Ecological niche modeling as a new paradigm for large-scale investigations of diversity and distribution of birds

Abstract

Large-scale assessments of the distribution and diversity of birds have been challenged by the need for a robust methodology for summarizing or predicting species' geographic distributions (e.g. Beard et al. 1999, Manel et al. 1999, Saveraid et al. 2001). Methodologies used in such studies have at times been inappropriate, or even more frequently limited in their analytical scope and predictive properties (Peterson et al. 2002c). A new set of methodologies focus on modeling the dimensions of species’ ecological niches, and offer considerably improved analytical and predictive possibilities. The purpose of this brief contribution is to summarize these new methodologies, and to discuss several possible applications of this new approach.

Parent Publication

• Bird Conservation Implementation and Integration in the Americas: Proceedings of the Third International Partners in Flight Conference. 2002 March 20-24; Asilomar, California, Volume 1 and 2

Citation

Peterson, A. Townsend; Kluza, Daniel A. 2005. Ecological niche modeling as a new paradigm for large-scale investigations of diversity and distribution of birds. In: Ralph, C. John; Rich, Terrell D., editors 2005. Bird Conservation Implementation and Integration in the Americas: Proceedings of the Third International Partners in Flight Conference. 2002 March 20-24; Asilomar, California, Volume 2 Gen. Tech. Rep. PSW-GTR-191. Albany, CA: U.S. Dept. of Agriculture, Forest Service, Pacific Southwest Research Station: p. 1201-1204