ecological niche models
Ecological niche models can be a useful tool to identify candidate reintroduction sites for endangered
species but have been infrequently used for this purpose. In this paper, we (1) develop activity-specific
ecological niche models (nesting, roosting, and feeding) for the critically endangered California condor
(Gymnogyps californianus) to aid in reintroduction planning in California, Oregon, and Washington,
USA, (2) test the accuracy of these models using empirical data withheld from model development,
and (3) integrate model results with information on condor movement ecology and biology to produce
predictive maps of reintroduction site suitability. Our approach, which disentangles niche models into
activity-specific components, has applications for other species where it is routinely assumed (often
incorrectly) that individuals fulfill all requirements for life within a single environmental space. Ecological
niche models conformed to our understanding of California condor ecology, had good predictive performance
when tested with data withheld from model development, and aided in the identification of
several candidate reintroduction areas outside of the current distribution of the species. Our results
suggest there are large unoccupied regions of the California condor’s historical range that have retained
ecological features similar to currently occupied habitats, and thus could be considered for future reintroduction
efforts. Combining our activity-specific ENMs with ground reconnaissance and information
on other threat factors that could not be directly incorporated into empirical ENMs will ultimately
improve our ability to select successful reintroduction sites for the California condor.
ecological niche models Ecological niche models can be a useful tool to identify candidate reintroduction sites for endangeredspecies but have been infrequently used for this purpose. In this paper, we (1) develop activity-specificecological niche models (nesting, roosting, and feeding) for the critically endangered California condor(Gymnogyps californianus) to aid in reintroduction planning in California, Oregon, and Washington,USA, (2) test the accuracy of these models using empirical data withheld from model development,and (3) integrate model results with information on condor movement ecology and biology to producepredictive maps of reintroduction site suitability. Our approach, which disentangles niche models intoactivity-specific components, has applications for other species where it is routinely assumed (oftenincorrectly) that individuals fulfill all requirements for life within a single environmental space. Ecologicalniche models conformed to our understanding of California condor ecology, had good predictive performancewhen tested with data withheld from model development, and aided in the identification ofseveral candidate reintroduction areas outside of the current distribution of the species. Our resultssuggest there are large unoccupied regions of the California condor’s historical range that have retainedecological features similar to currently occupied habitats, and thus could be considered for future reintroductionefforts. Combining our activity-specific ENMs with ground reconnaissance and information
on other threat factors that could not be directly incorporated into empirical ENMs will ultimately
improve our ability to select successful reintroduction sites for the California condor.
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