Species distribution models are the most useful tools that reveal the relationships of target species with environmental variables. The most frequently preferred environmental variables are bioclimatic parameters due to their ability to be interpolated into the future. Bioclimatic variables can be downloaded from various databases at different resolutions. The aim of the present study is to reveal the effect of resolution preference on species distribution models. Ambrosia artemisiifolia and Ailanthus altissima, two invasive species, were selected as target species. These species have large potential distributions. In addition, studies indicate that their distribution is increasing rapidly. Therefore, it poses a threat to both human health and biodiversity. In the present study, a significant difference was found between the predictive values obtained with different resolutions for both species. It was also observed that the model with the highest AUC values was obtained with bioclimatic variables that have 10 arc minutes resolution for both species. The AUC values showed that the models had excellent explanatory power. Finally, potential suitable areas covering almost all of Europe were identified for the two invasive species. It is thought that these species may pose a serious threat in terms of both biodiversity and human health if careful attention is not exercised in the planning.
28 September 2024 in Journal of the Indian Society of Remote Sensing
This study highlights the spatial, seasonal, and climatic variations in bird species richness across Türkiye, a country with rich avian richness situated at the intersection of major migratory routes. Bird species richness was calculated for each province. Differences between regions, Köppen–Geiger climate classes, and seasons were analyzed using the Kruskal–Wallis method. Non-parametric analysis of longitudinal data in factorial experiments was also employed to determine seasonal differences within regions and climate classes. The results revealed significant spatial variations in species richness, particularly between temperate and cold climate regions. While seasonal differences were generally less pronounced, they were critical for both migratory and resident bird species. Wetlands, coastal areas, and transitional habitats were identified as biodiversity hotspots for both resident and migratory birds. This study underscores the need to integrate regional, climatic, and seasonal variations into ecosystem-based management plans. Protecting critical habitats, enhancing connectivity through ecological corridors, and adopting adaptive conservation strategies are essential for sustaining Türkiye’s rich avian diversity. These results provide valuable insights for conservation planning and emphasize the importance of addressing spatial and seasonal dynamics to ensure long-term biodiversity preservation.
26 September 2023 in The Journal of Supercomputing