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Integrating Remote Sensing with Species Distribution Models; Mapping Tamarisk Invasions Using the Software for Assisted Habitat Modeling SAHM

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REVIEW: Can habitat selection predict abundance?

Mark S Boyce¹, Chris J Johnson², Evelyn H Merrill¹

¹Department of Biological Sciences, University of Alberta, Edmonton, AB, T6G 2E9, Canada.

The Journal of Animal Ecology

|March 19, 2015

Summary

Animal abundance is strongly linked to habitat selection. Understanding habitat use and population regulation is key to accurately predicting animal numbers using habitat data.

Keywords:

animal movement occupancy population estimation population size presence-only data resource selection functions

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Area of Science:

Ecology
Wildlife Biology
Population Dynamics

Background:

Habitat characteristics significantly influence animal distribution and abundance.
Animal populations often exhibit higher densities in habitats they preferentially select.
Habitat use patterns are driven by animals' selective movements.

Purpose of the Study:

To explore the relationship between habitat selection and animal abundance.
To evaluate the utility of habitat-based models for predicting animal distribution and abundance.
To identify factors influencing the reliability of these predictive models.

Main Methods:

Reviewing ecological principles of habitat selection and animal movement.
Analyzing how habitat use metrics (e.g., occupancy, intensity) relate to abundance.
Examining the assumptions and limitations of habitat-based abundance models.
Considering the impact of population density and equilibrium on model accuracy.

Main Results:

Animals tend to be more abundant in strongly selected habitats.
Habitat selection models can predict animal distribution and abundance.
Model accuracy for predicting abundance is compromised when populations are not at equilibrium or influenced by non-habitat factors.
Sampling scale (space and time) is a critical limitation for model application.

Conclusions:

Habitat selection is a primary driver of animal abundance and distribution.
Habitat-based models are valuable tools for ecological studies, but require careful consideration of population dynamics.
Accurate abundance prediction necessitates understanding population regulation mechanisms and model limitations.