bioclim : the first species distribution modelling package, its early applications and relevance to most current MaxEnt studies

Abstract Aim Interest in species distribution models ( SDM s) and related niche studies has increased dramatically in recent years, with several books and reviews being prepared since 2000. The earliest SDM studies are dealt with only briefly even in the books. Consequently, many researchers are unaware of when the first SDM software package ( bioclim ) was developed and how a broad range of applications using the package was explored within the first 8 years following its release. The purpose of this study is to clarify these early developments and initial applications, as well as to highlight bioclim 's continuing relevance to current studies. Location Mainly Australia and New Zealand, but also some global…