Testing the Effect of Resolution on Species Distribution Models Using Two Invasive Species

Abstract

Species distribution models are the most useful tools that reveal the relationships of target species with environmental variables. The most frequently preferred environmental variables are bioclimatic parameters due to their ability to be interpolated into the future. Bioclimatic variables can be downloaded from various databases at different resolutions. The aim of the present study is to reveal the effect of resolution preference on species distribution models. Ambrosia artemisiifolia and Ailanthus altissima , two invasive species, were selected as target species. These species have large potential distributions. In addition, studies indicate that their distribution is increasing rapidly. Therefore, it poses a threat to both human health and biodiversity. In the present study, a significant difference was found between the predictive values obtained with different resolutions for both species. It was also observed that the model with the highest AUC values was obtained with bioclimatic variables that have 10 arc minutes resolution for both species. The AUC values showed that the models had excellent explanatory power. Finally, potential suitable areas covering almost all of Europe were identified for the two invasive species. It is thought that these species may pose a serious threat in terms of both biodiversity and human health if careful attention is not exercised in the planning.