Scale- and resolution-invariance of suitable geographic range for shorebird metapopulations

摘要: Abstract The habitat suitability of a shorebird metapopulation is studied as function the scale (extent) and resolution (grain-size) environmental covariates with maximum entropy species distribution model ( MaxEnt ) for integration climate change simulations. For this study, considered Snowy Plover (Charadrius a. nivosus), which threatened whose geographic range spans northwest southwestern gulf coasts Florida. analyzed at different resolutions by coarsening classes ecogeographical variables two algorithms: (i) preserving information each class finer (conservative algorithm); (ii) considering most frequent (majority algorithm). Ultimately, suitable found to be estuarine ocean beaches made alkaline medium fine white sand silt. fit observed decreases resolution. Due loss physical (barrier islands) resulting from operation, there threshold below fails predict distribution. As result, resolution-invariant resolution-threshold that determined geomorphological features landscape rather than biological constrains. This result holds both algorithms, however conservative algorithm allows continuous mapping suitability. geographical scale- resolution-invariant, yet at-a-point appears scale-dependent due strong heterogeneity variables. resolution-invariance universal metapopulations species. important reducing uncertainty population viability models are based also on choice extent grain-size predictions. However, attention must paid in choosing not too large order correctly represent implies potential increase effectiveness conservation campaigns face threats change, such sea-level rise Plover.