Biology subjects

Togunov, R. R.

Publications and source records attributed to Togunov, R. R..

3 recordsLinked to original sources

bioRxiv2026

Addressing Data Fragmentation in Biodiversity: A Workflow for integrated Species Distribution Models

AimA comprehensive understanding of the spatial distribution of biodiversity is hindered by fragmented datasets, sampling biases, and inconsistent observation protocols. Here, we present a workflow that integrates disparate datasets to produce large scale maps of biodiversity metrics as a basis for management-relevant information tools. We use integrated species distribution modeling (iSDM) to account for sampling biases and disparate data collection techniques, taking advantage of the vast numbers of open datasets available in data aggregators like GBIF. LocationNorway (excluding Svalbard and Jan Mayen) TaxonVascular plants MethodsThe workflow consists of four main steps: data acquisition, data integration, integrated species distribution modelling (iSDM), and the production of derived outputs. Input data include structured surveys, opportunistic observations, and environmental covariates. These are standardised and integrated into a point-processed based iSDM framework to produce species richness maps, associated uncertainties, and sampling effort maps. The outputs are further processed to identify biodiversity hotspots or to summarise species-environment relationships. The workflow used vascular plant data from Norway, combining occurrence-only and presence-absence datasets with environmental covariates. Outputs were generated at a spatial resolution of 500 x 500 meters, balancing accuracy, computational feasibility and relevance for management decisions. High-performance computing resources were utilized for model fitting and predictions. A subset of available data was used to validate the species richness maps. ResultsWe produced detailed maps of species richness, uncertainties and sampling intensity across Norways heterogeneous landscape, incorporating 1218 species in our final results. The species richness patterns highlight patterns consistent with previous mapping efforts. Validation showed an increase in model accuracy when compared to models which did not use an iSDM framework. The workflow highlights limitations in the infrastructure of the currently openly accessible data, particularly the need for more structured presence-absence datasets and standardized metadata. Main conclusionsThis study underscores the potential of workflows that integrate disparate datasets for biodiversity modeling. To maximize accuracy and utility, future efforts should focus on improving data standardization, the publication and collection of more structured data, and fostering data-sharing collaborations. Advances in the workflow itself, including optimising modelling covariates and integrating more comprehensive spatio-temporal aspects, will also increase the relevance of the outputs. These advances will increase our ability to estimate species richness with a precision and accuracy that can reliably inform conservation and management decisions.

ecology↗

bioRxiv2025

Three-dimensional correlated random walks for animal movement and habitat selection

Animal movement and habitat selection underpin important ecological phenomena, from individual behaviour to population-level distributions. Despite navigating three-dimensional space, animal movement is typically measured and analysed on a two-dimensional plane, which limits our understanding of animals that swim or fly. Therefore, we propose a step selection function (SSF) capable of quantifying animal movement and habitat selection in three dimensions. We formulate a very general family of three-dimensional correlated random walks, aimed at capturing unique features of three-dimensional data. Using Antarctic petrel data, we show how these SSFs can be used to assess selection for vertically-stratified habitat, account for barriers (e.g., the ground or ocean surface), and model attraction to any number of directional targets. Our modelling framework provides a solid foundation for three-dimensional analyses, which will be crucial to answer ecological questions that would otherwise be ignored in two dimensions.

ecology↗

bioRxiv2022

Drivers of polar bear behavior, and the possible effects of prey availability on foraging strategy

1Change in behavior is one of the earliest measurable responses to variation in habitat suitability, making the study of factors that promote behaviors particularly important in areas undergoing environmental change. We applied hidden Markov models to movement data of 14 polar bears, Ursus maritimus, from Western Hudson Bay, Canada between 2011 and 2021 during the foraging season (January-June) when bears inhabit the sea ice. The model incorporated bear movement and orientation relative to wind to classify three behaviors (stationary/drifting, area-restricted search, and olfactory search), and investigated 11 factors to identify conditions that may promote these behaviors. In contrast to other polar bear populations, we found high levels of evening activity, with active behaviors peaking around 20:00. We identified an increase in activity as the ice-covered season progressed. This apparent shift in foraging strategy from still-hunting to active search corresponds to a shift in prey availability (i.e., increase in haul-out behavior during winter to the spring pupping and molting seasons). Last, we described spatial patterns of distribution with respect to season and ice concentration that may be indicative of variation in habitat quality and segregation by bear age that may reflect competitive exclusion. Our observations were generally consistent with predictions of the marginal value theorem, and differences between our findings compared to other populations could be explained by variation in regional or temporal variation in resource abundance or distribution. Our findings and novel methodology can help identify periods, locations, and environmental conditions representing critical habitat.

animal behavior and cognition↗