Improving geographic distribution data for a putatively extinct species, a test case with a disappeared fly

Area of Science:

• Ecology
• Biodiversity
• Conservation Biology

Background:

• Global biodiversity loss, particularly insect defaunation, is a critical environmental issue.
• The blowfly Neta chilensis (Walker 1837) has an unclear distribution and hasn't been collected since 1984.
• Understanding N. chilensis's ecological niche and threats is vital for conservation.

Purpose of the Study:

• To model suitable habitats for Neta chilensis using Ecological Niche Models.
• To assess the impact of climate change and human activities on the species' distribution.
• To identify potential areas for future surveys, considering the possibility of extinction.

Main Methods:

• Compiled 130 presence records and 117 absence records for N. chilensis in Argentina and Chile.
• Utilized Ecological Niche Models to predict suitable regions for the species.
• Analyzed the influence of climatic variables and anthropogenic factors on the species' distribution.

Main Results:

• Suitable habitats for N. chilensis are restricted to southern/central Chile and southwestern Argentina.
• Doubtful historical records were predicted as unsuitable areas.
• The species occupies a narrow ecological niche, with decline attributed to habitat loss and invasive species, rather than climate change.

Conclusions:

• Neta chilensis has a limited distribution and faces significant threats from habitat loss and biological invasions.
• Current climate change may not be the primary driver of its decline.
• Two key regions were identified as having higher chances of finding the species, assuming it is not already extinct.