Digitization of the collection of the family FABACEAE in the herbarium fund of the “Biology” department of Kozybayev North Kazakhstan University and its integration into the GBIF platform

The article presents the results of digitizing herbarium specimens of the family Fabaceae (Leguminosae) collected in the Kyzylzhar district of the North Kazakhstan region and stored in the herbarium fund of M. Kozybayev North Kazakhstan University (SQU). As a result of this work, 200 specimens belonging to 46 species were systematized, georeferenced, and published on the international platform GBIF (Global Biodiversity Information Facility) for open scientific access.

A structured database in the Darwin Core Archive format was created, providing open access to regional floristic materials. Analysis of the species composition revealed the dominance of meadow-steppe genera (Lathyrus, Astragalus, Trifolium, Melilotus), and showed that the peak of herbarium collection occurred in the 1970s–1980s, during the period of active field training.

The modern stage (2020–2025) is characterized by the transition to digital methods of data processing and publication, reflecting the integration of regional botanical research into the global biodiversity monitoring system. The obtained results demonstrate the importance of herbarium digitization for preserving botanical heritage and promoting scientific data exchange within global initiatives for studying the flora of Kazakhstan.

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