the ground., Refers to the targeted fauna observation method, i.e., any observations made from fauna captures in a pitfall trap. A pitfall trap is a simple device used to catch small animals , particularly insects and other invertebrates , that spend most of their time on the ground.
samplingProtocol RADIO TRACKING Refers to the fauna observation method, i.e., any signs of a fauna with the assistance of radio tracking device/s.
samplingProtocol REMOTE CAMERA DEVICE Remote camera device are special devices that can be programmed to capture media (picture, videos) in places where humans cannot be physically present, and can be controlled remotely over a wireless network.
samplingProtocol SCATS Faeces/faecal pellets/dung/droppings of animals. Often individual or scattered pellets (e.g. rabbit), or clumped pellet groups (e.g. deer). Their deposition will be influenced by diet (wet diet often causes clumping of pellets) and their size can reflect age (adult/juvenile). Scat surveys provide an estimate of relative abundances suitable for both herbivores and predators.
samplingProtocol SCATS (WITHIN) Scats are fecal droppings of animals and are often represented by most to mark their territory. 'Within scats' here represents an observation method (tier-2) that involves searching for any signs/evidence of a fauna species within a scat.
samplingProtocol SCENT PAD Scent pads are specific pads that are used as lures duing fauna observations.
samplingProtocol SCRATCHINGS (ARBOREAL) Refers to the fauna observation method, i.e., any signs of a fauna detected from observations of scratchings on a tree.
samplingProtocol SCRATCHINGS (GROUND) Scratchings are common traits of certain mammals leaving scars on trees, rocks etc.
samplingProtocol SHELL A shell is a hard, rigid outer layer, which has evolved in a very wide variety of different animals, including molluscs, crustaceans, turtles and tortoises.
samplingProtocol SIGHTING An observation method made by direct sighting of fauna in its habitat.
samplingProtocol SPOTLIGHTING Spotlighting technique is a method used for fauna observations during the night and assists surveyors target nocturnal animals, using off-road vehicles and high-powered lights, spotlights, lamps or flashlights.
samplingProtocol SWEEP NET Sweep nets are usually used for capturing insects using a number of sweeps. The net is made of fine diameter mesh fitted to a metal handle to trap invertebrates in air., The equipment/method used during a passive, 'targeted fauna survey'. Sweep nets are usually used for capturing insects using a number of sweeps. The net is made of fine diameter mesh fitted to a metal handle to trap invertebrates in air.
samplingProtocol TRACKING PAD A tracking pad is an artificial pad made of loose material (such as sand for example) that are used to study and observe animal tracks. These pads are often designed to be delpoyed in habitats where animal activity/movements are high., Refers to the type of substrate used for fauna signs-based observation. A tracking pad is an artificial pad made of loose material (such as sand for example) that are used to study animal tracks in a fauna survey.
samplingProtocol ULTRASONIC RECORDING DEVICE Ultrasound recorders are devices that send high-frequency sound waves in the environment to create images or detect objects and movements within various mediums, such as a mammalian body or other environments. They are popular for wildlife monitoring, biodiversity surveys, habitat assessments and echolocation studies (e.g., bats).
samplingProtocol UNKNOWN Refers to the fire history of the plot, unknown., Unknown (unable to be determined)., Unknown capture status., Unknown position., Unknown- unable to be determined., Unknown/unable to be determined.
samplingProtocol UNKNOWN TRAP TYPE Refers to the fire history of the plot, unknown., Unknown (unable to be determined)., Unknown capture status., Unknown position., Unknown, unable to be determined., Unknown/unable to be determined.
samplingProtocol UNSPECIFIED The method used was not included in the data.
samplingProtocol WALLOW A wallow is a depression containing mud or shallow water, formed by wallowing of large mammals., Wallow is a depression containing mud or shallow water, formed by the wallowing of large mammals such as a buffallo for example.
samplingProtocol WATER SAMPLE Water samples are representative samples of a given habitat that serve as a source to study the chemical composition and detect the presence of fauna species (DNA).
samplingProtocol WET PITFALL TRAP Refers to the fauna observation method, i.e., any observations made from fauna captures using a wet pitfall trap.
sensitivityAuthority TBC TBC
sensitivityCategory TBC TBC
sequencingMethod TBC TBC
sex FEMALE Female (♀) is the sex of an organism, or a part of an organism, which produces mobile ova (egg cells). F, ♀
sex HERMAPHRODITE One organism having both male and female sexual characteristics and organs; at birth an unambiguous assignment of male or female cannot be made ZWITTER
sex MALE Male (♂) refers to the sex of an organism, or part of an organism, which produces small mobile gametes, called spermatozoa. M, ♂
sex UNDETERMINED If the sex of an organism can't be determined for some reason. UNDET., UNKNOWN
taxonRank CLASS Class
taxonRank CULTIVAR The epithet is usually output in single quotes and may contain multiple words, see ICBN §28. Examples: Taxus baccata 'Variegata', Juniperus ×pfitzeriana 'Wilhelm Pfitzer'; Magnolia 'Elizabeth' (= a hybrid, no species epithet).
taxonRank CULTIVAR GROUP Cultivar group GREX
taxonRank FAMILY Family
taxonRank FORM Form FORMA
taxonRank GENUS Genus
taxonRank INFORMAL Informal
taxonRank INFRAGENERIC NAME Used for any other unspecific rank below genera and above species.
taxonRank INFRAORDER Infraorder
taxonRank INFRASPECIFIC NAME Used for any other unspecific rank below genera and above species.
taxonRank INFRASUBSPECIFIC NAME Used for any other unspecific rank below subspecies.
taxonRank KINGDOM Kingdom REGNUM
taxonRank ORDER Order ALLIANCE
taxonRank PHYLUM Phylum DIVISION
taxonRank SECTION Section within a genus. In Zoology a section sometimes refers to a group above family level, this is NOT meant
taxonRank SERIES Series within a genus.
taxonRank SPECIES Species
taxonRank SPECIES AGGREGATE A loosely defined group of species. Zoology: 'Aggregate - a group of species, other than a subgenus, within a genus. An aggregate may be denoted by a group name interpolated in parentheses.' -- The Berlin/MoreTax model notes:'[these] aren't taxonomic ranks but circumscriptions because on the one hand they are necessary for the concatenation of the fullname and on the other hand they are necessary for distinguishing the aggregate or species group from the microspecies.' Compare subspecific aggregate for a group of subspecies within a species. AGGREGATE, SPECIES GROUP, SPECIES COMPLEX
taxonRank SUBFAMILY Subfamily
taxonRank SUBFORM Subform SUBFORMA
taxonRank SUBGENUS Subgenus
taxonRank SUBKINGDOM Subkingdom
taxonRank SUBORDER Suborder
taxonRank SUBSECTION Subsection within a genus.
taxonRank SUBSERIES Subseries within a genus.
taxonRank SUBSPECIES Subspecies
taxonRank SUBSPECIFIC AGGREGATE A loosely defined group of subspecies. Zoology:'Aggregate - a group of subspecies within a species. An aggregate may be denoted by a group name interpolated in parentheses.'
taxonRank SUBTRIBE Subtribe
taxonRank SUBVARIETY Subvariety SUBVARIETAS
taxonRank SUPERFAMILY Superfamily
taxonRank SUPRAGENERIC NAME Used for any other unspecific rank above genera.
taxonRank TRIBE Tribe
taxonRank UNRANKED Unranked
taxonRank VARIETY Variety VARIETAS
threatStatusCheckProtocol UNSPECIFIED Unspecified

