Biotic interactions in species distribution models enhance model performance and shed light on natural history of rare birds: a case study using the Straight-billed Reedhaunter (Limnoctites rectirostris)

Species distribution models (SDMs) have become a workhorse to explain, understand and predict distributions of birds. However, SDMs at broad scales are typically built using climatic variables, while ignoring the effects of biotic interactions. Although its role still remains controversial, the inclusion of biotic interactions into SDMs could confirm and/or provide new ecological insights of poorly known species. We modeled the distribution of the rare South American straight-billed reedhaunter (Limnoctites rectirostris, Furnariidae), a specialist of marshy areas linked to the spiny herb eryngo (Eryngium spp., Apiaceae), which provides the main food and nest resources. To do this, we first modeled the distribution of three eryngo species considered as the main biotic interactors (E. eburneum, E. horridum and E. pandanifolium) and included them into the straight-billed reedhaunter SDM. Second, we analyzed niche overlap between the straight-billed reedhaunter and eryngos in terms of envir...