Accounting for uncertainty when mapping species distributions: The need for maps of ignorance

• Published in: Progress in physical geography Vol. 35; no. 2; pp. 211 - 226
• Main Authors: Rocchini, Duccio, Hortal, Joaquín, Lengyel, Szabolcs, Lobo, Jorge M., Jiménez-Valverde, Alberto, Ricotta, Carlo, Bacaro, Giovanni, Chiarucci, Alessandro
• Format: Journal Article
• Language: English
• Published: London, England SAGE Publications 01.04.2011; Sage Publications; Sage Publications Ltd
• Subjects: Bgi / Prodig; Biogeography; Geography; Mapping; Physical geography; conservation; biodiversity; biogeography; macroecology; species distribution maps; uncertainty; species distribution modelling; Statistical bias; Cartography; Uncertainty; Spatial distribution; Biogeography; Model; Ecology; Biodiversity

Accurate mapping of species distributions is a fundamental goal of modern biogeography, both for basic and applied purposes. This is commonly done by plotting known species occurrences, expert-drawn range maps or geographical estimations derived from species distribution models. However, all three k...