EX-A Further background knowledge (optional / advanced)

This is an optional exercise intended for advanced course participants.

To deepen your understanding of species distribution modeling (SDM) and its associated challenges, read one of the studies listed below. Then, revisit the nature conservation project on the Barbastella bat (Mopsmap) and also review its conservation status (e.g. on the IUCN Red List).

1. What potential limitations might species distribution maps have?
2. Can you think of any ways to address these limitations?

Choose one of the following papers:

Jarnevich, C. S., Stohlgren, T. J., Kumar, S., Morisette, J. T., & Holcombe, T. R. (2015). Caveats for correlative species distribution modeling. Ecological Informatics, 29, 6–15. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.ecoinf.2015.06.007

Jetz, W., Sekercioglu, C. H., & Watson, J. E. M. (2008). Ecological Correlates and Conservation Implications of Overestimating Species Geographic Ranges. Conservation Biology, 22(1), 110–119. https://doi.org/10.1111/j.1523-1739.2007.00847.x