Application of predictive distribution modelling to invertebrates: Odonata in South Africa

Publication Type:

Journal Article

Authors:

Finch, Jemma M.; Samways, Michael J.; Trevor R Hill; Piper, Steven E.; Taylor, Stuart

Source:

Biodiversity and Conservation, Springer/Kluwer Academic Publishers, Volume 15, Issue 13, p.4239–4251 (2006)

Call Number:

A06FIN01IDUS

URL:

http://link.springer.com/article/10.1007%2Fs10531-005-3577-z

Keywords:

BIOCLIM, Brachythemis leucosticta, habitat modeling, habitat modelling, Odonata

Abstract:

The application of distributional modelling techniques to invertebrates has seldom been explored, primarily due to a lack in adequate distributional data for these taxa. Here, the authors have selected a simple modelling approach for the generation of distribution maps from a limited dataset, as a first step to the atlassing of Odonata in South Africa. The BIOCLIM-type approach was selected for this purpose, as it requires minimal data for model building and validation procedures. BIOCLIM partitions an area climatically prior to survey and predicts species distributions on a bioclimatic basis. Conservative deterministic models were developed using point presence/absence data for each of the regions’ 160 described species. These models were validated by crossvalidation, and the Jaccard coefficient of similarity was used as an index of model performance. A sensitivity analysis investigated the influence of extreme values and errors in the data on predictive ability. Models identified disjunct distribution patterns and accurately predicted the restricted ranges of habitat-specialist species. However, models overstated the distribution of habitat generalists and species with distinct outlier records. For accurate predictions of broad-ranging species, it is suggested that a probabilistic approach be adopted. Nevertheless, basic distribution patterns generated through this conservative approach can be further applied to the investigation of species richness and issues relating to conservation, such as reserve design. The BIOCLIM-type approach provided a means of predicting species distributions, allowing for broad-scale atlassing and thereby providing the first step towards Odonata conservation in South Africa.