Newsletter: March 2025
Welcome to our March newsletter, where we delve into data's pivotal role in driving success within plant conservation and horticulture. We're excited to announce the release of our improved observations feature in Hortis, which addresses key challenges highlighted in a recent Nature Ecology & Evolution study concerning data reliability. Discover how this new tool streamlines plant check-ins and enhances record-keeping, empowering institutions to achieve greater accuracy and efficiency.
Next, we share a compelling story of conservation success, illustrating how meticulous records facilitated the rescue of a critically endangered tree. Finally, we explore how zoos are leveraging plant data for enhanced animal care and visitor engagement, drawing insights from our recent webinar. Join us as we explore the tangible benefits of effective data management and the innovative solutions driving positive change within our community.
Tracking your collection more effectively
Recent research published in Nature Ecology & Evolution exposed critical data reliability challenges within global living plant collections. Despite thousands of botanical institutions, only a small percentage held sufficiently complete datasets for comprehensive analysis. This study underscored the difficulty in accurately tracking plant survivability due to inconsistent deaccession reporting and data lag.
Recognizing the high effort required for robust record-keeping, the Hortis team at Species360 has introduced enhanced observations in Hortis. This feature simplifies plant check-ins, allowing for real-time photo and detailed text documentation, ensuring data remains current and actionable.
Integrated dashboard graphs provide clear visual summaries of collection health, enabling effective monitoring and targeted observation efforts. Furthermore, this new workflow is foundational for the future incorporation of more detailed observations, such as phenological, measurement, and health assessments. By streamlining data management, we aim to help you significantly improve data accuracy and accessibility, ultimately increasing the usefulness and potential impact of your plant collection.
Learn more about the enhanced observations in Hortis.
For a deeper understanding of the challenges faced by ex-situ living plant collections and the importance of data management, read the full study in Nature Ecology & Evolution, titled Insights from a century of data reveal global trends in ex situ living plant collections.
From Records to Recovery: How One Garden Helped Save a Rare Tree
When a critically endangered tree with just 12 known wild specimens needed a lifeline, a botanical garden held the key. Thanks to reliable records and a quick search in Hortis, staff at North Coast Regional Botanic Garden - Coffs Harbour, discovered a rare Syzygium glenum in their collection, which was fruiting.
This small act, enabled by good record-keeping, is now supporting reintroduction efforts in the Daintree Rainforest, Northeastern Australia.
A powerful reminder: gardens of any size can drive conservation wins when their data is accessible and up to date.
👉 Read the full story (by Rhonda Sorensen)
Unlocking the Power of Plants in Zoos: Insights from Our Latest Webinar
In March, we hosted a webinar featuring Suzie Steele from Indianapolis Zoo and Joe Williams from Pittsburgh Zoo & Aquarium. They shared how accurate plant records are helping transform zoo horticulture, enhancing animal care, boosting visitor engagement, and advancing conservation efforts at their institutions.
Discover how modern tools like Hortis empower zoos of all sizes to integrate botanical expertise into their operations.
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To access a complete list of all the updates, please visit the changelog page.