Reliability in Distribution Modeling—A Synthesis and Step-by-Step Guidelines for Improved Practice

Information about the distribution of a study object (e.g., species or habitat) is essential in face increasing pressure from land sea use, and climate change. Distribution models are instrumental for acquiring such information, but also encumbered by uncertainties caused different sources error, bias inaccuracy that need to be dealt with. In this paper we identify most common link them phases modeling process. Our aim outline implications these reliability summarize precautions needed taken. We performed step-by-step assessment errors, biases inaccuracies related five main steps standard process: (1) ecological understanding, assumptions problem formulation; (2) data collection preparation; (3) choice method, model tuning parameterization; (4) evaluation models; and, finally, (5) implementation use. synthesis highlights consider entire process when applicability assessed. A key recommendation evaluate properly use dataset collected independently training data. support initiatives establish international protocols open geodatabases models.