Mapping regions climatically suitable for particular species

Abstract

Data from approximately a thousand irregularly spaced meteorological stations were analysed to produce a climatic database for 10 187 points in a regular half-degree grid covering Africa. From the monthly mean values of average daily maximum temperature, average daily maximum temperature and total precipitation, six factors important for tree species selection were calculated for each point. These included measures such as mean annual temperature, maximum temperature of the hottest month, mean annual precipitation and rainfall regime. A microcomputer program was written which enables this database to be interrogated. Maps can be generated which indicate regions climatically suitable for particular species. Show more