Kristina Enciso
Project
Linking biotic interactions into species distribution models in invasion ecologyThe use of species distribution models (SDM) to provide predictions of future non-indigenous species (NIS) distributions is well-used in invasion ecology and management. However, models often focus solely on parameterizing abiotic conditions mainly because community-level interactions are difficult to quantify and therefore predict. My thesis research focuses on the use of SDM to examine community dynamics between NIS and native species in an effort to provide more robust predictions of future distributions. Models that can accurately describe the ecological processes undermining NIS growth and spread will provide powerful tools for scientists and environmental managers to minimize invasive species impact.
