Species Distribution Model

A predictive model that relates observed species occurrences or abundance to environmental variables to estimate the geographic distribution or habitat suitability of a species across space (and sometimes time), using correlative statistical techniques or mechanistic formulations of niche and dispersal.

A predictive modelling approach that relates observed species occurrences or abundances (including animal hosts or vectors) to environmental covariates in order to estimate geographic patterns of habitat suitability or potential distribution, using correlative or mechanistic methods depending on data and objectives.