Modelling species distributions, range dynamics and communities under imperfect detection

Guillera-Arroita reviewed how imperfect detection affects inference about species distributions, range dynamics, and community composition, and how occupancy-style models correct the resulting biases. She explained that ignoring non-detection leads to underestimated occupancy and distorted habitat relationships, problems acutely relevant to camera-trap surveys of elusive cats that are easily missed. The review covered single-season, dynamic, multi-species, and integrated approaches, clarifying when accounting for detection is essential and when simpler methods suffice. It connected statistical detection modeling to the practical goals of mapping and monitoring biodiversity. As an authoritative synthesis bridging detection theory and distribution modeling, the paper is widely cited and helps camera-trap researchers appreciate why and how to incorporate detection into distributional and community analyses.