Application of Different Types of Data in the Distribution Modeling of Tree Species in Mexico

Abstract

The objective of this study was to apply different types of biological and climatic data in the distribution modeling of tree species in Mexico (Pinus ayacahuite, Pinus montezumae, Pinus oocarpa, Quercus calophylla, and Quercus uxoris). Two types of climate layers (climate types and bioclimatic variables) and three types of biological collection data (presence only data, abundance data, and presence/absence data) were used for modeling. The results show that there is no one type of biological and climatic data that fits all species. This study evidences that the use of a single type of data may result in underestimation or overestimation in potential distribution areas.