FreshLanDiv: A global database of freshwater biodiversity across different land uses

Abstract

Freshwater ecosystems have been heavily impacted by land-use changes, but data syntheses on these impacts are still limited. Here, we compiled a global database encompassing 241 studies with species abundance data (from multiple biological groups and geographic locations) across sites with different land-use categories. This compilation will be useful for addressing questions regarding land-use change and its impact on freshwater biodiversity. The database includes metadata of each study, site location, sample methods, sample time, land-use category, and abundance of each taxon. The database contains data from across the globe, with 85% of the sites having well-defined geographical coordinates. The database covers all major freshwater biological groups including algae, macrophytes, zooplankton, macroinvertebrates, fish, and amphibians.