Occurrence dataset of birds from multi-region avifaunal surveys in Gansu Province, China (2011-2020)

Study Extent

The monitoring dataset encompasses twelve regions within Gansu Province, China, spanning longitudinal coordinates approximately from 94.65°E to 105.71°E and latitudinal coordinates from approximately 33.00°N to 42.08°N.

Sampling

Utilizing standardized visual counting protocols, the research team conducted a comprehensive survey of avian biodiversity across twelve sites in Gansu Province from 2011 to 2020. Each survey was performed by a team of four experienced observers and lasted between 50 and 70 minutes. During the initial phase of method development (primarily 2011–2012), the collected data exhibited certain inconsistencies in spatiotemporal records, including occasional disruptions in interannual continuity and irregular survey timing. From 2013 onward, survey procedures were more rigorously standardized, geographical coverage was expanded, and systematic seasonal repeat surveys were implemented during spring and summer. Data collected prior to 2013 were carefully reviewed, with records either harmonized or excluded as necessary to ensure consistency in temporal and methodological parameters. All surveys followed fixed transects defined by origin and destination geographic coordinates, which were documented in the dataset using the LINESTRING geometric format. Spatial data employed the WGS84 geodetic datum, with latitude and longitude recorded in decimal degrees. This coordinate system facilitates compatibility with widely used geographic information systems and enables precise spatial analyses across the diverse landscapes of Gansu Province, ranging from arid deserts to alpine wetlands.

Quality Control

This survey upheld scientific rigor and data consistency through the implementation of a stringent quality control system. During the survey design phase, a standardized visual counting methodology was employed, and fixed geographical sample lines were predetermined. Additionally, all four participating counters underwent comprehensive training and screening to ensure their proficiency and expertise. Throughout the survey execution, immediate cross-verification of on-site data records was conducted to enhance accuracy. In the data management and compilation stage, systematic verification of each digitized record’s spatiotemporal information integrity and coordinate logic was performed, with all spatial data standardized to the WGS84 geodetic reference system. To address the requirements of long-term monitoring, core methodologies were consistently maintained, fixed sample sites were utilized, and regular team collaboration was conducted to minimize potential long-term deviations.

Method steps

1. The avian species composition and abundance across twelve administrative regions within Gansu Province were examined employing the line-transect survey method. Following initial field reconnaissance, a total of 118 permanent transects, each measuring between 1 and 2 kilometers in length, were established. The placement of transects was strategically chosen to represent a diverse array of habitat types, including wetlands, forests, shrublands, and grasslands. Bird surveys were carried out during the spring (April to May) and early summer (June to July) periods under favorable weather conditions. In Subei Mongolian Autonomous County, ten transects were established, with a total of 59 surveys conducted intermittently from 2011 to 2018. Similarly, in Yumen City, ten transects were set up, and 126 surveys were carried out intermittently between 2011 and 2020. Lanzhou City also had ten transects established, with 133 surveys conducted intermittently during the same period. In Luqu County, ten transects were established, and 151 surveys were performed intermittently from 2011 to 2020. Wudu District in Longnan City had ten transects with 128 surveys conducted intermittently between 2011 and 2020. Likewise, Tianzhu Tibetan Autonomous County had ten transects and 128 intermittent surveys within the same timeframe. In Gao Tai County, three transects were established, and 13 surveys were conducted between 2016 and 2018. Minqin County had ten transects with 72 surveys conducted intermittently from 2016 to 2018. Maiji District in Tianshui City also had ten transects, with 60 surveys conducted intermittently during this period. Additionally, ten transects were set up in Kongtong District, Pingliang City, and Wen County, each with 60 surveys conducted intermittently between 2016 and 2018. Finally, Dunhuang City had ten transects established, with 60 surveys conducted intermittently from 2016 to 2018. Surveys were conducted during morning hours (07:00–12:00) and afternoon hours (14:00–17:00) under conditions of clear weather and favorable air quality. Observers traversed the transect at a walking speed of 1–2 km/h. Each survey involved four experienced researchers who utilized 8×40 binoculars to identify and record bird species and their numbers along the transect, following the guidelines outlined in the "Chinese Field Bird Manual. " Additionally, photographic documentation was obtained using a Canon 6D Mark II camera equipped with a Canon EF 100-400mm lens to further verify species identification. The duration of each transect survey ranged from 50 to 70 minutes. Post-fieldwork, the collected data were systematically organized and summarized using Microsoft Excel, and the resulting dataset was formatted according to the Darwin Core standard.

