enmpa: An R package for ecological niche modeling using presence-absence data and generalized linear models

• Published in: Biodiversity informatics Vol. 18; p. 28
• Main Authors: Arias-Giraldo, Luis F., Cobos, Marlon E.
• Format: Journal Article
• Language: English
• Published: Lawrence University of Kansas, Informatics Biodiversity Research Center 01.01.2024
• Subjects: Ecological niches; Niches; Pathogens; Source code; Statistical models
• ISSN: 1546-9735; 1546-9735
• DOI: 10.17161/bi.v18i.21742

Here, we present the new R package “enmpa,” which includes a range of tools for modeling ecological niches using presence-absence data via logistic generalized linear models. The package allows users to calibrate, select, project, and evaluate models using independent data. We have emphasized a comprehensive search for ideal predictor combinations, including linear, quadratic, and two-way interaction responses, to provide more detailed and robust model calibration processes. We demonstrate the use of the package with an example of a simulated pathogen and its niche. Since enmpa is designed specifically to work with presence-absence data, our tools are particularly useful for studies with data derived from a detection or non-detection sampling universe, such as pathogen testing results. enmpa can be downloaded from CRAN, and the source code is freely available on GitHub.