Bayesian networks: a probabilistic tool for species distribution models

Abstract

Ropero, R.F., Aguilera, P.A., Fernández, A., Rumí, R. 2014. Bayesian networks: a probabilistic tool for species distribution models. Ecosistemas 23(1):54-60. Doi.: 10.7818/ECOS.2014.23-1.08

Bayesian networks are multivariate probabilistic models able to deal with uncertainty. They have been hardly applied in species distribution models, and have mainly focused on discrete variables without taking advantage of their potentiality. In this paper, Bayesian networks are presented as a tool to solve different problems in species distribution models such as classification, characterization and regression. Their ability to deal with discrete and continuous data simultaneously, the variety of problems that can be solved, and the flexibility in the model structure, make them an appropriate tool in species distribution models and Macroecology.