Invasive Alien Species Occurrence in Ghana

Study Extent

The occurrence data points for the two invasive alien species were taken between 2012 and 2016 and data collection was done four times annually within the Ankasa-Bia-Krokosua ecological landscape within falls within latitudes-7.906669 North and 5.317087 South and longitudes-3.006151 West and -1.854438 East

Sampling

Data on the two invasive alien species were collected through random human observation with GPS recordings of coordinates. Observations were done by trained botanists and taxonomists from the Resource Management Support Centre of the Forestry Commission in Ghana.

Quality Control

Observations were done by trained botanists and taxonomists for the records on the invasive alien species. The use of GPS for recording geographic coordinates.

Method steps

1. All data points were entered in excel worksheet using the Darwin Core standard template for occurrence data and cleaned from errors using the filter on the excel worksheet. All names were resolved and verified or validated using the Taxonomic Name Resolution Service V.40 and Global Name Resolver. Google map and Georeference calculator were used in verifying the location and calculating the coordinate uncertainty in metres. The Canadensys coordinate conversion was used in changing the geographic coordinates from DDMMSS to decimal coordinates. Dates were parsed using the Canadensys date parsing. InfoXY version 2.0 was used in validation all the geographic data associated with the species. Geographic data associated with the datasets were further validated with Geolocate software. The OccurrenceID was created as RMSC:FIP:CORR:0001 for all data records. RMSC is the ownerInstitutionCode with FIP the name of the project and CORR representing Invbasive Alien Species data records taken from the forest reserves and the off-reserve (corridor)and 0001 the first species in the sequence of records of the ivasive species. The occurrences datasets were then uploaded into the OpenRefine software for further cleaning and the cleaned dataset was then downloaded as CSV file and uploaded into the IPT for publishing by filling and completing all required metadata associated with the dataset. Quality checks such as the following were followed during the cleaning of the data and writing of the metadata associated with the dataset. The required template for occurrence dataset was used. The required and recommended fields were duly filled. The recommended data cleaning softwares and reference books were used. Data cleaning procedure and methods were meticulously followed to produce as far as practically possible to produce data files that are fit for use and publishing.

All plants were identified to the species level

1. Broussonetia papyrifera (L.) Vent.
   common name: York rank: species
2. Chromolaena odorata (L.) R.M.King & H.Rob.
   common name: Acheampong rank: species

The data points were taken at some selected forest reserves and corridors that were found between latitudes 7.306669 North and 5.017087 South and longitudes-3.106151 West and -2.554438 East.