Ensuring the quality of historical data for wildlife conservation: A methodological framework

Abstract

Written historical sources are crucial for understanding wildlife species’ environmental requirements, spatial and temporal dynamics, and guiding conservation strategies. Such records include accounts from a diverse array of sources, including explorers, settlers, missionaries, naturalists, hunters, and military parties, along with manuscripts and gazettes. However, such data is affected by inherent gaps, biases, and limitations. Here we examine the weaknesses of such data that can lead to distorted interpretations of long-term changes in species distributions and their ecological requirements. Despite this awareness, efforts to document these weaknesses are limited. To prevent incorrect conclusions and misunderstandings, it is essential to critically assess and quantify the quality of the data before utilizing it. To bridge this gap and maximize utility, we present a seven-step process for data evaluation and use.