Conservation information is expensive, particularly when conducting long-term studies of rare species in developing nations. Thus, spectacled bear (Tremarctos ornatus) studies are challenging due to the behavior and biology of the species as well as its distribution. For this reason, individual efforts may not be sufficient to develop an understanding of conservation needs. Conservation strategies are constrained by absence of information on the ecology, biogeography, and abundance of target species, thus, collaboration among researchers is essential (Costello et al. 2015).
Wallace et al. (2014) developed the last estimate of spectacled bear distribution in Peru and identified large areas lacking information. We directed our focus on filling information gaps, but had to begin with available information. We compiled existent information in published literature, and available oil and mining reports (19 and 180 respectively), and solicited additional information. We contacted 43 researchers and asked them to share their data. We also included opportunistic data from other projects where valuable records and observations of spectacled bear were attained.
Results/Conclusions
We obtained 600 records for the spectacled bear and we developed the first database for the species, using these data for our first analyses. Species distribution models have become very popular in the recent years (Johnson and Gillingham 2005), but the performance of these models is related to the data used. With these limitations in mind, we are using the first approximation to design more efficient and focused field data collections, while taking advantage of previous work to prioritize the next steps. Then, we were able to improve our distribution models as we get new field data.
Data sharing is extremely valuable since the money and time invested can yield multiple benefits and feed new projects. Databases can inform policy makers, and lead to further inquiry by allowing comparative studies and studies in larger temporal and geographical scale. Open access databases can facilitate resources being directed towards gaining new knowledge, not duplicating prior efforts.