From plains to inselbergs: species in special habitats as indicators for climate change?

Aim This study proposes a process to select plant species that would provide suitable candidates for monitoring climate change impacts in areas where complete biological inventories are lacking. Location Inselberg floras of nine inselberg landscapes (i.e. isolated mountains) in the arid Desert and Nama Karoo biome in Namibia were analysed to develop a selection process. Methods Data from detailed field surveys were summarized to determine species only occurring on inselberg habitats (i.e. inselberg specialists). Detrended correspondence analysis and a step‐by‐step selection process based on species distribution patterns were used to determine species occurring on inselbergs beyond their zonal distribution ranges. Results The systematic selection process initially identified 88 plant species. Based on field observations and published sources eliminating species (1) with a wide distribution elsewhere, (2) distribution influenced by local effects and (3) for which their status of knowledge of distribution was clearly inadequate, this list was further reduced to 25 species. This included southern species occurring on inselbergs likely beyond their zonal distribution, such as Adenolobus garipensis, Aloe dichotoma and Euphorbia gummifera, as well as savanna and escarpment species at their western zonal distribution edge (e.g. Cordia sinensis, Commiphora glaucescens and Moringa ovalifolia). Main conclusions The step‐by‐step selection process proposed in this study to assist with the selection of indicators for climate change provides an objective tool in areas where biodiversity coverage is not adequate and little is known about physiology, growth and reproductive patterns of individual species. As such it introduces a method for preliminary screening of species, but will require further input based on field observations and expert knowledge.     

Mepimbat tedul proujek: Indigenous knowledge of culturally significant freshwater turtles addresses species knowledge gaps in Northern Australia

Indigenous biocultural knowledge offers valuable insights for species conservation; however, like biological diversity, associated cultural knowledge is also often threatened. This paper demonstrates how Indigenous biocultural knowledge of species can contribute to addressing gaps in species occurrence data and conservation knowledge using a case study from the South East Arnhem Land Indigenous Protected Area (SEAL IPA), northern Australia. Using a series of mapping workshops and interviews this collaborative project recorded Indigenous biocultural knowledge of the distribution, ecology, cultural significance and threats to freshwater turtles (freshwoda teduls in the local Indigenous language, Roper River Kriol). Based on past freshwoda tedul hunting experiences, 74 Indigenous knowledge holders identified 753 past freshwoda tedul occurrences, significantly adding to the 12 occurrences previously listed for the SEAL IPA in Australia's online species database, the Atlas of Living Australia. Importantly, these were the first ‘memory’ records of past species sightings by Indigenous people to be recognized and added to Australia's national species database. In addition, a blog summarizing this research was promoted through the Atlas of Living Australia, raising awareness of the Indigenous biocultural knowledge associated with these species. The Mepimbat tedul proujek revealed the cultural significance of freshwoda teduls and reported declines in abundance since the turn of the century, implicating invasive hard-hooved ungulates (buffalo, pig) and reduced rainfall. The addition of non-sacred Indigenous knowledge to free online species databases may offer innovative solutions for storage, interaction and sharing of indigenous knowledge, with opportunities for intergenerational and cross-cultural learning and broader application in conservation management and decision-making.     

Determining the factors affecting the distribution of Muscari latifolium,an endemic plant of Turkey,and a mapping species distribution model

Species distribution modeling was used to determine factors among the large predictor candidate data set that affect the distribution of Muscari latifolium , an endemic bulbous plant species of Turkey, to quantify the relative importance of each factor and make a potential spatial distribution map of M. latifolium . Models were built using the Boosted Regression Trees method based on 35 presence and 70 absence records obtained through field sampling in the Gönen Dam watershed area of the Kazda?? Mountains in West Anatolia. Large candidate variables of monthly and seasonal climate, fine‐scale land surface, and geologic and biotic variables were simplified using a BRT simplifying procedure. Analyses performed on these resources, direct and indirect variables showed that there were 14 main factors that influence the species’ distribution. Five of the 14 most important variables influencing the distribution of the species are bedrock type, Quercus cerris density, precipitation during the wettest month, Pinus nigra density, and northness. These variables account for approximately 60% of the relative importance for determining the distribution of the species. Prediction performance was assessed by 10 random subsample data sets and gave a maximum the area under a receiver operating characteristic curve (AUC) value of 0.93 and an average AUC value of 0.8. This study provides a significant contribution to the knowledge of the habitat requirements and ecological characteristics of this species. The distribution of this species is explained by a combination of biotic and abiotic factors. Hence, using biotic interaction and fine‐scale land surface variables in species distribution models improved the accuracy and precision of the model. The knowledge of the relationships between distribution patterns and environmental factors and biotic interaction of M. latifolium can help develop a management and conservation strategy for this species.     

