Which data can be shared through SCAR Antarctic Biodiversity Portal?
We can assist and support publication of biodiversity from Antarctica, sub Antarctic island(s) and in the Southern Ocean to GBIF and OBIS. This includes dataset descriptions, organism occurrences, species checklists, DNA-derived occurrences and sampling events in Please have a look at this blog post for more details. If you have other data types, but you are not sure where and how to make it available, please email us so that we can direct you to people who may be able to help you.
Which data standard is used to share biodiversity data?
We use the Darwin Core (DwC) standard and associated extensions to publish biodiversity data and associated data (e.g. links to media, sequences). If you would like to publish your biodiversity data with us but unsure how to map your data to Darwin Core and its extensions, please contact our helpdesk.
What is the scope of this portal?
The occurrence records in this portal are all occurrences in GBIF within the MEASO polygon.
What is the criteria for a dataset to be added to SCAR network?
Dataset that includes biological observations of the Antarctic continent, sub Antarctic island(s) and in the Southern Ocean are encouraged to be added to the SCAR network. There is no restriction on the type of primary biodiversity data.
What is the criteria for a dataset to be added to OBIS network?
Dataset that includes biological observations of the Southern Ocean are encouraged to be added to the OBIS network. There is no restriction on the type of primary biodiversity data. Data must adhere to guidelines to contribute to OBIS, for more details see the OBIS manual.
What is the taxonomic backbone of the taxa in this portal?
Since all occurrence records comes from GBIF, the scientific names and taxonomy are according to GBIF Backbone Taxonomy. Where possible we encourage the use of the register of Antarctic species RAS and the register of Antarctic Marine Species RAMS for validating sceintific names and taxonomy.
Can I access the data of this portal programmatically?
Yes! All species occurrence records in this portal are from GBIF. You can access the data programmatically using its API documented here. A beginners guide is available at GBIF data blog.
Is the SCAR Antarctic biodiversity Portal (biodiversity.aq) the same as SCAR MarBIN?
Before biodiversity.aq, there was SCAR-MarBIN. SCAR-MarBIN had a website and a database, but they are no longer being updated. When SCAR-MarBIN was made, the GBIF portal didn’t have as many options as it does now. During that time, SCAR-MarBIN was able to meet the wants of its users. It is no longer needed since GBIF has grown and added more features.