Conceptual and methodological advances in habitat-selection modeling: guidelines for ecology and evolution
Joseph M Northrup1,2, Eric Vander Wal3, Maegwin Bonar2
1Wildlife Research and Monitoring Section, Ontario Ministry of Northern Development, Mines, Natural Resources and Forestry, Peterborough, Ontario, K9L 1Z8, Canada.
Summary
This review synthesizes habitat-selection analyses (HSAs) using selection functions, offering guidance on best practices. It clarifies complex concepts and recent advances for researchers studying animal behavior and ecology.
Area of Science:
- Ecology
- Animal Behavior
- Quantitative Biology
Background:
- Habitat selection is crucial for ecological processes like movement and population distribution.
- Recent technological and conceptual advances have increased habitat-selection studies.
- A lack of guidance on analytical best practices hinders research.
Purpose of the Study:
- To synthesize current knowledge on habitat-selection analyses (HSAs).
- To provide a non-technical overview of HSAs using selection functions.
- To offer guidance and best practices for researchers in the field.
Main Methods:
- Literature synthesis of habitat-selection analyses.
- Focus on selection functions as the primary modeling framework.
- Non-technical explanation of conceptual and methodological advances.
Main Results:
- Identifies confusion in conceptual foundations of common modeling frameworks.
- Synthesizes recent advances in habitat-selection modeling.
- Highlights the potential for ecological and evolutionary inference using contemporary techniques.
Conclusions:
- There is a need for clear guidance and best practices in HSAs.
- This review aims to clarify complex literature for practitioners.
- It serves as a reference for navigating and conducting habitat-selection studies.
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