Inventaires et atlas nationaux de distribution : pour une approche plus itérative et un rééquilibrage taxinomique

This synthesis analyses the use and limitations of the distributional atlases data for applied nature conservation studies. From the gaps and opportunities observed in France, we suggest a set of practical and scientific recommendations in order to strengthen their use in systematic conservation planning for terrestrial biodiversity (protected networks, green infrastructure and land settlement). The two main advices are to adopt an iterative approach between field survey and data analysis, and the selection of the species groups to inventory. The iterative process consists of regularly using available valid data to identify spatial and taxonomic gaps in the inventory, to model the potential distribution of each species and to estimate their ecological niche. During the distribution inventory project, this information can enable the sorting of new data according to their plausibility (data validation process) and should be used to identify priority areas for new field surveys. As scientific literature concludes that there is low consistency of biodiversity congruence relationship, we suggest increasing taxonomic representation in new atlases projects in order to provide a more complete view of species distribution for nature conservation initiatives. Ideally, the species groups should be rich in restricted range and low mobility species, or rich in habitat specialist species or contain species playing a recognized role in ecosystem functioning. Taking into account practical and technical criteria, a list of taxa is proposed for new distribution atlases. This proposal would cover about 20 % of known terrestrial species compared to current 5 %, with more effort on invertebrates, plants and fungi.