1. Species distribution models: a tool for the use and conservation of biodiversity.

Abstract

In the face of the biodiversity crisis, Species Distribution Models emerge as critical tools for conservation and forest management. This essay analyzes the evolution of these techniques, from manual mapping to machine learning algorithms, highlighting the importance of ecological niche. The methodology involved extracting biotic records from global databases and integrating bioclimatic, edaphic, and topographic variables using an ensemble modeling approach. As a case study, the potential distribution of the cachichín (Oecopetalum mexicanum), a species of high biocultural value in the Totonac region, was modeled. The results reveal areas of high suitability that transcend its current distribution, identifying favorable sites in San Luis Potosí, Hidalgo, Tabasco, Guatemala, and Honduras. It is concluded that the use of these technological tools enables a transition from reactive conservation to proactive management, facilitating the identification of restoration areas, strengthening agroforestry systems, and enhancing food security in Mesoamerica. Spatial analysis, supported by the availability of open data and computing capacity, is a fundamental pillar in the design of public policies oriented toward sustainable development and the preservation of natural heritage.