Species distribution models to help integrate community ecology

Abstract

Community ecology explores the organisation and functioning of species assemblages shaped by historical, environmental and biotic processes. This review introduces community distribution models (CDMs), which extend species distribution models (SDMs) to higher ecological levels. CDMs integrate three key processes: (1) dispersal constraints, (2) environmental filters and (3) biotic drivers, while also incorporating metacommunity paradigms to explain community patterns. The review synthesises factors influencing community composition and identifies how CDMs can improve biodiversity predictions. We highlight the importance of environmental variables, biotic interactions and species traits and critically assess current modelling limitations. Functional traits, rather than species alone, are proposed as a more effective basis for modelling community dynamics, particularly in the context of climate change and habitat degradation. Finally, we advocate for integrative approaches combining correlative and mechanistic models to better capture community assembly across scales. CDMs hold great potential to address key ecological challenges, such as climate change impacts and conservation prioritisation. By advancing methodological frameworks and incorporating metacommunity theory, CDMs can provide deeper insights into emergent community properties and guide effective conservation strategies.