Standards for distribution models in biodiversity assessments

Demand for models in biodiversity assessments is rising, but which models are adequate for the task? We propose a set of best-practice standards and detailed guidelines enabling scoring of studies based on species distribution models for use in biodiversity assessments. We reviewed and scored 400 modeling studies over the past 20 years using the proposed standards and guidelines. We detected low model adequacy overall, but with a marked tendency of improvement over time in model building and, to a lesser degree, in biological data and model evaluation. We argue that implementation of agreed-upon standards for models in biodiversity assessments would promote transparency and repeatability, eventually leading to…

• NS
  National Science Foundation

  Awards: DEB-1119915, 1119915
• EC
  European Commission

  Award: ES1101
• NR
  National Research Foundation

  Award: DNRF96
• SN
  Schweizerischer Nationalfonds zur Förderung der Wissenschaftlichen Forschung

  Awards: 310030L-170059, CR23I2_162754, 310030L, 31003A, 170059, 152866
• DG
  Danmarks Grundforskningsfond

  Award: DNRF96
• CF
  Center for Makroøkologi, Evolution og Klima

  Award: DNRF96