A Methodology for Systematic Mapping in Raptor Biology

Additional Funding Sources

This project is supported by a 2018-2019 STEM Undergraduate Research Grant from the Higher Education Research Council.

Abstract

Current knowledge from peer-reviewed research in raptor biology is based primarily on a small handful of raptor species, while a large portion are virtually unstudied or understudied. With over 500 raptor species globally, this limited knowledge base is a chief impediment to conservation efforts. Here we introduce a systematic mapping protocol for raptor species that expedites the literature review process to better inform stakeholders of the current species-specific research. Using the RepOrting standards for Systematic Evidence Syntheses (ROSES) protocol guidelines, we constructed a methodology for systematic information mapping for raptor conservation that encompasses: stakeholder engagement; objective of the review; methods; searches; screening and inclusion criteria; critical appraisal; data extraction; data synthesis and presentation; and declarations. This method provides a comprehensive synthesis of objective evidence that features repeatable standards for information extraction that will ultimately contribute to a centralized raptor conservation database. Initial efforts involving the California condor (Gymnogyps californianus) as a conceptual model to demonstrate the methodology has identified 255 literature items of which 165 were extracted as PDFs, while the screening process remains ongoing.

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A Methodology for Systematic Mapping in Raptor Biology

Current knowledge from peer-reviewed research in raptor biology is based primarily on a small handful of raptor species, while a large portion are virtually unstudied or understudied. With over 500 raptor species globally, this limited knowledge base is a chief impediment to conservation efforts. Here we introduce a systematic mapping protocol for raptor species that expedites the literature review process to better inform stakeholders of the current species-specific research. Using the RepOrting standards for Systematic Evidence Syntheses (ROSES) protocol guidelines, we constructed a methodology for systematic information mapping for raptor conservation that encompasses: stakeholder engagement; objective of the review; methods; searches; screening and inclusion criteria; critical appraisal; data extraction; data synthesis and presentation; and declarations. This method provides a comprehensive synthesis of objective evidence that features repeatable standards for information extraction that will ultimately contribute to a centralized raptor conservation database. Initial efforts involving the California condor (Gymnogyps californianus) as a conceptual model to demonstrate the methodology has identified 255 literature items of which 165 were extracted as PDFs, while the screening process remains ongoing.