Biological Systems: Theory and Innovation

Development of an electronic questionnaire for field studies of invasive plant species in the Carpathian National Nature Park

Petro Nasadiuk, Zvenyslava Mamchur, Oksana Tymchuk
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Abstract

The relevance of the study was conditioned by the need for standardised, reproducible, and geospatially linked monitoring of invasive alien plant species in the complex mountain landscapes of the Carpathian National Nature Park, where the combination of high-altitude zoning, diversity of habitats, and natural and anthropogenic distribution corridors creates increased risks of their naturalisation and expansion. The purpose of the study was to create a standardised questionnaire to unify the process of recording data on invasive species, ensure correct geospatial binding of observations, and establish prerequisites for their further spatial analysis in the ArcGIS environment. The survey form, developed in ArcGIS Survey123, covered a wide range of ecological, biological, and abiotic parameters, including data on the taxonomic affiliation of the species, projective coverage, ontogenetic state of the population, soil characteristics, microclimatic indicators, and the level of anthropogenic impact. The proposed approach allowed improving the accuracy of monitoring invasive species and integrating the data obtained into national observation databases. The design of the questionnaire was based on the principles of maximum compatibility, followed by analysis in a geographic information system and publication in global biodiversity repositories. This approach opened up the possibility of comparative analysis, merging with citizen observations, and using data to assess risks and prioritise invasion responses. Methodically, the questionnaire covered 8 logical sections: (1) general information and geo-linking; (2) description of the site with classes of ecosystem types in accordance with contemporary global typology; (3) characteristics of the population of an invasive species, including area, density, age structure, dynamics; (4) ontogenetic spectrum with quantitative accounting by stage; (5) soil and microclimatic indicators with the possibility of field determination of acidity and humidity; (6) threats and damage to plants and ecosystems; (7) soil litter as a potential seed bank; (8) additional comments and photo documentation. It provided for collecting photos from different angles, uploading them with spatial reference to records, and forming a complete digital footprint for further quality audit

Keywords

phytoinvasions; monitoring; alien species biota; habitats; biodiversity; ecosystems; nature reserve fund

Suggested citation
Nasadiuk, P., Mamchur, Z., & Tymchuk, O. (2026). Development of an electronic questionnaire for field studies of invasive plant species in the Carpathian National Nature Park. Biological Systems: Theory and Innovation, 17(1), 10-24. https://doi.org/10.31548/biologiya/1.2026.10
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