Modelling Habitat Suitability of European Common Beech (Fagus sylvatica) and Aleppo Pine (Pinus halepensis)

A species distribution model is used to map suitability of European beech Fagus sylvatica (Fagaceae) and Aleppo pine Pinus halepensis (Pinaceae) at the European level. We used Regression Tree Analysis (RTA) to relate field observations concerning species distribution to environmental predictor variables including climatic factors (Worldclim database), soil factors (European Soil Database) and Topographic factors (SRTM Digital Elevation Model). Species data comprise more than 8000 field sample observations: (EU/ICP-Forests, Intensive Monitoring of Ecosystems Level II; and the Forest Condition Large Scale Survey, Level I). Ecological Niche Theory and the assumptions behind the modelling procedure are discussed: from the classical ecological niche concept to modern ideas recognizing the importance both of species requirements, and their impacts on the ecosystems.

VOGT Peter;  ESTREGUIL Christine;  KOZAK Jacek Wladyslaw; 

2006-12-13

Accademia Italiana di Scienze Forestali

JRC34569

https://publications.jrc.ec.europa.eu/repository/handle/JRC34569,