Understanding Species Distribution Modelling for Conservation and Ecological Research

Abstract

Species distribution models (SDMs) are essential tools for understanding where species occur, the environmental factors influencing their distributions, and how habitats may change under climate and land-use pressures. This five-day, hands-on workshop introduces participants to both the theory and practical application of SDMs using the EcoCommons platform, Australia’s national digital infrastructure for ecological modelling. Through lectures, demonstrations, guided tutorials, and group exercises, participants will work through the complete modelling workflow — from data preparation to model building, validation, and interpretation. By the end of the workshop, attendees will have the knowledge and confidence to independently develop and apply SDMs in research and conservation practice.

Zhao Xiang (赵 翔)

Birder/Conservation Scientist/Software developer

I’m a birder, conservation scientist, and software developer working at the intersection of ecology and code. As a Software Developer and R Specialist at QCIF, I build and maintain the EcoCommons Platform, helping researchers run species distribution models and spatial analyses at scale. I earned my MPhil at QUT, where I applied spatial and statistical modelling to biodiversity monitoring in Antarctica. Along the way I’ve tutored GIS and environmental planning, led a panda conservation project in China, and been recognised with the BirdLife International Young Conservation Leaders Award. My work centres on turning ecological questions into reproducible, well-designed tools.