Description
This dataset represents the inaugural output from the "BioBlitz Azores" initiative, launched in 2019 with the objective of enhancing understanding of the Azorean biota and fostering community engagement. This initiative draws participation from volunteers, amateur naturalists, students, and families, aiming to cultivate community bonds and heighten awareness of biodiversity and conservation efforts in the Azores. The project commenced with its first session in the Public Garden "Jardim Duque da Terceira" (Angra do Heroísmo, Terceira Island) and held its second session in the same location in 2023.
In our study of lichens, we identified 72 taxa. For vascular plants, our research identified 54 taxa, which included one endemic, one native, three of indeterminate status, and 49 that were introduced.
Our arthropod survey produced an inventory of 96 taxa, with 76 classified to the species or subspecies level. This group included three endemic taxa, 32 native taxa, and 42 introduced taxa. A significant finding was the rare endemic spider, Savigniorrhipis acoreensis Wunderlich, 1992, which inhabits the canopies of endemic trees in native forests at mid to high elevations, demonstrating its specific habitat needs and the unique ecology of the region.
In terms of birds, we recorded 14 taxa, consisting of seven endemic Azorean subspecies, two native species, and four introduced taxa.
Three freshwater vertebrates were recorded during the survey, all of which are exotic species that have been introduced to the local ecosystem.
Data Records
The data in this sampling event resource has been published as a Darwin Core Archive (DwC-A), which is a standardized format for sharing biodiversity data as a set of one or more data tables. The core data table contains 58 records.
1 extension data tables also exist. An extension record supplies extra information about a core record. The number of records in each extension data table is illustrated below.
This IPT archives the data and thus serves as the data repository. The data and resource metadata are available for download in the downloads section. The versions table lists other versions of the resource that have been made publicly available and allows tracking changes made to the resource over time.
Versions
The table below shows only published versions of the resource that are publicly accessible.
How to cite
Researchers should cite this work as follows:
Borges P A V, Gabriel R, Lhoumeau S, Videira S, Amorim I R (2025). BioBlitz Azores: Multitaxa inventories of the biodiversity of “Jardim Duque da Terceira” (Angra do Heroísmo,Terceira Island, Azores, Portugal).. Version 1.5. Universidade dos Açores. Samplingevent dataset. http://ipt.gbif.pt/ipt/resource?r=bioblitz_terceira&v=1.5
Rights
Researchers should respect the following rights statement:
The publisher and rights holder of this work is Universidade dos Açores. This work is licensed under a Creative Commons Attribution (CC-BY 4.0) License.
GBIF Registration
This resource has been registered with GBIF, and assigned the following GBIF UUID: 1c3fa6fb-4242-461a-ba66-742143b3ae57. Universidade dos Açores publishes this resource, and is itself registered in GBIF as a data publisher endorsed by GBIF Portugal.
Keywords
Occurrence; Biodiversity; Citizen Science; Public Garden; Lichens; Vascular Plants; Arthropods; Birds; Specimen
Contacts
- Originator
- Associate Professor
- School of Agricultural and Environmental Sciences, University of the Azores, Rua Capitão João d´Ávila, Pico da Urze
- +351968933212
https://orcid.org/0000-0002-8448-7623
- Originator
- Associate Professor
- School of Agricultural and Environmental Sciences, University of the Azores, Rua Capitão João d´Ávila, Pico da Urze
- Originator
- Researcher
- School of Agricultural and Environmental Sciences, University of the Azores, Rua Capitão João d´Ávila, Pico da Urze
- Originator
- Researcher
- School of Agricultural and Environmental Sciences, University of the Azores, Rua Capitão João d´Ávila, Pico da Urze
- Originator
- Researcher
- School of Agricultural and Environmental Sciences, University of the Azores, Rua Capitão João d´Ávila, Pico da Urze
- +351968933212
- Originator
Geographic Coverage
This study was conducted in a city public garden: "Jardim Duque da Terceira" at Angra do Heroísmo on Terceira Island (Azores, Portugal). Terceira Island (total area: 400.2 km²; maximum elevation: 1021 meters above sea level)
| Bounding Coordinates | South West [38.655, -27.223], North East [38.661, -27.213] |
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Taxonomic Coverage
The dataset is a comprehensive multitaxonomic collection that includes a range of taxa from various phyla and classes, such as Ascomycota (lichens), Rhodophyta (red algae), Ginkgophyta (ginkgo), Pteridophyta (ferns), Pinophyta (conifers), Magnoliophyta (flowering plants), and Arthropoda (arthropods). Additionally, it encompasses representatives from the classes Actinopterygii (fish), Amphibia (frogs), and Aves (birds).
