Information sharing
To contribute data to the Biological Databases of South Australia (BDBSA) please refer to the following requirements:
Project number
All data entered into the BDBSA must be assigned to a project number. If your data does not belong with an existing BDBSA project you can register a new project by completing the online project registration form or emailing DEWBioDataSupport@sa.gov.au.
Find out more about registering your data.
Field data capture
Field data is collected in many formats on a variety of datasheets and devices. The department has some standard options available that conform to the minimum dataset standards and are suitable for some users/projects. The BDBSAcollect App provides a simple option for capturing species and location details from a phone or mobile device, along with images if available. A simple Opportune booklet is also available. Access to BDBSAcollect App or hard copy booklets can be requested through DEWBioDataSupport@sa.gov.au.
The department promotes the validation of field data though field voucher specimens where appropriate.
Submitting data
The options for loading data into the BDBSA are outlined in the BDBSA contributing data fact sheet.
Simple datasets can be prepared in the BDBSA data returns template* (last minor updates July 2024) and emailed to DEWBioDataSupport@sa.gov.au. There is a more detailed template available from the department for more complex datasets.
*Please note: if the link doesn't open, right-click and select 'save link as' to download the file.
If you are submitting data that is also required for scientific permit reporting, please indicate the Permit Number, and copy/cc DEWResearchPermits@sa.gov.au in on the email.
Submitting images
Images relating to the Biological Database of SA are stored by the department. Images of South Australian subjects taken by members of the public may be suitable for the Biological Data Image collection if scientific criteria are met. The Biological image donations factsheet advises under what circumstances the department would be the most suitable organisation to accept collections of images and outlines other institutions’ responsibilities.
Accessing data
For information on viewing public BDBSA data and images see the following factsheet: Tools to access data.
If you wish to access data not available on those public platforms please follow our Data request procedure.
More information:
BDBSA Taxonomic Lookup
The following resources provide currently accepted flora and fauna taxonomy for BDBSA:
- vascular plants BDBSA taxonomy and other taxonomic groups BDBSA taxonomy (July 2024)
- fauna BDBSA taxonomy (October 2024)
Please note: if the links above don't open, right-click and select 'save link as' to download the file.
Environmentally sensitive data
The department operates under an open access policy and endeavours to deliver biological data in its most precise and complete form whenever possible. When the benefits of delivering precise data are outweighed by the risks, departmental environmentally sensitive data management procedures are applied.
Dataset sensitivity
When a whole dataset is considered sensitive it will be flagged at the project level and only distributed under license or with appropriate approval. See BDBSA project metadata for a list of the distribution category for each project.
Species sensitivity
If the sensitivities are based on concerns over the release of precise coordinates the species of concern will be assessed for inclusion on the sensitive data register.
The SA Environmentally Sensitive Data Register
The SA Environmentally Sensitive Data Register* currently contains a number of species which have their coordinates (latitude and longitude) denatured to one decimal (~10km) for public distribution. These records also have associated location descriptions withheld. Anyone wanting access to more precise information must apply at DEWBioDataRequests@sa.gov.au.
Note: Only a proportion of South Australian threatened species – those considered at risk through access to accurate location information – have been listed on the Register.
*Please note: if the link doesn't open, right-click and select 'save link as' to download the file.
Nomination process
Anyone may nominate data they believe to be sensitive via the Environmentally Sensitive Data Nomination Form. Nominations will be reviewed and if necessary the relevant data will be assigned to a restriction category in the Register.