Improving species distribution models using biotic interactions: a case study of parasites,pollinators and plants

Biotic interactions have been considered as an important factor to be included in species distribution modelling, but little is known about how different types of interaction or different strategies for modelling affect model performance. This study compares different methods for including interspecific interactions in distribution models for bees, their brood parasites, and the plants they pollinate. Host–parasite interactions among bumble bees (genus Bombus: generalist pollinators and brood parasites) and specialist plant–pollinator interactions between Centris bees and Krameria flowers were used as case studies. We used 7 different modelling algorithms available in the BIOMOD R package. For Bombus, the inclusion of interacting species distributions generally increased model predictive accuracy. The improvement was better when the interacting species was included with its raw distribution rather than with its modeled suitability. However, incorporating the distributions of non‐interacting species sometimes resulted in similarly increased model accuracy despite their being no significance of any interaction for the distribution. For the Centris‐Krameria system the best strategy for modelling biotic interactions was to include the interacting species model‐predicted values. However, the results were less consistent than those for Bombus species, and most models including biotic interactions showed no significant improvement over abiotic models. Our results are consistent with previous studies showing that biotic interactions can be important in structuring species distributions at regional scales. However, correlations between species distributions are not necessarily indicative of interactions. Therefore, choosing the correct biotic information, based on biological and ecological knowledge, is critical to improve the accuracy of species distribution models and forecast distribution change.     

Polymerase chain reaction primers for microsatellite loci in the semi‐aquatic grasshopper,Cornops aquaticum

The semi‐aquatic grasshopper Cornops aquaticum is native to South America, with a distribution as far south as the Argentinian pampas and as far north as the Gulf of Mexico. This study reports the characterization of nine microsatellite loci for this species. To our knowledge, no molecular studies have been conducted on C. aquaticum, therefore, little is known about this species’ genetic diversity and how this relates to host specificity. These primers will allow further studies to elucidate the population history of C. aquaticum across both its native and introduced ranges.     

Bio‐ORACLE: a global environmental dataset for marine species distribution modelling

Aim The oceans harbour a great diversity of organisms whose distribution and ecological preferences are often poorly understood. Species distribution modelling (SDM) could improve our knowledge and inform marine ecosystem management and conservation. Although marine environmental data are available from various sources, there are currently no user‐friendly, high‐resolution global datasets designed for SDM applications. This study aims to fill this gap by assembling a comprehensive, uniform, high‐resolution and readily usable package of global environmental rasters. Location Global, marine. Methods We compiled global coverage data, e.g. satellite‐based and in situ measured data, representing various aspects of the marine environment relevant for species distributions. Rasters were assembled at a resolution of 5 arcmin (c. 9.2 km) and a uniform landmask was applied. The utility of the dataset was evaluated by maximum entropy SDM of the invasive seaweed Codium fragile ssp. fragile. Results We present Bio‐ORACLE (ocean rasters for analysis of climate and environment), a global dataset consisting of 23 geophysical, biotic and climate rasters. This user‐friendly data package for marine species distribution modelling is available for download at http://www.bio‐oracle.ugent.be . The high predictive power of the distribution model of C. fragile ssp. fragile clearly illustrates the potential of the data package for SDM of shallow‐water marine organisms. Main conclusions The availability of this global environmental data package has the potential to stimulate marine SDM. The high predictive success of the presence‐only model of a notorious invasive seaweed shows that the information contained in Bio‐ORACLE can be informative about marine distributions and permits building highly accurate species distribution models.     

