Construction of a potential ecological network based on public datasets: a case study in Tuscany

Abstract

This article describes the building process behind an in silico ecological network of the species of Tuscany (Italy) and their different interactions as an OPEN (Open Potential Ecological Network). All the data sources consist of already open and available databases from experts and citizen science projects on species presence and interactions. The result is a multi-interaction metaweb which is uncommon on public repositories. Both the final dataset and the pre-built potential ecological network are completely open and ready to use. The methods and framework pipeline used for collecting, cleaning and joining the original databases are described and summarised. The network building process is generalised to facilitate adaptation and reproducibility for other geographical locations. This pipeline can be used to generate broader metaweb from existing data for the purpose of performing baseline ecological network analysis, as well as serving as an educational tool for the public.