Table 2b: Suggested values for conditionally mandatory values for the threatStatus and conservationAuthority fields in the template. State and Territory conservationAuthority spelt out as words are also valid. For some threatStatus terms, alternative labels are provided that are also valid for that conservationAuthority.

conservationAuthority threatStatus threatStatus alternative labels
ACT CRITICALLY ENDANGERED
ACT ENDANGERED
ACT EXTINCT
ACT EXTINCT IN THE WILD
ACT REGIONALLY CONSERVATION DEPENDENT
ACT VULNERABLE
EPBC CAMBA
EPBC CD CONSERVATION DEPENDENT
EPBC CE CR, CRITICALLY ENDANGERED
EPBC CITES
EPBC E EN, ENDANGERED
EPBC EX EXTINCT
EPBC JAMBA
EPBC KAMBA
EPBC V VU, VULNERABLE
EPBC XW EW, EXTINCT IN THE WILD
NSW CE CRITICALLY ENDANGERED
NSW EN ENDANGERED
NSW EX EXTINCT
NSW V VULNERABLE
NT CE CRITICALLY ENDANGERED
NT DD DATA DEFICIENT
NT EN ENDANGERED
NT EN EXTINCT IN NT ENDANGERED EXTINCT IN NT
NT EN EXTINCT IN WILD IN NT ENDANGERED EXTINCT IN WILD IN NT
NT EW CRITICALLY ENDANGERED POSSIBLY EXTINCT
NT EX EXTINCT
NT LC LEAST CONCERN
NT LC EXTINCT IN NT LEAST CONCERN EXTINCT IN NT
NT NE NOT EVALUATED
NT NT NEAR THREATENED
NT VU VULNERABLE
NT VU EXTINCT IN NT VULNERABLE EXTINCT IN NT
QLD C LEAST CONCERN WILDLIFE
QLD CR CRITICALLY ENDANGERED
QLD E ENDANGERED WILDLIFE
QLD EX EXTINCT
QLD I INTERNATIONAL WILDLIFE
QLD NT NEAR THREATENED WILDLIFE
QLD PE EXTINCT IN THE WILD
QLD SL SPECIAL LEAST CONCERN
QLD V VULNERABLE WILDLIFE
SA E ENDANGERED
SA R RARE
SA SP INDICATES THAT A RATING HAS BEEN APPLIED TO THE SPECIES LEVEL THE STATUS HAS NOT BEEN ASSESSED AT THE SUBSPECIES LEVEL
SA SSP INDICATES THAT AT LEAST ONE SUBSPECIES FOR THIS SPECIES HAS BEEN GIVEN A CONSERVATION RATING
SA V VULNERABLE
TAS E ENDANGERED
TAS R RARE
TAS V VULNERABLE
TAS X EXTINCT
VIC CONSERVATION DEPENDENT
VIC CRITICALLY ENDANGERED
VIC ENDANGERED
VIC ENDANGERED EXTINCT IN VICTORIA
VIC EXTINCT
VIC EXTINCT IN THE WILD
VIC RESTRICTED
VIC VULNERABLE
WA CD CONSERVATION DEPENDENT, SPECIES OF SPECIAL CONSERVATION INTEREST CONSERVATION DEPENDENT FAUNA
WA CR CRITICALLY ENDANGERED, CRITICALLY ENDANGERED SPECIES
WA EN ENDANGERED, ENDANGERED SPECIES
WA EW EXTINCT IN THE WILD
WA EX EXTINCT, EXTINCT SPECIES
WA MI MIGRATORY, MIGRATORY SPECIES
WA OS OTHER SPECIFICALLY PROTECTED FAUNA
WA P1 PRIORITY 1 POORLY KNOWN, PRIORITY 1 POORLY KNOWN SPECIES
WA P2 PRIORITY 2 POORLY KNOWN, PRIORITY 2 POORLY KNOWN SPECIES
WA P3 PRIORITY 3 POORLY KNOWN, PRIORITY 3 POORLY KNOWN SPECIES
WA P4 PRIORITY 4 RARE NEAR THREATENED AND OTHER SPECIES IN NEED OF MONITORING
WA SPECIALLY PROTECTED SPECIALLY PROTECTED SPECIES
WA T THREATENED, THREATENED SPECIES
WA VU VULNERABLE, VULNERABLE SPECIES

