Document Type
Poster
Original Publication Date
2017
Journal/Book/Conference Title
VCU Rice Rivers Center Research Symposium
Date of Submission
May 2017
Abstract
Ecological niche modeling is used to predict a species’ distribution in a geographic area based on abiotic and biotic variables. Understanding a species’ range is important for conservation and restoration efforts. As anthropogenic forces may alter or deplete habitat, it is important to know the ecological requirements of a species to understand how and what habitat to protect. With the increasing threat of climate change and rising temperature and precipitation, the suitable habitat and the distribution for many species is expected to shift. Migratory species are particularly at risk of these changes as they require suitable habitat not only on their wintering and stopover grounds, but on their breeding grounds. Without suitable breeding grounds, reproductive success is guaranteed to decline for a species. Understanding how these changes affect the range and distribution of a species allows researchers and conservationist to better formulate effective species management plans
Rights
© The Author
Is Part Of
VCU Rice Rivers Center Research Symposium