1. Introduction
What is GlobUNT?
The Global Useful Native Trees (GlobUNT) is a comprehensive tree species selection tool that provides scientific data on native tree species for restoration, agroforestry, and conservation. It helps decision-makers, practitioners, farmers, and researchers identify the most suitable species for specific locations, ensuring that tree planting efforts contribute to biodiversity recovery, climate resilience, sustainable land use, and improved human well-being.
What makes GlobUNT unique?
GlobUNT stands out due to its integration of global databases, intuitive filtering options, and alignment with biodiversity frameworks. Additionally, it is the largest available database for native tree species selection.
Who can use GlobUNT?
GlobUNT is valuable for a wide range of users, including:
- Restoration planners
- Extension officers
- Certification bodies
- Restoration investors
- Seed suppliers
- Scientists and researchers
What problem does GlobUNT solve?
GlobUNT simplifies the complex process of identifying tree species suited for ecosystem restoration. By merging scientific data with an intuitive interface, it enhances the success of tree planting initiatives.
2. Overview
Where do I start from when using GlobUNT?
Begin by selecting a country in the "Country Selection" tab. This narrows down you search to your specific geographical location.
Which databases power GlobUNT?
GlobUNT is built upon:
- GlobalTreeSearch (GTS) – A comprehensive global database of tree species.
- World Checklist of Useful Plant Species (WCUPS) – A dataset cataloging the uses of various plant species.
- The Tree Globally Observed Environmental Ranges (TreeGOER) Provides information for 48,129 tree tree species of their environmental ranges for 38 bioclimatic, eight soil and three topographic variables.
- Agroforestry Species Switchboard Links each tree species to 50+ global and regional databases, providing additional insights on species characteristics, agroforestry benefits, and biodiversity.
- World Flora Online (WFO) and World Checklist of Vascular Plants (WCVP) to ensure species names are accurate, up-to-date, and globally recognized.
How frequently are these databases updated?
While GlobUNT currently operates on a static version in relation to the databases, future updates will incorporate newer datasets. Users can cross-reference their species lists with the latest GTS updates.
How do i navigate the interface?
Users can move between sections by clicking the labeled tabs at the top of the interface. If no filters are applied, the "Show Species" tab will display the full species list.
3. Selecting a country
Why is country selection important?
Choosing a country ensures that the dataset includes only tree species native to the selected region.
What if my country is missing?
GlobUNT includes all countries following the ISO 3166 naming standard. Refer to the annex for details on country names and regional distributions.
Can I select multiple countries?
No, GlobUNT supports one country selection at a time. However, users can download multiple datasets and manually combine them for cross-country comparisons.
4. Filtering by species use
What are the use categories in GlobUNT?
Species can be filtered by categories such as: Animal Food, Environmental Uses, Fuel, Gene Sources, Human Food, Invertebrate Food, Materials, Medicines, Poisons and Social Uses.
What happens when multiple use categories are selected?
The tool retrieves species that meet all the selected criteria. To include species that meet some but not all selected uses, download each category separately and merge the data manually.
Can I combine filters?
Filters can be applied sequentially to refine results further.
What is the GRIN global database?
GRIN-Global is a resource for assessing the economic significance of plant species. However, only about 25% of the species in GlobUNT are documented in GRIN-Global, meaning some use categories may yield incomplete lists.
5. Filtering by climate zones
What is TreeGOER?
TreeGOER is a database that documents environmental ranges for over 48,000 tree species, covering more than 80% of those listed in GlobalTreeSearch.
What is CMI?
CMI (Climatic Moisture Index) measures moisture availability.
Can I filter by historical climate conditions?
Yes, historical climate zones are included in the Holdridge Life Zone dataset. These classifications allow users to analyze species distribution under past climate conditions.
What if I don’t know my site’s climate zone?
Use resources such as ClimateForecasts, CitiesGOER, or the TreeGOER Global Zones Atlas. GIS and R users can download climate layers for Holdridge or Köppen systems.
Can multiple climate filters be applied?
Yes, users can apply multiple climate filters for more precise results.
6. Climatic score
What does a climatic score of 3 indicate?
A score of 3 means that the planting site falls within the middle range (25%-75%) for all selected bioclimatic variables.
What does a score of 0 indicate?
A score of 0 suggests that the planting site falls outside the documented range for one or more variables.
Can future climate conditions be used?
Yes, GlobUNT allows users to analyze species suitability under both current and projected climate conditions.
What if my weather station isn’t listed?
Use the Meteostat website to find nearby stations or manually input climate data. Additional data can be sourced from the CitiesGOER database. GIS and R users can download WorldClim bioclimatic layers for advanced analysis.
7. Displaying and exporting species data
What format is the dataset exported in?
The dataset is exported as a pipe-delimited text file.
How can I open the dataset?
The dataset can be viewed and analyzed in Excel, text editors, or imported into R for statistical analysis.
How can I navigate large datasets?
In Excel, use the "Freeze Panes" and "Filter" functions to make navigation easier.
Can I share the dataset with others?
Yes, exported files can be shared for collaborative projects. Ensure proper citation as per GlobUNT guidelines.