BioModelos: A collaborative online system to map species distributions

Area of Science:

• Biodiversity science
• Conservation biology
• Geographic information systems

Background:

• Species distribution data is vital for conservation.
• Existing platforms struggle to integrate biological knowledge into modeling.
• Limited occurrence and ecological data pose challenges for accurate species distribution models.

Purpose of the Study:

• To describe the BioModelos approach for developing species distribution models.
• To highlight the role of expert networks and online systems in improving model quality.
• To demonstrate the operationalization of essential biodiversity variables for conservation.

Main Methods:

• A collaborative network of experts assesses occurrence data quality.
• Experts identify key environmental variables and define species' accessible areas.
• An online system supports model development and qualitative validation by experts.

Main Results:

• Models developed through BioModelos are freely and publicly available after expert validation.
• The BioModelos approach has been implemented in Colombia since 2013, involving nearly 500 experts.
• This system has supported decision-making tools like national risk assessments and biodiversity compensation manuals.

Conclusions:

• BioModelos effectively integrates expert knowledge into species distribution modeling.
• The approach enhances the value of open-access species data for conservation applications.
• It serves as a model for operationalizing essential biodiversity variables at a national scale.