A non-invasive genetic method to identify the sympatric mustelids pine marten (<Emphasis Type="Italic">Martes martes</Emphasis>) and stone marten (<Emphasis Type="Italic">Martes foina</Emphasis>): preliminary distribution survey on the northern Iberian Peninsula

The closely related mustelids European pine marten (Martes martes) and stone marten (Martes foina) sympatrically inhabit a large area of Europe. However, given our limited knowledge of their bioecological relationships, their extremely elusive behaviour and the fact that their faeces cannot be distinguished on the basis of morphology alone, it is very difficult to monitor their populations. In this study, we describe a reliable non-invasive polymerase chain reaction (PCR)–restriction fragment length polymorphism (PCR-RFLP) method for distinguishing between M. martes and M. foina based on the analysis of deoxyribonucleic acid extracted from faeces samples. The method was specifically designed to avoid possible interference from potential prey mammals and other sympatric carnivores. The procedure consists of PCR amplifying a mitochondrial D-loop region followed by digesting the resulting 276-bp-long amplicons with the restriction enzymes HaeIII and RsaI. To assess the efficiency of this technique, we conducted a preliminary field study across the potential sympatric distribution areas of both marten species in the northern Iberian Peninsula. Out of 359 faeces samples collected, we identified 80 as specimens from the stone marten and 235 from the pine marten. Unequivocal species identification was thus possible in 88% of the faeces samples collected. These findings reveal the combined use of non-invasive genetic sampling and GIS technology to be a reliable and cost-effective procedure for improving our knowledge of the spatial distributions of sympatric marten species. This protocol could also be used to identify and improve information gaps, to develop effective research and management programmes and in population and landscape genetics studies of marten species. Electronic supplementary material The online version of this article (doi:) contains supplementary material, which is available to authorized users.     

Testicular differentiation and development in South American catfish,surubim, Pseudoplatystoma fasciatum

In the species Pseudoplatystoma fasciatum the males are smaller than females. Thus, the objective of this study was to describe the process of testicular differentiation and provide tools for sex manipulation techniques aimed at improving the productivity of farming of sexually‐reversed females. Correlation between the length, age, sex rate and the stage of gonadal development were analyzed in this species from samples collected between 0 and 240 days post‐hatching. Testicular differentiation was divided into eight stages, based on the cellular and morphological characteristics of the gonad. The results showed that sexual differentiation has a greater correlation to the size than the age in this species. This study provides knowledge on the proliferation and distinctive arrangement of somatic cells, which enabled the early identification of the testis due to the presence of future fringes in the specimens. Testicular differentiation in P. fasciatum was histologically different from other species due to the proliferation and distribution of somatic cells in the regions that would originate the testicular tubules and sperm ducts. Meiosis began at a later stage in comparison with other species, therefore, it was not considered a criterion for early sexual characterization. It can be concluded that testicular differentiation in P. fasciatum occurs relatively early and this data can be used to improve sex inversion protocols and increase productivity in this species.     

Predicting the distribution of a rare species of moss: The case of Buxbaumia viridis (Bryopsida,Buxbaumiaceae)

Buxbaumia viridis is a rare policy species restricted to decaying woods in forests. Although Member States of EU are required to monitor its conservation status, specific models able to predict species distribution are still lacking. However, the availability of such models would strongly improve the efficiency in collection additional data and consequently lead to a better knowledge of its ecology. Aims of this work were (i) to provide a model for species distribution assessing the importance of different environmental variables thought to be important in setting the occurrence of Buxbaumia viridis and (ii) to test the effect of imperfect detection in defining the environmental space where the species occur. With this work, records of B. viridis increased twofold in the Alpine region of Italy, passing from 13 records to 26. We showed that on the Alps, occurrence of Buxbaumia viridis was best predicted by northness, rainfall, canopy closure and necromass. Necromass was the single most important variable. A volume of 48–61 m³/ha of necromass was identified as the threshold value determining the high probability of species occurrence. The imperfect detection probability of the species (p = 0.25), biased towards zero the importance of the environmental variables.     

Behavioral and hormonal aspects of reproduction in captive goeldi’s monkeys (Callimico goeldii) in a comparative and evolutionary context

The fate of most nonhuman primate species is intimately related to man. The increasing encroachment on the natural habitat has resulted in the decimation and even near extinction of some species. Along with this development, the basic concept in many modern zoos has changed from one of merely display to self-perpetuating units. Primate research facilities are orienting their research programs towards reproductive physiology and behavior in an effort to provide basic knowledge of reproduction in these species. This increased emphasis in the area of reproductive biology and the various efforts to improve breeding of these mostly endangered primates in captivity has stimulated the author to write this review. It represents an attempt to provide the reader with basic background information relating to the endocrinology and behavior of reproduction in the clawed New World monkeys as it exists at the time of publication. The intermediate evolutionary position ofCallimico goeldii between the clawed New World monkeys and the ‘true New World monkeys’ and our relatively poor knowledge about reproduction and behavior in this particular species fully justifies the focus on Goeldi’s monkey in this essay. This review is an attempt to provide a brief history of previous studies but also the basis for research in the future. The current status of knowledge of the small-bodied clawed monkeys is also discussed in an evolutionary context, with an emphasis on the different reproductive strategies in this dynamic group of primates. The outcome, not surprisingly, confirms the unique position ofCallimico goeldii in its social, ecological, and evolutionary environment.     

