Meta-replication, sampling bias, and multi-scale model selection: A case study on snow leopard (Panthera uncia) in western China.

ABSTRACT: Replicated multiple scale species distribution models (SDMs) have become increasingly important to identify the correct variables determining species distribution and their influences on ecological responses. This study explores multi-scale habitat relationships of the snow leopard (Panthera uncia) in two study areas on the Qinghai-Tibetan Plateau of western China. Our primary objectives were to evaluate the degree to which snow leopard habitat relationships, expressed by predictors, scales of response, and magnitude of effects, were consistent across study areas or locally landcape-specific. We coupled univariate scale optimization and the maximum entropy algorithm to produce multivariate SDMs, inferring the relative suitability for the species by ensembling top performing models.

SUBMITTER: Atzeni L 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC7391562 | biostudies-literature | 2020 Jul

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature