Optimisation of Ensemble Modeling Approach for Studying Climatic Niche and Conservation Status Assessment for Endemic Taxa
Energy and Wetlands Research Group, Centre for Ecological Sciences [CES], Indian Institute of Science, Bangalore – 560012, India.
Web URL: http://ces.iisc.ernet.in/energy; http://ces.iisc.ernet.in/foss
E-Mail:
rajasri.ces@gmail.com, cestvr@ces.iisc.ernet.in
Conclusion

Modelling of a data deficient endemic taxa is tried with the ensemble approach and pseudo-absence (pa) selection and the results highlight the varied nature of ensemble outputs despite having good statistical performances. Similarly, pa selection also requires attention as it changes with the algorithm, reiteration requirement, and mechanism of selection. 

Differences in output based on these parameters emphasize  the importance of multiple and/or ensemble modeling approach in species centric conservation planning rather than over-confidence in a single map. Moreover, it is necessary to verify with the local experts on habitat oriented distribution of the species before finalizing the outcome of the model. This findings aid as a baseline information for further inventory/exploration program for fine tuning the modeling outcome apart from further exploration of occurrences . Moreover, the variation in modeling result also influences EOO estimation which requires careful interpretation of the outcome. However, the standard measurements of EOO and AOO focus on the reassessment of its current IUCN status which would not only update the species position but also help to formulate strategy for its management. Apart from species distribution potential, the outcome is important for habitat management too as distribution emphasizes on type or condition of the habitat. A critical evaluation of the habitat status in the distribution area will be more beneficial for longer survival strategy. More importantly, this exercise can further be extended to encompass the other Western Ghats biotic elements to generate precise information on endemic species distribution and their survival status in current scenario.  

 

 


 

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Citation :Rajasri Ray and Ramachandra T. V., 2017. Optimisation of Ensemble Modeling Approach for Studying Climatic Niche and Conservation Status Assessment for Endemic Taxa. International Journal of Ecology & Development Year 2017; Volume 32, Issue No. 1; Int. J. Ecol. Dev. ISSN 0972-9984 ( Print ); ISSN 0973-7308 (Online), pp 17-32.
* Corresponding Author :
Dr. T.V. Ramachandra
Energy & Wetlands Research Group, Centre for Ecological Sciences, Indian Institute of Science, Bangalore – 560 012, India.
Tel : +91-80-2293 3099/2293 3503 [extn - 107],      Fax : 91-80-23601428 / 23600085 / 23600683 [CES-TVR]
E-mail : cestvr@ces.iisc.ernet.in, energy@ces.iisc.ernet.in,     Web : http://wgbis.ces.iisc.ernet.in/energy, http://ces.iisc.ernet.in/grass