Summary
This working guide presents generalized dissimilarity modelling as a method for characterizing beta diversity and predicting biodiversity changes across space, time and environmental gradients. The authors provide practical guidance on data preparation, model fitting, refinement and assessment, alongside novel spatial analyses with code to support implementation. The guide aims to facilitate more rigorous and widespread application of GDM in biodiversity conservation and assessment.
Regional applicability
The methodology is geographically independent and applicable globally, including to United Kingdom biodiversity surveys and conservation planning. The guide's utility for UK practitioners would depend on access to suitable biodiversity and environmental datasets at relevant scales; the approach supports systematic assessment of species turnover and habitat suitability relevant to UK conservation policy.
Key measures
Beta diversity; spatial biodiversity patterns; environmental gradients; GDM model fit and refinement metrics
Outcomes reported
The paper provides a comprehensive working guide to generalized dissimilarity modelling (GDM) for characterizing and predicting beta diversity across spatial, temporal and environmental gradients. It describes practical applications of GDM for biodiversity analysis and conservation assessment with supporting code.
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