Biodiversity Checklisting

[Derek Gunn]

Soon we'll be sending a notice this way about a new 
software system that utilises Biological Classification. 
Called the SKI-System, it creates taxonomic checklists as 
the basis for Biodiversity recording.

SKIS consists of a free and fully functional checklisting 
program, on-line and printable documentation and 4 start-up 
input NAMes files (look-up files).  These cover all 
Families of Mammals and Plants and all species of Seabirds 
(chosen because most people know enough of them by name to 
test run a checklist). 
 
An additional set of input data files, also free, contains 
a full range of Families for all six Kingdoms.  So all 
named species can be checklisted with menu support to 
Family level for the 4-tier classification.  Then comes the 
important bit - the unique information you add to each 
record - where, when, why, etc.

What's not free is the high-level version suitable for 
project management.   This can import large foreign 
taxonomic files and update SKI-files, currently with Family 
level control of classification.

SKIS aims to make taxonomic problems a thing of the past 
for anyone whose interest is just to 'use' taxonomy as a 
means to other ends - eg, people working in conservation 
and ecology.  We think that SKIS has some revolutionary new 
ways of making life easier for anyone using taxonomic 
names.

As for group specialists - we know you thrive on the 
problems. Not to worry, SKIS only bypasses problems for 
those whose interests lie elsewhere so as to let data 
recording and data management proceed unhindered.   When 
problems are solved and classifications are changed, SKIS 
can update its taxonomic files. 

SKIS is about efficient recording, data management and 
communicating information.  See it as communicating your 
results - an efficient means of making taxonomy accessible. 
Eg, users/project managers in conservation, ecology and 
education will make decisions about adopting or setting 
taxonomic standards - covering the full biodiversity 
spectrum uniformly.

SKIS is simple to run, but beneath the simplicity is enough 
flexibility and sophistication to help you record and 
manage things your way.
                
Watch this space.

Stan Woods, Derek Gunn
SKS-Information