APPENDIX-II: Timestamp

Following date and date-time formats are acceptable within the timestamp:

TYPE FORMAT
xsd:dateTimeStamp with timezone yyyy-mm-ddThh:mm:ss.sTZD (eg 1997-07-16T19:20:30.45+01:00) OR
yyyy-mm-ddThh:mm:ssTZD (eg 1997-07-16T19:20:30+01:00) OR
yyyy-mm-ddThh:mmTZD (eg 1997-07-16T19:20+01:00)
xsd:dateTime yyyy-mm-ddThh:mm:ss.s (eg 1997-07-16T19:20:30.45) OR
yyyy-mm-ddThh:mm:ss (eg 1997-07-16T19:20:30) OR
yyyy-mm-ddThh:mm (eg 1997-07-16T19:20)
xsd:Date dd/mm/yyyy OR
d/m/yyyy OR
yyyy-mm-dd OR
yyyy-m-d
xsd:gYearMonth mm/yyyy OR
m/yyyy OR
yyyy-mm
xsd:gYear yyyy

Where
  yyyy: four-digit year
  mm: two-digit month (01=January, etc.)
  dd: two-digit day of month (01 through 31)
  hh: two digits of hour (00 through 23) (am/pm NOT allowed)
  mm: two digits of minute (00 through 59)
  ss: two digits of second (00 through 59)
  s: one or more digits representing a decimal fraction of a second   TZD: time zone designator (Z or +hh:mm or -hh:mm)

APPENDIX-III: UTF-8

UTF-8 encoding is considered a best practice for handling character encoding, especially in the context of web development, data exchange, and modern software systems. UTF-8 (Unicode Transformation Format, 8-bit) is a variable-width character encoding capable of encoding all possible characters (code points) in Unicode.
Here are some reasons why UTF-8 is recommended:

  • Universal Character Support: UTF-8 can represent almost all characters from all writing systems in use today. This includes characters from various languages, mathematical symbols, and other special characters.
  • Backward Compatibility: UTF-8 is backward compatible with ASCII (American Standard Code for Information Interchange). The first 128 characters in UTF-8 are identical to ASCII, making it easy to work with systems that use ASCII.
  • Efficiency: UTF-8 is space-efficient for Latin-script characters (common in English and many other languages). It uses one byte for ASCII characters and up to four bytes for other characters. This variable-length encoding minimises storage and bandwidth requirements.
  • Web Standards: UTF-8 is the dominant character encoding for web content. It is widely supported by browsers, servers, and web-related technologies.
  • Globalisation: As software applications become more globalised, supporting a wide range of languages and scripts becomes crucial. UTF-8 is well-suited for internationalisation and multilingual support.
  • Compatibility with Modern Systems: UTF-8 is the default encoding for many programming languages, databases, and operating systems. Choosing UTF-8 helps ensure compatibility across different platforms and technologies.

When working with text data, UTF-8 encoding is recommended to avoid issues related to character representation and ensure that a diverse set of characters and languages is supported.

For assistance, please contact: bdr-support@dcceew.gov.au