Premium
Five (or so) challenges for species distribution modelling
Author(s) -
Araújo Miguel B.,
Guisan Antoine
Publication year - 2006
Publication title -
journal of biogeography
Language(s) - English
Resource type - Journals
SCImago Journal Rank - 1.7
H-Index - 158
eISSN - 1365-2699
pISSN - 0305-0270
DOI - 10.1111/j.1365-2699.2006.01584.x
Subject(s) - environmental niche modelling , species distribution , field (mathematics) , selection (genetic algorithm) , model selection , distribution (mathematics) , sampling (signal processing) , computer science , ecology , biogeography , ecological niche , biology , mathematics , artificial intelligence , habitat , mathematical analysis , filter (signal processing) , pure mathematics , computer vision
Species distribution modelling is central to both fundamental and applied research in biogeography. Despite widespread use of models, there are still important conceptual ambiguities as well as biotic and algorithmic uncertainties that need to be investigated in order to increase confidence in model results. We identify and discuss five areas of enquiry that are of high importance for species distribution modelling: (1) clarification of the niche concept; (2) improved designs for sampling data for building models; (3) improved parameterization; (4) improved model selection and predictor contribution; and (5) improved model evaluation. The challenges discussed in this essay do not preclude the need for developments of other areas of research in this field. However, they are critical for allowing the science of species distribution modelling to move forward.