Is my species distribution model fit for purpose? Matching data and models to applications

• Published in: Global ecology and biogeography Vol. 24; no. 3; pp. 276 - 292
• Main Authors: Guillera-Arroita, Gurutzeta, Lahoz-Monfort, José J., Elith, Jane, Gordon, Ascelin, Kujala, Heini, Lentini, Pia E., McCarthy, Michael A., Tingley, Reid, Wintle, Brendan A.
• Format: Journal Article
• Language: English
• Published: Oxford Blackwell Publishing Ltd 01.03.2015; John Wiley & Sons Ltd; Wiley Subscription Services, Inc
• Subjects: biogeography; Ecological niche model; habitat model; imperfect detection; prediction; presence-absence; presence-background; presence-only; prevalence; RESEARCH REVIEW; sampling bias

Species distribution models (SDMs) are used to inform a range of ecological, biogeographical and conservation applications. However, users often underestimate the strong links between data type, model output and suitability for end-use. We synthesize current knowledge and provide a simple framework...