About the Site • Taxa • Bibliography

This site was created from the Pacific Region Species Observation Database Website maintained by the Pacific Biodiversity Information Forum and available at http://www.pbif.org/SpOcc/taxaquery.asp. The Website is also being distributed on CD to make the information readily available to computer users who do not have access to the Internet or lack sufficient bandwidth to easily access the Website. The CD is being distributed by the Pacific Biodiversity Information Forum and will be updated periodically. The CD includes all information available on the Website as of 28 September, 2007. Additional copies can be obtained by writing to:

When PBIF was created in 2003, three of the four top information needs identified by regional representatives involved the creation of regional, sub-regional and national taxonomic surveys. In support of these taxonomic pursuits, PBIF has been working to bring together available species information from around the globe into a consolidated base of data for the Pacific region. The following diagram describes a process for aggregating species information and producing species checklists. The Species Observation database is the foundation for this process. Data contributors include, the Global Biodiversity Information Facility, ITIS/Species 2000 Catalogue of Life, Pacific Islands Ecosystems at Risk Project, Dr. W.J. Tennent, Dr. A. Allison, and Dr. D. Fautin.

The Pacific Biodiversity Information Forum (PBIF) was established in 2003 under the Pacific Science Association's task force on Biodiversity and Conservation as a mechanism to support collaboration on common biodiversity interests in the region. Since that time PBIF has been implementing the program of work articulated by regional representatives. The program calls for the development of links to existing biodiversity information, building partnerships, and working to develop and improve information products, services and capacity for the region. The Forum serves as a participant node to the Global Biodiversity Information Facility to integrate regional activities with similar global efforts. More information can be found on www.pbif.org or by contacting Dr. Mark Fornwall at mark_fornwall@usgs.gov or Rhyn Davies at rdavies@usgs.gov.