Desert Ecology Plot Network: Plot Details - Spatial Coordinates, Simpson Desert, Western Queensland

Abstract: This plot details and spatial coordinates data package comprises plot data for the 24 plots (or grids) situated within the 12 core sites used in the Desert Ecology Plot Network study design. These plots are spaced between 0.5-2 km apart. The network program uses these sites/plots to quantitatively track long-term shifts in biodiversity and ecological processes in relation to key drivers, including unpredictable rainfall and droughts, fire, feral predators and grazing. A synopsis of related data packages which have been collected as part of the Desert Ecology's full program is provided at https://doi.org/10.25911/5c13171d944fe. Sampling method: Other elements of the plot network’s full program share the sampling structure and core sites/plot/grid configuration of this study design. Study extent: Each of the 24 trapping grids is set out with thirty-six traps arrayed in a grid covering 1 ha; each grid comprises 6 lines of 6 traps spaced 20 m apart. Project funding: Between 2012 and 2018 this project hwas part of the Long Term Ecological Research Network (LTERN). This work was supported by the Australian Government’s Terrestrial Ecosystems Research Network (www.tern.org.au) – an Australian research infrastructure facility established under the National Collaborative Research Infrastructure Strategy and Education Infrastructure Fund–Super Science Initiative through the Department of Industry, Innovation, Science, Research and Tertiary Education.