National Distribution Dataset of the Pine Wood Nematode (2016 -2024) in China

Since its introduction into China in 1982, the pine wood nematode, Bursaphelenchus xylophilus, has spread rapidly, posing an unprecedented threat to pine trees and about 70 species of conifers in China, and seriously threatening the security of forest resources and the balance of ecological environment in China. In view of the background of climate change and intensified human activities, the spread of the pine wilt disease (PWD) caused by this nematode is further accelerated, and the prevention and control situation is becoming increasingly serious. This dataset focuses on the distribution and spread of this globally devastating forest disease agent, the pine wood nematode, in China. The data came from the annual announcements of the PWD epidemic areas and their cancellation announcements released by the National Forestry and Grassland Administration. Using ArcGIS software, the attribute values of county-level administrative divisions were edited and processed based on the national 1:100,000 scale basic geographic information data. The annual distribution data set of the PWD epidemic area at county scale was generated to carry out thematic mapping of the PWD epidemic area. The data set covers the distribution of the PWD nationwide from 2016 to 2024, aiming to comprehensively reflect the spread trend and damage degree of the disease in different regions and different time periods through detailed geographic distribution information. The data set helps local authorities to identify epidemic risk points in time and provides early warning information for prevention and control efforts, and also helps to assess the impact of the epidemic on the natural landscape, ecological environment and economic and social development, and provides a basis for formulating targeted prevention and control measures.