Range size estimates of Bolivian endemic bird species revisited: the importance of environmental data and national expert knowledge

摘要: Accurate extent of occurrence (EOO) estimates are essential for reliable conservation assessments. Recent studies suggest that current EOO maps often significantly overestimate range sizes birds, particularly narrow-ranging, threatened and ecological specialist species. Such species may therefore be at danger being falsely overlooked by Using distribution modeling combined with ‘expert’ review according corrections inductive models, we estimated historic 15 Bolivian endemics, which were compared to BirdLife International’s 2011 estimates. The same comparisons made 65 additional modeled Young et al. (Auk 126:554–565, 2009) corroborate the general validity our results. Species distributions deductively eight, a hybrid approach six inductively one For 67 % 1.48–4.22 times larger than (1.75–4.33 89 in al.). Overestimation can largely attributed inclusion areas outside species’ elevational portions ecoregions or extensive habitat uninhabited 33 endemics (all species), 21.2–75.3 smaller (30.3–72.2 11 This partly more sophisticated size analyses BirdLife, differences between versus sizes, overly conservative definition serious need improvement. Exclusion discontinuities within overall needs applied rigorously small spatial scales, using spatially explicit environmental data such as digital elevation models ecosystem classifications. Incorporating national expert knowledge into estimation similarly important reducing overestimation. We recommend prioritizing <200,000 km2 revision these