Interspecific competition constrains local abundance in highly suitable areas

• DOI: 10.1111/ecog.04898
• Publication Date: 2020-07-22T00:32:58Z
• Authors: Alan Gerhardt Braz; Carlos Eduardo de...; Marcos de Souza L...; Marcelo de Moraes...
• Keywords: Relative abundance distribution; Competitor analysis

Sites with high environmental suitability for species’ occurrence, in terms of abiotic conditions, may hold populations higher local abundances by increasing reproductive and survival rates decreasing extinction rate. Interspecific competition, however, affect this relationship. Here we tested the hypothesis that abundance gray slender opossum Marmosops incanus is affected richness potential competitors derived from ecological niche models (ENMs). We also discuss ability distinct modelling methods to predict abundance. compiled occurrence records information about M. ’ relative museums published articles. Environmental was five algorithms using seven predictors. To assess our hypothesis, chose best statistical among generalised linear quantile regressions, then whether effects on are stronger under highly suitable conditions. found given presence‐only positively related maximum . That is, low when but can be either or high. The competitors, turn, explains variation within sites suitability. strongly recommend relationship between must carefully interpreted ENMs distribution because biotic interactions main driver environments.