Incorporating biotic interactions in the distribution models of African wild silk moths (Gonometa species,Lasiocampidae) using different representations of modelled host tree distributions

Biotic interactions influence species niches and may thus shape distributions. Nevertheless, species distribution modelling has traditionally relied exclusively on environmental factors to predict species distributions, while biotic interactions have only seldom been incorporated into models. This study tested the ability of incorporating biotic interactions, in the form of host plant distributions, to increase model performance for two host‐dependent lepidopterans of economic interest, namely the African silk moth species, Gonometa postica and Gonometa rufobrunnea (Lasiocampidae). Both species are dependent on a small number of host tree species for the completion of their life cycle. We thus expected the host plant distribution to be an important predictor of Gonometa distributions. Model performance of a species distribution model trained only on abiotic predictors was compared to four species distribution models that additionally incorporated biotic interactions in the form of four different representations of host plant distributions as predictors. We found that incorporating the moth–host plant interactions improved G. rufobrunnea model performance for all representations of host plant distribution, while for G. postica model performance only improved for one representation of host plant distribution. The best performing representation of host plant distribution differed for the two Gonometa species. While these results suggest that incorporating biotic interactions into species distribution models can improve model performance, there is inconsistency in which representation of the host tree distribution best improves predictions. Therefore, the ability of biotic interactions to improve species distribution models may be context‐specific, even for species which have obligatory interactions with other organisms.     

Host plant distributions and climate interact to affect the predicted geographic distribution of a Neotropical termite

Species distribution models (SDMs) have been widely used in the scientific literature. The majority of SDMs use climate data or other abiotic variables to forecast the potential distribution of a species in geographic space. Biotic interactions can affect the predicted spatial distribution of a species in many ways across multiple spatial scales, and incorporating these predictors in an SDM is a current topic in the scientific literature. Constrictotermes cyphergaster is a widely distributed termite in the Neotropics. This termite species nests in plants and more frequently nests in some arboreal species. Thus, this species is an excellent model to evaluate the influence of biotic interactions in SDMs. We evaluate the influences of climate and the geographic distribution of host plants on the potential distribution of C. cyphergaster. Three correlative models (MaxEnt) were built to predict the geographic distribution of the termite: (1) climate data, (2) biotic data (i.e., the geographic distribution of host plants), and (3) climate and biotic data. The models that were generated indicate that the potential geographic distribution of C. cyphergaster is concentrated in the Cerrado and Caatinga regions. In addition, path analysis and multiple regression revealed the importance of the direct effects of biological interactions in the geographic distribution of the termite, while climate affected the distribution of the termite mainly through indirect effects by influencing the geographic distributions of host plants. The current study endorses the importance of including biological interactions in SDMs. We recommend using biotic predictors in SDM studies of insect species, mainly because insects have important environmental services and biotic interaction data can improve the macroecological studies of this group.     

Ecological niche modeling and geographic distribution of the genus <Emphasis Type="Italic">Polianthes</Emphasis> L. (Agavaceae) in Mexico: using niche modeling to improve assessments of risk status

The genus Polianthes (Agavaceae) is endemic to Mexico and is important at the scientific, economical, and cultural level since prehispanic times. Habitat destruction is one of the main factors affecting populations of Polianthes species, yet little is known about the geographic distribution of this genus, and thus its vulnerability to habitat change. We compared three different approaches to measure the Polianthes species area of distribution to assess the risk of species extinction applying the MER (Method of Evaluation of Risk extinction of wild species for Mexico): area of occupancy, extent of occurrence, and ecological modeling. We also found the richness areas of distribution of this genus. We compared the species distributions with Terrestrial Protected Regions (TPR) and Natural Protected Areas (NPA). Although the three methods used to calculate the species area of distribution agree about the highly restricted nature of Polianthes species. The area of occupancy sub-estimate the species distribution, while the extent of occurrence over-estimate it for species with disjoint distribution. Thus, we recommend the use of ecological modeling to improve the assessment of the current species distribution area to apply the MER. Most Polianthes species are distributed in the Sierra Madre Occidental and Transvolcanic Belt. Three species do not occur in any of the NPA or TPR, one species has suitable habitat in three TPR but has not been recorded there, and one species, P. palustris, is likely extinct.     

