TY - JOUR
T1 - Predicting species distributions for conservation decisions
AU - Guisan, Antoine
AU - Tingley, Reid
AU - Baumgartner, John
AU - Naujokaitis-Lewis, Ilona
AU - Sutcliffe, Patricia
AU - Tulloch, Ayesha
AU - Regan, Tracey
AU - Brotons, Lluis
AU - McDonald-Madden, Eve
AU - Mantyka-Pringle, Chrystal
AU - Martin, Tara
AU - Rhodes, Jonathon
AU - Maggini, Ramona
AU - Setterfield, Samantha
AU - Elith, Jane
AU - Schwartz, Mark
AU - Wintle, Brendan
AU - Broennimann, Olivier
AU - Austin, Mike
AU - Ferrier, Simon
AU - Kearney, M
AU - Possingham, Hugh
AU - Buckley, Yvonne
PY - 2013
Y1 - 2013
N2 - Species distribution models (SDMs) are increasingly proposed to support conservation decision making. However, evidence of SDMs supporting solutions for on-ground conservation problems is still scarce in the scientific literature. Here, we show that successful examples exist but are still largely hidden in the grey literature, and thus less accessible for analysis and learning. Furthermore, the decision framework within which SDMs are used is rarely made explicit. Using case studies from biological invasions, identification of critical habitats, reserve selection and translocation of endangered species, we propose that SDMs may be tailored to suit a range of decision-making contexts when used within a structured and transparent decision-making process. To construct appropriate SDMs to more effectively guide conservation actions, modellers need to better understand the decision process, and decision makers need to provide feedback to modellers regarding the actual use of SDMs to support conservation decisions. This could be facilitated by individuals or institutions playing the role of 'translators' between modellers and decision makers. We encourage species distribution modellers to get involved in real decision-making processes that will benefit from their technical input; this strategy has the potential to better bridge theory and practice, and contribute to improve both scientific knowledge and conservation outcomes. � 2013 The Authors. Ecology Letters published by John Wiley & Sons Ltd and CNRS.
AB - Species distribution models (SDMs) are increasingly proposed to support conservation decision making. However, evidence of SDMs supporting solutions for on-ground conservation problems is still scarce in the scientific literature. Here, we show that successful examples exist but are still largely hidden in the grey literature, and thus less accessible for analysis and learning. Furthermore, the decision framework within which SDMs are used is rarely made explicit. Using case studies from biological invasions, identification of critical habitats, reserve selection and translocation of endangered species, we propose that SDMs may be tailored to suit a range of decision-making contexts when used within a structured and transparent decision-making process. To construct appropriate SDMs to more effectively guide conservation actions, modellers need to better understand the decision process, and decision makers need to provide feedback to modellers regarding the actual use of SDMs to support conservation decisions. This could be facilitated by individuals or institutions playing the role of 'translators' between modellers and decision makers. We encourage species distribution modellers to get involved in real decision-making processes that will benefit from their technical input; this strategy has the potential to better bridge theory and practice, and contribute to improve both scientific knowledge and conservation outcomes. � 2013 The Authors. Ecology Letters published by John Wiley & Sons Ltd and CNRS.
KW - biological invasion
KW - conservation planning
KW - decision making
KW - endangered species
KW - knowledge
KW - population distribution
KW - species conservation
KW - translocation
KW - decision support system
KW - ecology
KW - environmental protection
KW - methodology
KW - procedures
KW - theoretical model
KW - Conservation of Natural Resources
KW - Decision Making
KW - Decision Support Techniques
KW - Ecology
KW - Endangered Species
KW - Models, Theoretical
KW - Research Design
UR - http://www.scopus.com/inward/record.url?scp=84886730120&partnerID=8YFLogxK
U2 - 10.1111/ele.12189
DO - 10.1111/ele.12189
M3 - Article
VL - 16
SP - 1424
EP - 1435
JO - Ecology Letters
JF - Ecology Letters
SN - 1461-023X
IS - 12
ER -