Dataset Information

Ensemble approach for potential habitat mapping of invasive Prosopis spp. in Turkana, Kenya.

ABSTRACT:

Aim

Prosopis spp. are an invasive alien plant species native to the Americas and well adapted to thrive in arid environments. In Kenya, several remote-sensing studies conclude that the genus is well established throughout the country and is rapidly invading new areas. This research aims to model the potential habitat of Prosopis spp. by using an ensemble model consisting of four species distribution models. Furthermore, environmental and expert knowledge-based variables are assessed.

Location

Turkana County, Kenya.

Methods

We collected and assessed a large number of environmental and expert knowledge-based variables through variable correlation, collinearity, and bias tests. The variables were used for an ensemble model consisting of four species distribution models: (a) logistic regression, (b) maximum entropy, (c) random forest, and (d) Bayesian networks. The models were evaluated through a block cross-validation providing statistical measures.

Results

The best predictors for Prosopis spp. habitat are distance from water and built-up areas, soil type, elevation, lithology, and temperature seasonality. All species distribution models achieved high accuracies while the ensemble model achieved the highest scores. Highly and moderately suitable Prosopis spp. habitat covers 6% and 9% of the study area, respectively.

Main conclusions

Both ensemble and individual models predict a high risk of continued invasion, confirming local observations and conceptions. Findings are valuable to stakeholders for managing invaded area, protecting areas at risk, and to raise awareness.

SUBMITTER: Ng WT

PROVIDER: S-EPMC6303778 | biostudies-literature | 2018 Dec

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature

ACCESS DATA

Publications

Ensemble approach for potential habitat mapping of invasive Prosopis spp. in Turkana, Kenya.

Ng Wai-Tim WT Cândido de Oliveira Silva Alexsandro A Rima Purity P Atzberger Clement C Immitzer Markus M

Ecology and evolution 20181121 23

<h4>Aim</h4>Prosopis spp. are an invasive alien plant species native to the Americas and well adapted to thrive in arid environments. In Kenya, several remote-sensing studies conclude that the genus is well established throughout the country and is rapidly invading new areas. This research aims to model the potential habitat of Prosopis spp. by using an ensemble model consisting of four species distribution models. Furthermore, environmental and expert knowledge-based variab ...[more]

PMID: 30598787

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Dataset Information

Ensemble approach for potential habitat mapping of invasive Prosopis spp. in Turkana, Kenya.

Aim

Location

Methods

Results

Main conclusions

Publications

Ensemble approach for potential habitat mapping of invasive <i>Prosopis</i> spp<i>.</i> in Turkana, Kenya.

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