Distribution and conservation of species is misestimated if biotic interactions are ignored: the case of the orchid Laelia speciosa.

ABSTRACT: The geographic distribution of species depends on their relationships with climate and on the biotic interactions of the species. Ecological Niche Models (ENMs) mainly consider climatic variables only and may tend to overestimate these distributions, especially for species strongly restricted by biotic interactions. We identified the preference of Laelia speciosa for different host tree species and include this information in an ENM. The effect of habitat loss and climate change on the distribution of these species was also estimated. Although L. speciosa was recorded as epiphyte at six tree species, 96% of the individuals were registered at one single species (Quercus deserticola), which indicated a strong biotic interaction. We included the distribution of this host tree as a biotic vari

SUBMITTER: Flores-Tolentino M 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC7293343 | biostudies-literature | 2020 Jun

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature