Friday, July 3, 2009

ENMTools Used in Bigfoot Study

Who would have guessed that the first published study using the test for niche identity implemented in ENMTools would be about bigfoot? The study in question is a guest editorial in the Journal of Biogeography that uses niche modeling of bigfoot localities (both observations and footprints) as part of a tongue-in-cheek critique of contemporary niche modeling practices. The main point of the study is that dubious observational data can be used to generate niche models that produce "visually convincing distributions." Using the test for niche identity, the authors show that the niche model projection for bigfoot is indistinguishable from the niche model projection for the black bear, bolstering their case that putative bigfoot observations may be cases of mistaken identity. The authors' general suggestion that point locality data extracted from public databases (including databases that are considered more reputable than the Bigfoot Field Researchers Organization) requires greater scrutiny is well-taken; nobody should be niche modeling from publicly available databases without expert validation of the localities being considered.


  1. I really enjoyed this paper, particularly the study of the effects of climate change on the distribution of suitable Bigfoot habitat. It's amazing how little work has been done in this vital area. To quote Futurama:

    In the dense forests of the Pacific Northwest dwells the strange and beautiful creature known as Bigfoot, perhaps. Sadly, logging and human settlement today threaten what might possibly be his habitat. Although if it's not, they don't. Bigfoot populations require vast amounts of land to remain elusive in. They typically dwell just behind rocks but are also sometimes playful, bounding into thick fogs and out-of-focus areas. Remember, it's up to us. Bigfoot is a crucial part of the ecosystem, if he exists. So let's all help keep Bigfoot possibly alive for future generations to enjoy unless he doesn't exist. The end.

  2. brilliant passage. wow, i had no idea this would be the first published application of ENM tools!!! sorry about that!