Most ecological studies of the effects of climate on species are based on average conditions
above ground level (measured by meteorological stations) averaged across 100 km 2 or
larger areas. However, most terrestrial organisms experience conditions in a much smaller
area at the ground surface or within vegetation canopies, the climate of which can be very
different to large-scale averages. Therefore, to accurately characterise the climatic
conditions suitable for species, it is essential to include microclimate information …