Using Predicted Locations and an Ensemble Approach to Address Sparse Data Sets for Species Distribution Modelling: Long-horned Beetles (Cerambycidae) of the Fiji Islands

Abstract

In response to unique species in Fiji which are threatened or endangered, and in critical need of effective conservation measures to ensure their survival, author Glenn Aguilar has produced an eMedia publication and learning research tool, called GIS For Conservation.The eMedia website hosts tutorial material, videos and modelling results for conservation management and planning purposes. Users will learn spatial analytical skills, species distribution modelling and other relevant GIS tools, as well as enhance ArcMap skills and the species distribution modelling tool Maxent. Accompanying the GIS For Conservation website is a peer-reviewed research report. The report details the case study and research methods that have informed the eMedia publication, focusing on the development of maps predicting the suitability of the Fiji Islands for longhorned beetles (Cerambycidae) that include endemic and endangered species such as the Giant Fijian Beetle Xixuthrus heros.