ExplainerWorldwide with regional context

What is the difference between presence and abundance maps?

A presence map shows where a species has been recorded, while an abundance map attempts to describe how many ticks occur under a defined sampling design.

Reviewed by VuxLore® Knowledge Team For Everyone

Short answer

A presence map shows where a species has been recorded, while an abundance map attempts to describe how many ticks occur under a defined sampling design.

At a glance

A presence map shows where a species has been recorded, while an abundance map attempts to describe how many ticks occur under a defined sampling design. Map symbols reflect the producer’s definitions and available evidence. Absence of a record is not proof of absence, and presence does not describe the risk from one visit.

Key takeaways

• A presence map shows where a species has been recorded, while an abundance map attempts to describe how many ticks occur under a defined sampling design.

• Map symbols reflect the producer’s definitions and available evidence. Absence of a record is not proof of absence, and presence does not describe the risk from one visit.

• Combine this information with current official guidance and the circumstances of the actual exposure; one feature or observation is rarely conclusive.

Direct answer

A presence map shows where a species has been recorded, while an abundance map attempts to describe how many ticks occur under a defined sampling design.

Put it in context

Map symbols reflect the producer’s definitions and available evidence. Absence of a record is not proof of absence, and presence does not describe the risk from one visit.

What to do with this information

Combine this information with current official guidance and the circumstances of the actual exposure; one feature or observation is rarely conclusive.