How do distribution mapping methods perform in estimating beta diversity at macroecological scales? A case study with...

Area of Science:

• Macroecology
• Community Ecology
• Biodiversity Informatics

Background:

• Species distribution mapping is crucial for macroecological studies, but the influence of different mapping methods on community ecology metrics remains under-researched.
• Understanding these variations is essential for accurate biodiversity assessments and conservation planning.

Purpose of the Study:

• To compare the congruence of anuran beta diversity estimates derived from three distinct species distribution mapping methods: point-to-grid (PTG), extent-of-occurrence (EOO), and ecological niche modelling (ENM).
• To analyze how these methods affect the local contribution to beta diversity (LCBD) and its components (turnover and nestedness) in the Atlantic Forest and Cerrado hotspots.

Main Methods:

• Mapping anuran species distributions using PTG, EOO, and ENM techniques across the Atlantic Forest and Cerrado regions.
• Calculating and comparing the local contribution to beta diversity (LCBD) index, turnover, and nestedness components for each mapping method.
• Analyzing spatial patterns of beta diversity and identifying areas with high LCBD values.

Main Results:

• Point-to-grid (PTG) methods produced the most divergent LCBD values, likely due to their finer spatial resolution.
• Extent-of-occurrence (EOO) and ecological niche modelling (ENM) generated similar beta diversity estimates for both hotspots.
• High LCBD values were observed in ecotone regions of the Cerrado and along the Atlantic coast in the Atlantic Forest.
• PTG maps showed a disproportionately high importance of the turnover component compared to EOO and ENM maps.

Conclusions:

• The choice of species distribution mapping method significantly influences estimates of beta diversity metrics, particularly LCBD.
• PTG methods may overestimate turnover due to their detailed spatial scale, potentially skewing ecological interpretations.
• EOO and ENM are more congruent in estimating beta diversity for these anuran communities, suggesting greater reliability for macroecological comparisons.