Genetic identification of members of the Bemisia tabaci cryptic species complex from South Africa reveals native and introduced haplotypes

The whitefly Bemisia tabaci cryptic species complex contains some important agricultural pest and virus vectors. Members of the complex have become serious pests in South Africa (SA) because of their feeding habit and their ability to transmit begomovirus species. Despite their economic importance, studies on the biology and distribution of B. tabaci in SA are limited. To this end, a survey was made to investigate the diversity and distribution of B. tabaci cryptic species in eight geographical locations (provinces) in SA, between 2002 and 2009, using the mitochondrial cytochrome oxidase I (mtCOI) sequences. Phylogenetic analysis revealed the presence of members from two endemic sub‐Saharan Africa (SSAF) subclades coexisting with two introduced putative species. The SSAF‐1 subclade includes cassava host‐adapted B. tabaci populations, whereas the whiteflies collected from cassava and non‐cassava hosts formed a distinct subclade, referred to as SSAF‐5, and represent a new subclade among previously recognized southern Africa clades. Two introduced cryptic species, belonging to the Mediterranean and Middle East–Asia minor 1 clades, were identified and include the B and Q types. The B type showed the widest distribution, being present in five of the eight provinces explored in SA, infesting several host plants and predominating over the indigenous haplotypes. This is the first report of the occurrence of the exotic Q type in SA alongside the more widely distributed B type. Furthermore, mtCOI PCR‐RFLP was developed for the SA context to allow rapid discrimination between the B, Q and SSAF putative species. The capacity to manage pests and disease effectively relies on knowledge of the identity of the agents causing the damage. Therefore, this study contributes to the understanding of South African B. tabaci species diversity, information needed for the development of knowledge‐based disease management practices.     

Cryptic diversity with wide salinity tolerance in the putative euryhaline Testudinella clypeata (Rotifera,Monogononta)

Aquatic faunas in fresh, brackish, and salt waters are usually well defined and differ amongst these three habitats. Nonetheless, some animals are known to be euryhaline, namely present across wide salinity ranges. The wide tolerance of putative euryhaline species has, however been refuted in some cases by DNA taxonomy, which has uncovered cryptic diversity with narrow ecological niches. We aim to improve knowledge on the putative euryhalinism of microinvertebrates and test whether it might actually be a real phenomenon or if euryhaline species are mostly a consequence of our previous inability to identify cryptic species with narrow salinity ranges, as discovered in Brachionus plicatilis. Using morphological analyses and DNA taxonomy, we investigated the species reality and distribution of a putative euryhaline rotifer species, Testudinella clypeata, and evaluated whether cryptic species are ecologically and/or geographically segregated. Different DNA taxonomy approaches concurred in revealing the presence of seven cryptic species within the T. clypeata morphospecies, which, in contrast to what has been previously detected, are actually euryhaline. Moreover, differences in analysed morphological traits were not significantly different amongst cryptic species. This suggests that DNA taxonomy improves our estimates of the actual diversity of microscopic species, in contrast to the morphological approach. © 2013 The Linnean Society of London     

Is the spatial distribution of European beech (Fagus sylvatica L.) limited by its potential height growth?

Aim To improve our understanding of species range limits by studying how height growth, a trait related to plant survival, varies throughout the geographic range of Fagus sylvatica L. in France. Location The geographic range of beech in France, representing the western area of its European distribution, within which this species exhibits range distribution limits in both plains and mountainous areas. Methods A generalized linear regression model was used to link beech growth performance to environmental variables using data from 819 plots of the French National Forest Inventory (IFN) database. This model was applied to predict potential growth on 97,281 IFN plots covering the geographic range of beech in France. A kriging technique was used to interpolate estimated growth potential. Finally, the performance of plot‐based predictions of potential growth from the map (i.e. map quality) was evaluated against an independent data set. Results The beech growth performance model highlighted the major impact of climate on potential tree growth at a broad spatial scale. The relevant climatic factors were related mainly to spring cold, summer heat, and winter temperatures and rainfall. The study also revealed the predictive power of soil parameters, which explained a large proportion of the variation in potential beech growth (c. 30%). Analyses of height growth patterns near the boundary of the species range in France showed that the limit only partly coincides with the growth decline caused by climatic and soil factors. Along parts of the range limit, the predicted potential for growth was high, suggesting that in these areas the limit of the range could be explained by other factors, such as competition or constraints on reproduction. Main conclusions The spatial variation in the potential height growth of Fagus sylvatica can be explained by environmental factors and is partly correlated with its regional range limits. By identifying areas where growth potential constrains the geographic range of species, environmental growth models can help to improve our knowledge of the spatial drivers of species geographic range limits and shed light on their response to future environmental changes.     

