The influence of data source and species distribution modelling method on spatial conservation priorities

Abstract

Aim: Species distribution models are an important conservation tool; however, performance can vary with factors including data inputs and modelling method. Model outputs are often under‐evaluated for explanatory and predictive capacity. Our aim was to evaluate the capacity of existing data for seven small mammal species to provide useful inferences for management planning. Location: Bathurst and Melville (collectively the Tiwi) Islands, Northern Territory, Australia. Methods: We developed species distribution models (SDMs) with generalized linear models (GLMs) and boosted regression trees (BRTs) using survey data (351 sites) of small mammals, with two sets of environmental predictors: (a) fi..