Modelling the recent and potential future spatial distribution of the Ring Ouzel (Turdus torquatus) and Blackbird (T. merula) in Switzerland |
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Authors: | Jens von dem Bussche Reto Spaar Hans Schmid and Boris Schr?der |
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Institution: | (1) Institute of Geoecology, University of Potsdam, Karl-Liebknecht-Str. 24-25, 14176 Potsdam, Germany;(2) Swiss Ornithological Institute, 6204 Sempach, Switzerland |
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Abstract: | We present here a multiscale modelling approach to predict the current and future spatial distribution of Ring Ouzel (Turdus torquatus) and Blackbird (T. merula) in Switzerland. Species distribution models (SDMs) are applied on three different scales in order to analyse the scale-dependency
of predictors that describe the species’ realised niche. While the models on the macro- and mesoscales (grid of 100 and 1
km2, respectively) cover the entire country, our small-scale models are based on a small set of territories. Ring Ouzels occur
at altitudes above 1000 m a.s.l. only, while Blackbirds occur from the lowlands up to the timberline. Although both species
coexist on the macro- and mesoscales, a direct niche overlap on territory scale is rare. Small-scale differences in vegetation
cover and structure seem to play a dominant role in habitat selection. On the macroscale, however, we observed a high dependency
on bioclimatic variables that mainly represent the altitudinal range and the related forest structure preferred by both species.
Applying the models to climate change scenarios, we predict a decline of suitable habitat for the Ring Ouzel with a simultaneous
median altitudinal shift of 440 m until 2070. In contrast, the Blackbird is predicted to benefit from higher temperatures
and expand its range to higher elevations. Based on the species distribution models we (1) demonstrate the scale-dependency
of environmental predictors, (2) quantify the scale-dependent habitat requirements of Blackbird and Ring Ouzel and (3) predict
the altitudinal range shift of both species as related to climate change scenarios. |
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Keywords: | Climate change scenarios Habitat preferences Scale dependency Species distribution modelling Turdus sp |
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