Felid distributions in the Southern Yungas: enhancing species distribution models with field data

Biodiversity assessments in remote ecosystems are often limited by the difficulty of detecting rare, cryptic or nocturnal species. Species distribution models (SDMs) are widely used to predict distributions, yet few studies validate them with independent field data. Converting continuous suitability maps into binary predictions through threshold selection remains controversial. Nearly 50% of felid species are threatened, making accurate habitat prediction essential for conservation. The Yungas ecoregion in northwest Argentina is a biodiversity hotspot where felid distributions are poorly understood. This study tests SDMs as a conservation tool and empirically improves their robustness. We generated distribution maps for felids in the Yungas sensu stricto using MaxEnt and existing presence records, followed by a camera-trap survey for independent validation. A novel field-based threshold was used to produce a species richness map. Model performance was evaluated at site and species levels, with predictions tested using the Mann-Whitney test. High-probability areas successfully predicted the presence of ocelot (Leopardus pardalis), tiger cat (Leopardus pardinoides) and margay (Leopardus wiedii). The field-based threshold was effective at both ecoregional and site scales, though threatened species were underrepresented. Integrating SDMs with independent field data and empirical thresholding improves biodiversity assessments of elusive species and can guide conservation in other cryptic or data-deficient taxa.