中国硅藻1新记录种——喙状比利牛斯山微小曲壳藻

利用光学和扫描电子显微镜对采自武陵山区澧水的1种中国新记录硅藻——喙状比利牛斯山微小曲壳藻进行了形态研究。该种的鉴定特征为壳面线形披针形,具有喙状的末端,有壳缝壳面末端线纹呈略微会聚状或近平行排列,孔纹膜为筛状。该研究结果扩展了对喙状比利牛斯山微小曲壳藻形态结构和地理分布的认识。     

Predicting reptile distributions at the mesoscale: relation to climate and topography

Aim To explore the respective power of climate and topography to predict the distribution of reptiles in Switzerland, hence at a mesoscale level. A more detailed knowledge of these relationships, in combination with maps of the potential distribution derived from the models, is a valuable contribution to the design of conservation strategies. Location All of Switzerland. Methods Generalized linear models are used to derive predictive habitat distribution models from eco‐geographical predictors in a geographical information system, using species data from a field survey conducted between 1980 and 1999. Results The maximum amount of deviance explained by climatic models is 65%, and 50% by topographical models. Low values were obtained with both sets of predictors for three species that are widely distributed in all parts of the country (Anguis fragilis, Coronella austriaca, and Natrix natrix), a result that suggests that including other important predictors, such as resources, should improve the models in further studies. With respect to topographical predictors, low values were also obtained for two species where we anticipated a strong response to aspect and slope, Podarcis muralis and Vipera aspis. Main conclusions Overall, both models and maps derived from climatic predictors more closely match the actual reptile distributions than those based on topography. These results suggest that the distributional limits of reptile species with a restricted range in Switzerland are largely set by climatic, predominantly temperature‐related, factors.     

Ecological characterization of the odonatofauna in lotic and lentic waters of northeast Algeria

The purpose of this paper is to determine the Odonata fauna structure and composition in Bejaia’s wetlands, which have been poorly sampled until now. This paper is a report of a pioneer study of dragonflies in the Bejaia area in northeastern Algeria, with the aim to improve the knowledge of the Odonata taxa present in this vast territory, which covers 3268 km². This region is of major importance, and contains Wadi Soummam which is classified by the Ramsar Convention as of international importance. In addition, Lake Mezaia is included in the Gouraya National Park, and the area also contains high mountain forest ponds, which are unknown to both the general public and the scientific community due to their remote location and poor accessibility. Despite the anthropogenic pressures on these wetlands, this study recorded 33 Odonata species, which represented 52% of the species known in Algeria. None were new to the country. The recorded species included two Maghrebian endemic taxa, namely Platycnemis subdilatata and Enallagma deserti.     

Using a new framework of two-phase generalized additive models to incorporate prey abundance in spatial distribution models of juvenile slender lizardfish in Haizhou Bay,China

The predictive skill of species distribution models depends on the quality and quantity of input information. In addition to the physical environmental variables, prey availability is also one of the main drivers regulating spatial distribution of marine species. However, prey distribution data have rarely been considered in habitat models due to the lack of information on non-commercial prey species. This may lead to an incomplete view of species distributions and biased model predictions. In this study, we developed a new framework of two-phase generalized additive models (GAMs) based on the Tweedie distribution to incorporate the predicted prey abundance as covariates in habitat models, and applied this framework to juvenile slender lizardfish Saurida elongata in Haizhou Bay, China. This study demonstrated that the predictive skill of habitat models could be greatly improved through incorporating prey abundance as explanatory variables. The importance of prey distribution data in the habitat model confirms the essentiality of including prey data while modelling species distribution. Spatial overlap and GAM analysis demonstrated that not all dominant prey can be selected as potential explanatory variables and only those prey species showing high spatiotemporal occurrences with predators should be incorporated. The framework derived in this study could be extended to other marine organisms to improve the predictive skill of habitat models and enhance our understanding of the ecological mechanisms underlying the distribution of marine species.