Spatial patterns of vascular plant species richness in Poland-a data set

Recognition of species richness spatial patterns is important for nature conservation and theoretical studies. Inventorying species richness, especially at a larger spatial extent is challenging, thus different data sources are joined and harmonized to obtain a comprehensive data set. Here we present a new data set showing vascular plant species richness in Poland based on a grid of 10 x 10 km squares. The data set was created using data from two sources: the Atlas of Distribution of Vascular Plants in Poland and the Polish Vegetation Database. Using this data set, we analysed 2,160 species with taxonomical nomenclature according to the Euro + Med PlantBase checklist in 3,283 squares covering the entire territory of Poland (ca. 312,000 km(2)). The species were divided into groups according to their status and frequency of distribution, and the statistics for each square were obtained. For purposes of analysis, sampling bias was assessed. The data set promotes theoretical analysis on species richness and reinforces the planning of nature conservations.

Automated summary

Recognition of species richness spatial patterns is important for conservation and theoretical studies. This study presents a new data set of vascular plant species richness in Poland based on a grid of 10 x 10 km squares, created using data from two sources. The analysis of 2,160 species in 3,283 squares provides valuable statistics for each square and enables theoretical analysis and better planning for nature conservations.