Occurrence records of Cloud Forest species

This dataset contains occurrence records of the high-elevation tree species Drimys angustifolia and Ilex microdonta in the Brazilian Atlantic Forest. The data were compiled to support ecological niche modeling and the assessment of potential impacts of climate change on montane and cloud forest species distribution.

The main research hypothesis underlying this dataset is that climate change may substantially reduce the climatically suitable habitat for these species, particularly in high-elevation environments that are strongly dependent on low temperatures and high atmospheric humidity. The occurrence records were used to model current and future habitat suitability under different greenhouse gas emission scenarios.

The dataset includes georeferenced occurrence points obtained from two main sources: (1) biodiversity databases, including the Global Biodiversity Information Facility (GBIF) and SpeciesLink; and (2) published scientific literature. Each record includes species identification, geographic coordinates, and source information when available. The occurrence data represent the known environmental and geographic distribution of the species at the time of compilation and can be used for species distribution modeling, biogeographic analyses, conservation planning, and climate change vulnerability assessments.

The data indicate that both species are primarily associated with montane and cloud forest environments in southern and southeastern Brazil. The dataset may help identify climatically suitable refugia, support restoration and conservation strategies, and improve understanding of the distribution patterns of high-elevation Atlantic Forest species.