Taxonomic diversity and abundance of enchytraeids (Annelida, Clitellata, Enchytraeida) in the Northern Palaearctic. 2. European Russia.

Abstract

Background: Enchytraeids, commonly known as potworms, are small oligochaetes found worldwide in various terrestrial, freshwater and marine ecosystems. Despite their crucial role in ecosystem functioning, the diversity and abundance of Enchytraeidae are seldom studied due to the labour-intensive process of species identification. This study aims to address this gap and expand knowledge on the distribution and abundance of enchytraeids within the Northern Palaearctic Region. The provided dataset represents the latest and most comprehensive field sampling of enchytraeid communities within the European part of Russia within the Northern Palaearctic. It consists exclusively of an original set of soil samples systematically collected across the region from 2019 to 2023, without any previously published data included.

New information: The dataset includes occurrences from 204 georeferenced sites, encompassing 73 species from 17 genera, totalling 61,254 records, with 1,419 records having the "present'' occurrence status. This comprehensive, species-specific dataset (Darwin Core Archive - DwC-A) provides insights into the distribution and abundance of terrestrial enchytraeids across a wide geographic area, covering the eastern sector of the East European Plain and the North Caucasus Region within the Northern Palaearctic. Compiled from field sampling campaigns, this dataset is essential for exploring and understanding local and regional enchytraeid diversity over time and space. It also serves as a valuable resource for monitoring and conserving soil biodiversity in the studied region.