It is important that the target area is chosen carefully. This is to maximise the predictive value of the survey. Restricting the target area to save resources may lead, in the long term, to multiple studies of the same taxon being carried out, even by different researchers. This is likely to lead to a less coherent overall picture and will limit the predictive power of the studies.

Ideally, the specified taxon should be studied throughout its range but where this is not possible it should be studied throughout a well-defined area, biogeographically or floristically.

Once the target area is established, more information can be sought about the target taxon from local floras. These can give more detailed information on local geographic distribution or ecological preferences.

Copyright © 1997, International Plant Genetic Resources Institute.