Constructive collaboration between naturalist associations and research: an example on amphibian distribution modeling at departmental scale

Abstract

In this article we present the result of a collaboration between academic and naturalists networks. The valuation of a significant database of amphibian presence via modeling their ecological niche was used to map the potentially favorable habitats of four protected species in France: the natterjack toad, the great crested newt, the European tree frog and the Mediterranean tree frog in six French administrative departments (Indre-et-Loire, Indre, Creuse, Haute-Vienne, Corrèze, Ariege). We used two methods of modeling, ENFA and MAXENT and we determined the most effective method with the available data. This work has helped improve knowledge of the studied species and to provide potential distribution maps of species that can be used as reflection tool for setting up conservation actions in these territories.