| Phylum | Ascomycota (Lichens), Ginkgophyta (Ginkgo), Pteridophyta (Ferns), Pinophyta (Conifers), Magnoliophyta (Flowering plants), Arthropoda (Arthropods) |
|---|---|
| Class | Actinopterygii (Fish), Amphibia (Frogs), Aves (Birds) |
Temporal Coverage
| Start Date | 2019-07-27 |
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| Start Date | 2023-06-17 |
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Project Data
This dataset represents the inaugural output from the "BioBlitz Azores" initiative, launched in 2019 with the objective of enhancing understanding of the Azorean biota and fostering community engagement. This initiative draws participation from volunteers, amateur naturalists, students, and families, aiming to cultivate community bonds and heighten awareness of biodiversity and conservation efforts in the Azores. The project commenced with its first session in the Public Garden "Jardim Duque da Terceira" (Angra do Heroísmo, Terceira Island) and held its second session in the same location in 2023.
| Title | BioBlitz Azores: Multitaxa inventories of the biodiversity of “Jardim Duque da Terceira” (Angra do Heroísmo,Terceira Island, Azores, Portugal). |
|---|---|
| Identifier | BioBlitz Azores |
| Funding | -Azorean Regional Secretariat for the Sea, Science and Technology; Azorean Regional Directorate of Science and Technology - BioBLitz Azores (DRCT M3.4.B/CIÊNCIA CIDADÃ/004/2019/RTF/033 -Science and Technology Foundation (FCT) - MACRISK-Trait-based prediction of extinction risk and invasiveness for Northern Macaronesian arthropods (FCT-PTDC/BIA-CBI/0625/2021). -Portal da Biodiversidade dos Açores (2022-2023) - PO Azores Project - M1.1.A/INFRAEST CIENT/001/2022 (2022). -FCT-UIDB/00329/2020-2024, DOI 10.54499/UIDB/00329/2020 (Thematic Line 1–integrated ecological assessment of environmental change on biodiversity). -FCT-UID/00329/2025 - Centre for Ecology, Evolution and Environmental Changes (CE3C). -Azores DRCT Pluriannual Funding (M1.1.A/FUNC.UI&D/010/2021-2024). -IRA was funded by Portuguese national funds through FCT – Fundação para a Ciência e a Tecnologia, I.P., under the Norma Transitória https://doi.org/10.54499/DL57/2016/CP1375/CT0003. |
| Study Area Description | This research was conducted in the "Jardim Duque da Terceira," a city public garden located in Angra do Heroísmo on Terceira Island, within the Azores, Portugal. Terceira Island, with a total area of 400.2 square kilometers and a peak elevation of 1021 meters above sea level, is strategically situated in the central group of the Azores Archipelago in the North Atlantic Ocean, at approximately 38°43′40″N latitude and 27°12′48″W longitude. The Azores Archipelago experiences a temperate oceanic climate, marked by consistent and plentiful rainfall, high relative humidity, and frequent winds, which contribute to its lush, verdant landscapes. The island's terrain is varied, featuring urban and agricultural areas at lower elevations, which transition to pasturelands interspersed with exotic tree plantations towards the inland areas. The higher elevations preserve remnants of native forests, which are critical habitats for local biodiversity and play a vital role in maintaining the ecological balance of the region. This unique setting provides an excellent backdrop for studying urban and semi-natural ecosystems within island environments. |
| Design Description | Each session was about two hours long, and participants could choose their area of interest beforehand. The sessions began with a briefing to explain the process and goals of the BioBlitz, setting expectations for what participants would learn and accomplish. In addition to field observations, a mini-laboratory was set up in the garden where participants could use binocular microscopes and hand lenses to examine finer details of specimens, which are crucial for the identification of smaller species like insects and lichens |
| Related Projects |
