Bioclimatic dataset of Metropolitan France under current conditions derived from the WorldClim model

Several studies have shown that adequate bioclimatic information is of major importance for mapping ecological niches or for modelling the distribution ranges of species and communities, particularly from a climate change perspective [1,2]. However, in France, there are few data sources that provide consistent information, available data being produced at low spatial resolution and based on classification systems that are not suitable for mapping French ecological systems. This paper presents bioclimatic maps produced on Metropolitan France and based on the Worldwide Bioclimatic Classification System, which are called Global Bioclimatics [3]. This data paper documents a set of variables that includes 23 bioclimatic maps generated according to the Worldwide Bioclimatic Classification System. These maps describe current bioclimatic conditions in Metropolitan France at a resolution of 30 arc-seconds. Climatic parameters and bioclimatic indices usually used for the analysis or modelling of species and communities’ distribution, and bioclimatic typological units, were calculated using the temperature and precipitation data derived from the WorldClim 2 model. These maps can be used in GIS or models by researchers for mapping ecological conditions, but can also provide natural resource managers with analytical tools to assess Nature conservation policies.