New research estimates species’ niche by treating above, below taxonomic levels.
Endangered and invasive species may be better managed in the future with new techniques outlined by a Texas A&M University scientist and others.
Texas A&M department of wildlife and fisheries research scientist Dr. Hsiao-Hsuan “Rose” Wang and four international researchers teamed up during the National Institute for Mathematical and Biological Synthesis to publish an article in Trends in Ecology & Evolution highlighting “Niche Estimation Above and Below the Species Level.”
The “ecological niche” describes how an organism or population responds to its habitat and its distribution of resources and competitors, and in turn, how it alters those same factors.
Reaching beyond the species level would assist in introducing endangered species to habitats beyond their normal realms, Wang said. This could provide an opportunity to conduct field surveys and/or implement endangered species restoration and reallocation plans. And with invasive species introductions, vulnerable habitats could be identified for control and prevention strategies.
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