Study of the biodiversity spatial distribution : concepts and methods

Abstract

Biodiversity is a natural resource with important ecological, economical and esthetic values. It has been endangered due to pressure on terrestrial ecosystems. Its spatial distribution depends on several factor acting at many scales. Thus, the restoration of geographical principles as hierarchy of scales or regional synthesis is needed to develop a holistic framework to study, to manage and protect biodiversity. Also, this concepts must be integrated in accurate methodologies. In this way, the aim of this paper is (1) synthesize the different theoretical approaches to biodiversity patterns and its causes and underline possible solutions from geography to develop a holistic approach and (2) to show statistical methodologies focused on predictive and explanatory models scarcely used in biogeography studies in Spain.