Geodatabase Dataset of the Distribution of Inland Water fish fauna of Freshwater Systems in Northern Greece

Field: Environmental Science (Physical Sciences)

Abstract The dataset is a geodatabase focusing on the distribution of freshwater fish species in Northern Greece. The study area encompasses various lakes and rivers within the regions of Thrace, Eastern, Central, and Western Macedonia, and Epirus. It classifies fish species into three categories based on their conservation status according to the IUCN Red List: Critically Endangered, Endangered, and Vulnerable. The data analysis reveals that the study area is characterized by high fish diversity, particularly in certain ecosystems such as the Evros River, Strymonas River, Aliakmonas River, Axios River, Volvi Lake, Nestos River, and Prespa Lake. These ecosystems serve as important habitats for various fish species. Mapping of the dataset shows the geographic distribution of threatened fish species, indicating that Northern Greece is a hotspot for species facing extinction risks. Overall, the dataset provides valuable insights for researchers, policymakers, and conservationists in understanding the status of fish fauna in Northern Greece and developing strategies for the protection and preservation of these important ecosystems. Methods Data Collection: The dataset was collected through a combination of field surveys, literature reviews, and the compilation of existing data from various reliable sources. Here's an overview of how the dataset was collected and processed: Freshwater Fishes and Lampreys of Greece: An Annotated Checklist The Red Book of Endangered Animals of Greece The "Red List of Threatened Species" The study "Monitoring and Evaluation of the Conservation Status of Fish Fauna Species of Community Interest in Greece" The international online fish database FishBase Data Digitization and Georeferencing: To create a comprehensive database, we digitized and georeferenced the collected data from various sources. This involved converting information from papers, reports, and surveys into digital formats and associating them with specific geographic coordinates. Georeferencing allowed us to map the distribution of fish species within the study area accurately. Data Integration: The digitized and georeferenced data were then integrated into a unified geodatabase. The geodatabase is a central repository that contains both spatial and descriptive data, facilitating further analysis and interpretation of the dataset. Data Analysis: We analyzed the collected data to assess the distribution of fish species in Northern Greece, evaluate their conservation status according to the IUCN Red List categories, and identify the threats they face in their respective ecosystems. The analysis involved spatial mapping to visualize the distribution patterns of threatened fish species. Data Validation: To ensure the accuracy and reliability of the dataset, we cross-referenced the information from different sources and validated it against known facts about the species and their habitats. This process helped to eliminate any discrepancies or errors in the dataset. Interpretation and Findings: Finally, we interpreted the analyzed data and derived key findings about the diversity and conservation status of freshwater fish species in Northern Greece. The results were presented in the research paper, along with maps and visualizations to communicate the spatial patterns effectively. Overall, the dataset represents a comprehensive and well-processed collection of information about fish fauna in the study area. It combines both spatial and descriptive data, providing valuable insights for understanding the distribution and conservation needs of freshwater fish populations in Northern Greece. Usage notes The data included with the submission is stored in a geodatabase format, specifically an ESRI Geodatabase (.gdb). A geodatabase is a container that can hold various types of geospatial data, including feature classes, attribute tables, and raster datasets. It provides a structured and organized way to store and manage geographic information. To open and work with the geodatabase, you will need GIS software that supports ESRI Geodatabase formats. The primary software for accessing and manipulating ESRI Geodatabases is ESRI ArcGIS, which is a proprietary GIS software suite. However, there are open-source alternatives available that can also work with Geodatabase files. Open-source software such as QGIS has support for reading and interacting with Geodatabase files. By using QGIS, you can access the data stored in the geodatabase and perform various geospatial analyses and visualizations. QGIS is a powerful and widely used open-source Geographic Information System that provides similar functionality to ESRI ArcGIS. For tabular data within the geodatabase, you can export the tables as CSV files and open them with software like Microsoft Excel or the open-source alternative, LibreOffice Calc, for further analysis and manipulation. Overall, the data provided in the submission is in a geodatabase format, and you can use ESRI ArcGIS or open-source alternatives like QGIS to access and work with the geospatial data it contains.