Rapid acquisition and dissemination of standardized biological inventories from Russian Biosphere Reserves

We accumulate, standardize, and disseminate the results of biological inventories of 21 protected areas in the Russian Federation; each of these areas has been recognized by UNESCO's Man and the Biosphere (MAB) program as a Biosphere Reserve. These inventories, comprising 4702 species of plants and 1094 species of vertebrate animals of the breadth of Russia, represent 20% of the vascular flora and 73% of the vertebrate fauna of Russia and are made widely available for the first time. We describe an approach to the development and Internet availability of large databases of species inventories which were produced through the provision of custom biological inventory software supported by training, cost-free distribution, and a modest amount of taxonomic support. Our experiences also highlight the essential role of an active national office in a system of protected areas. Our approach overcomes many of the obstacles inherent in previous and existing attempts to assemble the results of biological inventories derived from a variety of sources. We suggest a similar application of biological inventory software, supported by national coordination, as an effective means to provide access to species inventories of a system of protected areas. Standardized, taxonomically current species inventories are essential components of regional and global conservation efforts.