Taxacom: Distribution maps associated with taxonomic publications

[Boyle, Bradley L - (bboyle)]

Hi all,

I am looking for sources of digitized vascular plant species distribution maps associated with monographs and other taxonomic publications. The maps will be used as expert estimates of species' distributions for comparison against species distribution models (SDMs) based on presence data from herbarium specimens. Specifically, we are interested in approximations of species' total distributions rather than dot maps of individual specimen localities. An example of such maps would be the distribution maps associated with the Henderson et al "Field guide to the palms of the Americas". The latter is a regional field guide rather than a monograph; however, the key attribute from our perspective is that it is produced by systematists who are experts in the taxa treated. Most of the maps we've been able to find so far are produced mostly by organizations with little oversight by taxonomic experts.

I realize that compete range estimates are by nature speculative and rarely produced in association with monographs and other taxonomic revisions. Nonetheless, if such a thing exists for even a handful of taxa or regions, they would help us better understand the strengths and weaknesses of the SDMs we are producing. 

Thanks!
Brad 

Brad Boyle, Ph.D.
Researcher/Scientist IV
Department of Ecology and Evolutionary Biology
The University of Arizona
Tucson AZ 85712, USA