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Dryad

Known distribution of Uruguayan amphibians and environmental predictors

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Dec 13, 2023 version files 1.81 MB

Abstract

Fuzzy logic modeling was employed to assess the distribution of amphibians in Uruguay using both expert knowledge and observational records. Fuzzy logic allowed for the assignment of continuous values between 0 and 1 to propositions based on fuzzy logical assumptions about the relationship between species and their environment. Models based on expert knowledge and species records were compared and combined, focusing on threatened species, those considered ubiquitous, and non-threatened/non-ubiquitous species. Results demonstrated equal or superior performance for threatened species according to expert knowledge compared to models based on species records, even when both had to classify the same set of records. Expert models predicted more restrictive favorable territories for threatened species. On the other hand, models based on observed records yielded the best-fitted models for non-threatened non-ubiquitous species and ubiquitous species. In summary, fuzzy logic proved to be an effective tool for integrating expert knowledge and observational records in species distribution modeling.