Theoretical Basis, Future Directions, and Challenges for Ecological Niche Models

Abstract

Based on ecological niche theory, ecological niche models (ENMs) apply statistical and machine learning theories toanalyze occurrence data and to build character functions that estimate the possible shape of the realized niche of thespecies within the niche space. In the last two decades, the use of ENMs to predict the potential distribution ofspecies or to quantify niche similarity has become increasingly important in the fields of ecology, biogeography andevolutionary biology. Proceeding from the concept of the ecological niche, this article discusses the theoretical basisof ENMs in detail, and outlines the debate on the implementation and interpretation of ENMs currently. Additionally,we address important issues that need attention when ecologists work with ENMs, and identify relevant issues,challenges and future research directions in this field. Particularly, we recommend that anthropogenic influences onthe ecological niche of species should be considered in the future. Finally, we hope the viewpoints and debatesinvolved in this paper can resonate among the ecologists.