Biases in scientific research on bird biodiversity in central-western Argentina

Abstract

This study examines biases in scientific research on bird biodiversity in the provinces of San Juan and Mendoza located in drylands of central-western Argentina. We analyzed the amount, nature, and spatial distribution of research, identifying under- or over-represented topics and trends in sampling design. We found differences in research trends between San Juan and Mendoza, with studies clustered around a limited number of taxa, protected areas, and lower altitudes, highlighting important knowledge gaps. The accessibility and availability of publications, as well as their indexing in national and international databases, were also assessed. The findings reveal a limited and skewed database of temporally and spatially biased data. Furthermore, our results indicate that certain species, taxonomic groups, and IUCN conservation categories are over-represented in the literature. We underline the urgency of promoting primary data generation and focusing on less explored topics and regions. These findings provide valuable insights into research trends and priorities, suggesting the need for more balanced and comprehensive studies to inform conservation strategies in these arid regions. This review emphasizes the need to address these biases to improve understanding and conservation of biodiversity in central-western Argentina, with implications for arid regions globally.