Species Distribution Modelling to Assist Biodiversity and Conservation Management in Malaysia

Abstract

Limited resources, including financial, expertise and time have made a case for prioritizing conservation exercises especially in a biodiversity hotspot country such as Malaysia. One method to determine conservation priorities is through Species Distribution Modelling (SDM). Globally, SDM has long been used to assist conservation management by estimating the range area of a species and determining its potential location in different geographical settings. This information will allow governing agencies to pinpoint important areas for conservation. Since management of protected areas in Malaysia is governed by federal or state, several legislation issues have arisen due to conflict of interest between the two authority bodies. This paper aims to review the current usage of SDM in Malaysia and suggest SDM as one of the tools that can be systematically used by both state and federal government in protected area management.