Species' geographic ranges and distributional limits: pattern analysis and statistical issues

• Published in: Oikos 2005-01, Vol.108 (1), p.7-17
• Main Authors: Fortin, M.-J., Keitt, T. H., Maurer, B. A., Taper, M. L., Kaufman, Dawn M., Blackburn, T. M.
• Format: Article
• Language: English
• Subjects: Animal and plant ecology; Animal behavior; Animal, plant and microbial ecology; Animals; Applied ecology; Biological and medical sciences; Conservation, protection and management of environment and wildlife; Data ranges; Density estimation; Extinct species; Fundamental and applied biological sciences. Psychology; General aspects; Geography; Landscapes; Papers from an NCEAS Working Group; Parks, reserves, wildlife conservation. Endangered species: population survey and restocking; Polygons; Population ecology; Rangelands; Sparrows; Species; Statistical analysis
• ISSN: 0030-1299; 1600-0706
• DOI: 10.1111/j.0030-1299.2005.13146.x

With the increasing concern about species conservation, a need exists for quantitative characterization of species' geographic range and their borders. In this paper, we survey tools appropriate for the quantification of static spatial patterns related to geographical ranges and their borders. We then build on these static methods to consider the problem of changes in geographic range through time. Methods discussed are illustrated using lark sparrow data from the North American Breeding Bird Survey. While there is no such thing as the "best" or "only" method to analyze species geographical range and border, we show that a series of methods can be used in sequence to provide complementary and useful quantitative information for species occupancy of range. Indeed, the location of species' borders estimated at different times can be compared to identify locations where species expand or go locally extinct. The ability to delineate accurately species' ranges will be useful to conservation biologists, managers and ecologists.