MACRISK - Functional attributes predicting the risk of extinction and invasion for the arthropods of Northern Macaronesia FCT - PTDC/BIA-CBI/0625/2021 |
The personnel involved in the project:
- Author
- Author
- Metadata Provider
- Metadata Provider
- Metadata Provider
- Metadata Provider
- Metadata Provider
- Metadata Provider
- Author
- Author
- Author
Sampling Methods
Lichens: The search for lichens mainly involved examining tree bark and rocks. Participants occasionally collected samples for closer examination under magnification tools to accurately determine the species. Plants: Participants examined various plant features such as size, leaf details, flowers, and fruits, and in some cases utilized smell to aid in species identification. Arthropods: Different capture and observation techniques were applied depending on the habitat and the type of arthropods being studied. These techniques were explained in detail to participants before the start of the session. Two main methods were used: a) Sweep Netting - Participants used sweep nets to collect arthropods from vegetation. This involves sweeping a net through the foliage where arthropods might be resting or feeding, which is effective for catching flying or jumping insects; b) Beat Sampling - This technique was used to dislodge arthropods from trees and bushes. Participants held a sheet or tray under a branch and then shook or beat the branch, causing arthropods to fall onto the sheet for collection and identification. Birds: Birdwatching required participants to be quiet and observant, using binoculars and listening for bird calls to locate and identify species both in the tree canopy and on the ground.
| Study Extent | This research was conducted in the "Jardim Duque da Terceira," a city public garden located in Angra do Heroísmo on Terceira Island, within the Azores, Portugal. Terceira Island, with a total area of 400.2 square kilometers and a peak elevation of 1021 meters above sea level, is strategically situated in the central group of the Azores Archipelago in the North Atlantic Ocean, at approximately 38°43′40″N latitude and 27°12′48″W longitude. |
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| Quality Control | Taxonomists: António Felix Rodriques and Rosalina Gabriel (lichens); Paulo A. V. Borges (arthropods); Lucas Lamelas-Lopez (freshwater organisms); Susana Gonçalves and Paulo J.M. Barcelos (vascular plants); Cecília Melo and Rúben Coelho (birds). |
Method step description:
- Arthropod Curation: Voucher specimen management was mainly undertaken by Alejandra Ros-Prieto, Abrão Leite, Ricardo Costa, Paulo A. V. Borges. Darwin Core Databases: Paulo A.V. Borges, Sébastien Lhoumeau, Sandra Videira, Rosalina Gabriel.
Collection Data
| Collection Name | Entomoteca Dalberto Teixeira Pombo (DTP) |
|---|---|
| Collection Identifier | DTP |
| Specimen preservation methods | Alcohol |
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Bibliographic Citations
- Aristeidou M, Herodotou C, Ballard HL, Higgins L, Johnson RF, et al. (2021) How do young community and citizen science volunteers support scientific research on biodiversity? The case of iNaturalist. Diversity 13 (7): 318 https://doi.org/10.3390/ d13070318
- Barreiros JP, Elias RB, Lourenço J, Dias E, Borges PAV (2010) First record of Tarentola mauritanica (Linnaeus, 1758) (Reptilia; Gekkonidae) in the Azores. Arquipelago Life and Marine Sciences 27: 73‑75 http://hdl.handle.net/10400.3/673
- Borges PAV, Reut M, Ponte NB, Quartau JA, Fletcher M, Sousa AB, Pollet M, Soares AO, Marcelino J, Rego C, Cardoso P (2013) New records of exotic spiders and insects to the Azores, and new data on recently introduced species. Arquipelago Life and Marine Sciences 30: 57‑70. http://hdl.handle.net/10400.3/2079
- de Vasconcelos Monteiro EC (2015) Monitoring plant phenology between citizens and science:" Serralves em Flora", a case study from Portugal. https://cibio.up.pt/en/sciencesociety/ monitoring-plant-phenology-between-citizens-and-science-serralves-em-flora-acase- study-from-portugal/.
