TDWG Biological Interaction Data Interest Group

Rationale

Species interaction is a concern in Biology and either in other areas, like Agriculture. Despite many efforts to collect and share species interaction data, its lacks a data standard which allows universally exchange of data and information. Therefore, the goal of this Interest Group is to discuss and formalize biodiversity interaction data aiming at developing a data standard under the Biodiversity Information Standards (TDWG) umbrella.

After a meeting held during the TDWG Conference in Costa Rica, on the 6/Dec/2016, this group was proposed and presented to the TDWG community at the closing session.

Planned steps

1. Figure out and use a robust theory of biological interactions, including food webs and network ecology concepts. PLAN_STEP_1
2. Landscaping review: collect information of available resources about species interaction data, study cases and standard development, creating a list and providing a detailed description of funcionalities, advantages and disadvantages of each resource. PLANT_STEP_2
3. Share bibliography references (articles, reports, documents etc.) between collaborators to enrich discussions and promote a standarization of species data.PLANT_STEP_3
4. Create a core standard for species interaction data. PLAN_STEP_4
5. Development of conceptal models for data centralisation and aggregation. PLANT_STEP_5

How to contribute

You can use the GitHub issues to contribute with amendment (including modifications in this text) or starting relevant discussion topics. To create an issue click on green large button at right top "New Issue", or open a existing issue to contribute within the discussion.

A mailing list resource will be provided soon. Meanwhile, click in "Watch" and select "Watching" to be notified of all conversations.

Participation is open to all interested parties.

We have regular virtual meetings scheduled to happen every 15 days. If you are interested in participating, please, send an email to joseasalim@usp.br so that your is name added to the list of participants. Additionally, we encorage any new incomer to join our TDWG Biological Interaction Data Group.

Resources

List of Shared Resources

Conveners

Antonio Mauro Saraiva

Full Professor, Universidade de São Paulo, Escola Politécnica Research Center on Biodiversity and Computing - BioComp. USP saraiva(at)usp.br

Jen Hammock

Project Manager, Encyclopedia of Life, Smithsonian National Museum of Natural History, MRC #106 hammockj(at)si.edu

Core Members

• Anne Thessen - Ronin Institute
• Annie Simpson - US Geological Survey
• Antonio Mauro Saraiva - Universidade de São Paulo
• Chris Mungall - Lawrence Berkeley Laboratory
• Dmitry Schigel - Global Biodiversity Information Facility (GBIF), Secretariat
• Francisco Pando - Real Jardín Botánico, CSIC
• Jennifer Hammock - Encyclopedia of Life
• John Wiezorek - University of California, Berkeley
• Jorrit Poelen - Global Biotic Interactions
• José Augusto Salim - Universidade de São Paulo
• Juliana Saragiotto Silva - Instituto Federal de Mato Grosso
• Katja Schulz - Smithsonian Institution
• Prabha Prabhakar - Strand Life Sciences
• Quentin Groom - Botanic Garden Meise
• Remy Jomier - Service du Patrimoine Naturel
• Willem Coetzer - South Africa Inst Aquatic Biodiversity
• Debora Drucker - Brazilian Agricultural Research Corporation (EMBRAPA)
• Filipi Soares - Universidade de São Paulo
• Fransciso E. Fonturbel - Pontificia Universidad Católica de Valparaíso