Data from: Proximity to seabird colonies and water availability shape moss distributions in Antarctica

Understanding species distributions across Antarctica is crucial for
biodiversity conservation under climate change, but continental-scale
analyses of key terrestrial species remain scarce. Here, we modeled
distributions of 28 moss species across Antarctica using Log-Gaussian Cox
Process models and environmental covariates, including topographic wetness
index, distance to seabird colonies, and temperature. Broad-scale
distributions were primarily driven by proximity to seabird colonies,
while species exhibited distinct responses to water availability and
temperature. Species exclusive to maritime Antarctica showed negative
relationships with topographic wetness index, whereas continent-wide
species responded positively to water accumulation potential, reflecting
regional differences in water availability and habitat preferences.
Bias-corrected predictions revealed the highest moss diversity in coastal
regions, with inland areas supporting ecologically distinct assemblages.
Our Bayesian modeling approach provides a foundation for forecasting
biodiversity responses to environmental change in data-poor systems,
offering critical insights for evidence-based conservation planning under
increasing anthropogenic pressures.