Preferential habitats prediction in syngnathids using species distribution models

Area of Science:

• Marine ecology
• Conservation biology
• Species distribution modeling

Background:

• Syngnathids, including seahorses and pipefish, are vital marine conservation flagships.
• Many syngnathid species are vulnerable and Data Deficient, necessitating further ecological research.
• Understanding syngnathid distribution factors is limited, especially in Spanish marine protected areas.

Purpose of the Study:

• To predict habitat preferences and distribution of the pipefish Syngnathus acus in the Cíes Archipelago.
• To identify key environmental variables influencing Syngnathus acus distribution.
• To develop predictive tools for the conservation of syngnathids in marine national parks.

Main Methods:

• Species Distribution Models (SDMs) were employed using Generalized Additive Models (GAM), Random Forest, and Maxent algorithms.
• Occurrence data from 2016-2018 surveys were analyzed.
• Models incorporated bathymetric (depth, slope), substrate, and oceanographic (wave exposure) variables.

Main Results:

• Depth and wave exposure were the primary factors determining Syngnathus acus distribution in the study area.
• Ensemble prediction maps were generated to visualize habitat suitability.
• The study identified key habitat preferences for the dominant pipefish species in the National Park.

Conclusions:

• The findings support sustainable management of Syngnathus acus within the Atlantic Islands of Galicia National Park.
• Predictive statistical tools were developed for effective spatial conservation planning of this syngnathid species.
• This research addresses critical knowledge gaps in syngnathid ecology and distribution.