Ensemble Habitat Mapping of Invasive Plant Species

Ensemble habitat mapping proves more robust than individual models for predicting the spread of invasive plant species, offering significant advantages for risk analysis. The study tested five distinct species distribution models—logistic regression, boosted regression trees, random forest, multivariate adaptive regression splines (MARS), and Maxent—alongside ensemble modeling across multiple U.S. national parks, including the Grand Canyon. Ensemble models consistently ranked in the top three for both field validation and test data, demonstrating their superior accuracy and reliability. This approach combines the strengths of individual models while mitigating their weaknesses, providing a more dependable tool for assessing the environmental suitability of invasive species. The research leverages field data from park staffs, integrated with satellite-derived topographic, climatic, and vegetation predictors, to enhance predictive power and inform conservation strategies.

Stohlgren, T. J., Ma, P., Kumar, S., Rocca, M., Morisette, J. T., Jarnevich, C. S., & Benson, N. (2010). Ensemble Habitat Mapping of Invasive Plant Species. Risk Analysis, 30(2), 224–235. https://doi.org/10.1111/j.1539-6924.2009.01343.x