title: A virtual species set for robust and reproducible species distribution modelling tests.
abstract: Predicting species potential and future distribution has become a relevant tool in biodiversity monitoring and conservation. In this data article we present the suitability map of a virtual species generated based on two bioclimatic variables, and a dataset containing more than 700,000 random observations at the extent of Europe. The dataset includes spatial attributes such as: distance to roads, protected areas, country codes, and the habitat suitability of two spatially clustered species (grassland and forest species) and a wide-spread species.
authors.affiliation: Department of Biodiversity and Molecular Ecology, Research and Innovation Centre, Fondazione Edmund Mach, Via E. Mach 1, 38010 San Michele all׳Adige, TN, Italy.
authors.forename: Carol X
authors.initials: CX
authors.lastname: Garzon-Lopez
authors.affiliation: School of Engineering and Applied Science, Aston University, Birmingham, UK.
authors.forename: Lucy
authors.initials: L
authors.lastname: Bastin
authors.affiliation: School of Geography, University of Nottingham, University Park, Nottingham NG7 2RD, UK.
authors.forename: Giles M
authors.initials: GM
authors.lastname: Foody
authors.affiliation: Department of Biodiversity and Molecular Ecology, Research and Innovation Centre, Fondazione Edmund Mach, Via E. Mach 1, 38010 San Michele all׳Adige, TN, Italy.
authors.forename: Duccio
authors.initials: D
authors.lastname: Rocchini
keywords: Habitat suitability; Species distribution models; Virtual species