Sequential use of niche and occupancy models identifies conservation and research priority areas for two data-poor endemic birds from the Colombian Andes

Abstract The lack of high-quality information on data-poor species can hinder efforts to inform conservation actions via spatial distribution modeling. This is particularly true for tropical birds concern, which ecological studies and assessments their status have received limited funding. Here we use a cost- time-efficient protocol assessing the range-restricted taxa identify priority areas based sequential application environmental niche models (ENMs) occupancy-detection models. approach first uses available geographical niche-theory prioritize potential study sites, later be surveyed obtain presence–absence data accurately model distributional ranges with resources. We apply this two Neotropical concern endemic Colombian Andes: Yellow-headed Brush-finch (Atlapetes flaviceps) Tolima Dove (Leptotila conoveri). fitted ENMs using spatially filtered datasets containing all records up 2018. then conducted field surveys across climatically suitable identified both species, carrying out total 1,750 counts generate input occupancy Overall, our results suggested more extended continuous than previously reported, but also population strongholds that are not currently represented within national protected system. Both occupied narrow elevational belt (~1,300–2,600 m above sea level) Central Andes Colombia primarily slopes Magdalena River valley, isolated populations in Western Eastern Andes; these undergone some most marked landscape transformations Colombia. straightforward maximizes minimizes costs, while allowing estimation occurrence probabilities range-restricted, taxa.