Data from: Species distribution modeling reveals the influence of climatic and geographic factors on scarab beetle beta diversity along altitudinal gradients

Beta diversity patterns result from the assembly of communities shaped by
local and regional filters. However, understanding these patterns is
limited by gaps in species distribution knowledge, especially for
hyperdiverse groups. In this context, ecological niche modeling represents
an effective approach to overcoming such limitations by providing robust
species distribution predictions. In this study, we used the distribution
models of 67 scarab beetle species to assess patterns of beta diversity
and its components (species turnover and nestedness) across 14 elevational
gradients on the coastal and inland montane slopes of El Salvador. We also
analyzed the effects of climatic (environmental filter) and geographic
(dispersal filter) factors on beta diversity. Our results show that beta
diversity decreased with increasing elevation, independently of geographic
region, and that there were no significant differences in the relative
contributions of turnover and nestedness between coastal and inland
gradients. Environmental filtering (differences in temperature and
precipitation) and dispersal filtering (spatial distance) were
determinants in shaping the beta diversity patterns. These results
indicate that the beta diversity of scarab beetles is determined by
climatic and geographic factors. This integrative approach based on
species distribution modeling underscores the importance of montane
habitats for maintaining beta diversity and endemic species, highlighting
the role of environmental heterogeneity and geographic location in shaping
ecological assemblages. These findings emphasize the broader need for
conservation strategies that preserve ecological diversity in complex
landscapes, particularly under threats of habitat loss and climate change.