A Scoping Review of Species Distribution Modeling Methods for Tick Vectors

Background Globally, tick-borne disease is a pervasive and worsening problem that impacts human domestic animal health, livelihoods, numerous economies. Species distribution models are useful tools to help address these issues, but many different modeling approaches environmental data sources exist. Objective We conducted scoping review examined all available research employing species predict occurrence map tick understand the diversity of model strategies, predictors, sources, frequency climate projects ranges, types validation methods. Design Following PRISMA-ScR checklist, we searched scientific databases for eligible articles, their references, explored related publications through graphical tool ( www.connectedpapers.com ). Two independent reviewers performed article selection characterization using priori criteria. Results describe collected from 107 peer-reviewed articles met our inclusion The literature reflects distributions have been modeled predominantly in North America Europe mostly habitat suitability Ixodes ricinus n = 23; 21.5%). A wide range bioclimatic other correlates were utilized among models, WorldClim database its variables 1–19 appeared 60 (56%) papers. most frequently chosen approach was MaxEnt, which also Despite importance ensemble reduce bias, only 23 papers (21.5%) employed more than one algorithm, just six (5.6%) used an incorporated at least five methods comparison. Area under curve/receiver operating characteristic reported method, nearly (98.9%) included studies. Only 21% future scenarios expansion or contraction. Regardless representative concentration pathway, seven genera expected both expand retract depending on location, while Ornithodoros predicted beyond current range. Conclusion techniques widely predicting movement. However, vast array methods, strategies within SDM support need standardized protocols ecological niche vectors.