- Palma E, Mata L, Cohen K, Evans D, Gandy B, et al. (2024) The city nature challenge: A global citizen science phenomenon contributing to biodiversity knowledge and informing local government practices. BioScience 74 (4): 290‑299. https://doi.org/10.1093/biosci/ biae012
- Parker SS, Pauly GB, Moore J, Fraga NS, Knapp JJ, Principe Z, Brown BV, Randall JM, Cohen BS, Wake TA (2018) Adapting the bioblitz to meet conservation needs. Conservation biology 32 (5): 1007‑1019. https://doi.org/10.1111/cobi.13103
- Tiago P, Evaristo I, Pinto B (2024) The role of BioBlitzes in citizen science: insights from participants and experts. Frontiers in Environmental Science 12: 1347428. https://www.frontiersin.org/articles/10.3389/fenvs.2024.1347428/full
- Tsafack N, Fattorini S, Boieiro M, Rigal F, Ros-Prieto A, Ferreira MT, Borges PAV (2021) The role of small lowland patches of exotic forests as refuges of rare endemic Azorean arthropods. Diversity 13 (9): 443. https://doi.org/10.3390/d13090443
Additional Metadata
| Acknowledgements | We are grateful to the Mayor of Angra do Heroísmo for Field Work authorizaton. |
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| Introduction | BioBlitz events, first initiated in 1996 by the National Park Service in the United States, are intense 24-hour biodiversity surveys that combine scientific inquiry with public participation, setting a standard for future events. These events are now a global phenomenon, recognized for their significant contributions to biodiversity assessment, public engagement, and conservation action, as noted by Parker et al. (2018). They not only facilitate a deeper public understanding of biodiversity but also serve as vital tools for monitoring ecological changes and shaping conservation strategies, according to Palma et al. (2024). In Portugal, since 2013, the Serralves Foundation has organized annual BioBlitz events, collaborating with various educational and environmental organizations to raise awareness of urban and peri-urban biodiversity through activities like species identification workshops and guided tours, as described by de Vasconcelos Monteiro (2015) and Tiago et al. (2024). The Azores Archipelago, a biodiversity hotspot noted for its unique geographic isolation, varied habitats, and endemic species, serves as an ideal setting for BioBlitzes. These events can yield important data on both endemic and exotic species, particularly in disturbed habitats at lower elevations where recent introductions are noted by Barreiros et al. (2010) and Borges et al. (2013). Moreover, there's evidence that some endemic arthropods persist in isolated low elevation forest patches, as found by Tsafack et al. (2021), highlighting the potential of BioBlitzes to uncover rare species and contribute to global biodiversity databases like iNaturalist, as discussed by Aristeidou et al. (2021). |
| Getting Started | During the BioBlitz Açores events in 2019 and 2023 at Jardim Duque da Terceira, specialized sampling protocols were used to study different taxa, each tailored to the specific needs of the group being studied. For lichens, participants examined tree bark and rocks, occasionally collecting samples for closer analysis under magnification tools. In studying plants, features such as size, leaf details, flowers, and fruits were observed, sometimes utilizing smell for identification. Arthropod sampling involved techniques like sweep netting—sweeping nets through vegetation to capture insects—and beat sampling, where arthropods were dislodged onto a sheet by shaking branches. Birdwatching sessions required quiet observation, using binoculars and listening for calls to identify birds in various habitats. Each session lasted about two hours, starting with a briefing on goals and processes. A mini-laboratory provided further examination opportunities with binocular microscopes and hand lenses, enhancing participant engagement and educational outcomes while fostering a deeper connection with nature. |
| Purpose | The primary goal of this dataset is to disseminate the findings from the BioBlitzes multi-taxa inventories conducted in the "Jardim Duque da Terceira" in Angra do Heroísmo, Terceira Island, Azores, Portugal. It not only documents the diverse species found in this distinctive sites but also aims to inspire both local and global communities to participate in citizen science and biodiversity monitoring projects. Additionally, this publication encourages policymakers, researchers, and conservationists to focus on preserving urban and semi-natural habitats, serves as an educational tool demonstrating the benefits of collaborative scientific endeavors, and underscores the cultural and scientific significance of incorporating historical gardens like "Jardim Duque da Terceira" into conservation efforts. Through these efforts, it seeks to advance environmental education, biodiversity research, and the sustainable management of urban green spaces |
| Alternative Identifiers | 1c3fa6fb-4242-461a-ba66-742143b3ae57 |
| http://ipt.gbif.pt/ipt/resource?r=bioblitz_terceira |