Employing species distribution models to bridge knowledge gaps in sea turtle spatial ecology: a global review of scientific literature

Sea turtles are crucial to marine ecosystems but understanding their spatial ecology is challenging due to their complex behaviourand limitedavailability orretrievalofoccurrence data. Species Distribution Models (SDMs) are increasingly recognized for their potential to clarify distribution patterns, essential for effective conservation. However, the wide range of modellingtechniques available can complicate choosing the most appropriate approach. Thisstudy reviewed thescientificapplication of correlative SDMs to sea turtles across 25 recent peer-reviewed articles. It found that SDMs are still underutilized, particularly in the Southern hemisphereand for most species except loggerhead and leatherback turtles. Gaps were identified in the use of environmental variables, with a lack of biotic and anthropogenic factors. Additionally, there was a tendency to favoursimilar modellingapproaches, limiting methodological diversity.Diversifying methodologies and incorporating a broader range of environmental and biotic factors could enhance our ecological understanding in future studies.