Integrating multiple data sources to develop range and area of habitat maps tailored for local contexts

• DOI: 10.1111/ddi.13917
• Publication Date: 2024-08-16T05:36:02Z
• Authors: Andres Felipe Suá...; Orlando Acevedo‐C...; Luis Hernando Rom...; Elkin A. Noguera‐...; Fernando Ayerbe‐Q...; Natalia Ocampo‐Pe...
• Keywords: Ecoregion; Species distribution; Land Cover; Citizen Science

Abstract Aim Global species distribution maps tend to be limited a reduced number of or are too coarse inform ecological research and conservation actions at local scales. We developed workflow generate range area habitat (AOH) tailored contexts based on expert information, community science observations an ecoregion approach. also increase transparency in map the areas uncertainty levels using data. Location North‐Western South America. Methods combined knowledge, observations, new ecoregions for Colombia national land cover produce AOH 94% terrestrial resident birds (1633 species). used records validate species‐specific layer by calculating distance between pixels classified as occurrence points. Results Compared previous efforts, have higher coverage produced better validation scores more than 50% analysed. In addition, show macroecological patterns that follow natural boundaries, significantly improving arbitrary observed mapping efforts. Uncertainty illustrate spatial resolution extent which these can with highest confidence highlight poorly surveyed require extensive sampling. Main Conclusions Combining information from sources, field broad is key improve fitted applications. Our analysis guide concerted efforts survey specific localities. multiple regions, countries other taxa, we expect it will estimates biogeographical diversity patterns.