N/A

1. Stenostiridae
   rank: family
2. Troglodytidae
   rank: family
3. Suliformes
   rank: order
4. Estrildidae
   rank: family
5. Laridae
   rank: family
6. Sylviidae
   rank: family
7. Corvidae
   rank: family
8. Cuculiformes
   rank: order
9. Upupidae
   rank: family
10. Phylloscopidae
    rank: family
11. Anseriformes
    rank: order
12. Columbidae
    rank: family
13. Regulidae
    rank: family
14. Motacillidae
    rank: family
15. Muscicapidae
    rank: family
16. Animalia
    rank: kingdom
17. Phalacrocoracidae
    rank: family
18. Cuculidae
    rank: family
19. Galliformes
    rank: order
20. Aegithalidae
    rank: family
21. Podicipedidae
    rank: family
22. Emberizidae
    rank: family
23. Passeriformes
    rank: order
24. Pycnonotidae
    rank: family
25. Zosteropidae
    rank: family
26. Rostratulidae
    rank: family
27. Pelecaniformes
    rank: order
28. Ciconiiformes
    rank: order
29. Pteroclidae
    rank: family
30. Picidae
    rank: family
31. Falconiformes
    rank: order
32. Leiothrichidae
    rank: family
33. Accipitriformes
    rank: order
34. Sittidae
    rank: family
35. Pandionidae
    rank: family
36. Sturnidae
    rank: family
37. Cettiidae
    rank: family
38. Chordata
    rank: phylum
39. Gruiformes
    rank: order
40. Fringillidae
    rank: family
41. Paradoxornithidae
    rank: family
42. Scolopacidae
    rank: family
43. Columbiformes
    rank: order
44. Alcedinidae
    rank: family
45. Aves
    rank: class
46. Apodiformes
    rank: order
47. Ibidorhynchidae
    rank: family
48. Charadriiformes
    rank: order
49. Charadriidae
    rank: family
50. Threskiornithidae
    rank: family
51. Passeridae
    rank: family
52. Gruidae
    rank: family
53. Recurvirostridae
    rank: family
54. Bucerotiformes
    rank: order
55. Bombycillidae
    rank: family
56. Prunellidae
    rank: family
57. Accipitridae
    rank: family
58. Podicipediformes
    rank: order
59. Hirundinidae
    rank: family
60. Campephagidae
    rank: family
61. Strigidae
    rank: family
62. Alaudidae
    rank: family
63. Otididae
    rank: family
64. Caprimulgiformes
    rank: order
65. Tichodromadidae
    rank: family
66. Phasianidae
    rank: family
67. Pterocliformes
    rank: order
68. Panuridae
    rank: family
69. Falconidae
    rank: family
70. Timaliidae
    rank: family
71. Apodidae
    rank: family
72. Turdidae
    rank: family
73. Rallidae
    rank: family
74. Acrocephalidae
    rank: family
75. Caprimulgidae
    rank: family
76. Strigiformes
    rank: order
77. Otidiformes
    rank: order
78. Cinclidae
    rank: family
79. Piciformes
    rank: order
80. Coraciiformes
    rank: order
81. Laniidae
    rank: family
82. Paridae
    rank: family
83. Ardeidae
    rank: family
84. Locustellidae
    rank: family
85. Oriolidae
    rank: family
86. Dicruridae
    rank: family
87. Cisticolidae
    rank: family
88. Ciconiidae
    rank: family
89. Anatidae
    rank: family

The monitoring data encompasses the entirety of Gansu Province, China, spanning a geographical range from approximately 94.65°E to 105.71°E in longitude and from approximately 33.00°N to 42.08°N in latitude. This dataset incorporates a diverse array of ecosystems, including northwestern desert regions, central river valley wetlands, and southern plateau forests.