4.6 Conclusions
• The PAB framework enhanced the iSDM by helping in the selection of
explanatory variables, as well as the ecological interpretation of the
models. Nonetheless, in practice it needs high-quality data that are
typically unavailable to fulfil this approach, especially regarding
biotic interactions. In case of plant invasion, adequate data on the
biotic component could be delivered by phytosociological relevés.
• The models reveals that two alien species with similar ecology and
biology can vary considerably in their invasion pattern due to direct
human interference. Therefore, the conservation options, derived from
iSDM, should be focused on a particular species, not groups of species,
even if they have similar ecology and are closely related taxonomically.
• The presence/absence data, in addition to their pre-eminence compared
with opportunistic, presence-only data for species distribution
modelling purposes, are still prone to some bias. Results of this study
suggest that the bias is correlated with mistakenly reported species
absence. The realistic confirmation of species absence can be assumed to
need a high sampling effort for confirmed absence. Exclusion of the
potentially undersampled plots increased the model performance; however,
additional data are needed (e.g., richness of target species group).
• The employment of maps showing the historical distribution of invasive
species enhanced the modelling by revealing potential differences in
patterns of species spread into a region.