Small Collections Grant
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Digitization and database of ANSM herbarium specimens collected in Coahuila, Mexico
México
Database, Digitally image
Cost (USD):
2000
ANSM
Universidad Autónoma Agraria Antonio Narro
Objective:
This project will enhance the scientific accessibility of the ANSM Herbarium. The ANSM is a key collection for northern Mexico. Despite its scientific value, its specimens have not been digitized or incorporated into a database. The work will focus on Coahuila, a highly diverse, but poorly documented floristically states. The objective is to digitize specimens collected in Coahuila and develop a publicly accessible database to facilitate research, improve knowledge of regional plant diversity, and promote open access to herbarium data.
Timetable:
Period Activities Description
Jan – Feb Mentoring Digitalization protocol established, team trained
Mar – Apr Digitalization Target specimens digitized
May – Jun Digitalization Target specimens digitized
Jul – Aug Digitalization and databases Target specimens digitized and databased
Sep – Oct Databases Dataset finalized and standardized
Nov – Dec Curating Dataset finalized and standardized
Scoring Rubric
Reviewer's name:
Collection Improvement (max. 120 points)
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Facilitating access to the physical collections by digitization (e.g., data entry, setting up database structure with an outline of the platform to be used, purchasing equipment, and imaging specimens) – up to 30 points.
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Enhancing physical collections by improving the conservation status of specimens in the herbarium (e.g., better folders, protecting covers, mounting paper, labeling, etc.) – up to 30 points.
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Curating specimens (e.g., updating families, species identification, identifying types) – up to 20 points.
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Increasing our understanding of the flora or funga by making new herbarium specimens available, such as processing of backlog or collecting and mounting of new specimens from understudied sites – up to 20 points.
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Securing collections by distribution of duplicates (or orphan collections) to other regional or international herbaria or shipping endangered collections to another herbarium – up to 20 points.
This proposal scores:
/120
Methods & Funding (max. 40 points)
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Match between the proposed budget and methods for the aims described – up to 10 points.
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Perceived need, the extent to which the project will benefit from IAPT funding: e.g., due to active floristic work or contribution to poorly collected sites, due to threatened conditions of collections, and for the degree of involvement of others (outreach and education). We give more points for herbaria in low- and middle-income countries – up to 20 points.
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Sharing duplicate specimens with other herbaria – up to 10 points.
This proposal scores:
/40
Broader Impacts (max. 40 points)
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Degree of regional importance of the collection or the taxonomic importance of the targeted collection – up to 10 points.
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The project will yield durable benefits (specimens, digitized metadata, databases, websites) – up to 15 points.
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The project involves outreach/mentoring and broad dissemination – up to 15 points.
This proposal scores:
/40
0
Year of last successful SCG application:
Has applicant applied for SCG before?:
No
Plan:
All records generated by this project will be prepared for dissemination through the Red de Herbarios Mexicanos, ensuring open access for research, conservation, and education. Because collection digitization is a meticulous technical process essential for preserving heritage and ensuring access, specialized equipment is required. The acquisition of a digital camera will allow the capture of high-resolution images that accurately document morphological characters and label information, while an external hard drive will ensure secure storage, and efficient long-term management of the digital files. Digitization will be carried out through the recruitment and training of undergraduate students in specimen handling, imaging, and data capture, providing hands-on experience in botanical curation and biodiversity informatics. Following a thorough assessment of the ANSM Herbarium, specimens collected in Coahuila will be prioritized for imaging and database entry. Concurrently, specimens requiring physical maintenance or taxonomic updates will be curated by herbarium staff to ensure data accuracy and preservation. Through this workflow, the project will enhance the scientific value of the ANSM Herbarium and improve access to floristic information from an under-documented region of Mexico.
Institution:
IH Code:
Country:
Target areas:
Applicant First Name/s:
email:
"Other" target:
Marco Antonio
Anguiano Constante
Applicant Last Name/s: