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BioShifts v2 and BioShiftR: Tools for navigating and analysing species range shift data

August 14, 2026
  1. Species are redistributing their ranges globally in response to climate change, but the fragmented and complex nature of the documented responses make them challenging to track and analyze. Synthesis of species’ range shifts requires careful integration and consideration of varying methods and scales of study. 
  2. Here, we present an updated database that combines two previous data repositories (BioShifts v1 and CoRE), complete with methodological information from original studies, spatial datasets of species and study locations, and associated climate exposure metrics calculated at multiple scales, together comprising a clean and interoperable relational database for future studies of range shifts. 
  3. We make these data accessible through a companion open-source software tool, BioShiftR, that simplifies the navigation and analysis of estimated range shift rates in light of varying methods and hypothesized climate drivers. 
  4. Together, these tools will facilitate tractable and robust downstream studies of range shifts, ultimately improving our understanding of species’ biogeographical responses to climate change.
Publication Year 2026
Title BioShifts v2 and BioShiftR: Tools for navigating and analysing species range shift data
DOI 10.32942/X2R38H
Authors Jake A. Lawlor, Brunno Oliviera, Nikki Moore, Jonathan Lenoir, R. M.W.J. Bandara, R. Bertrand, I-Ching Chen, Sarah E. Diamond, G. Grenouillet, Lesley T. Lancaster, Malin Pinsky, Jonathan Rolland, Brett R. Scheffers, Fabricio Villalobos, Barrett Wolfe, Jennifer Sunday, Sarah R. Weiskopf, Lise Comte
Publication Type Preprint
Publication Subtype Preprint
Series Title EcoEvoRxiv
Index ID 70279183
Record Source USGS Publications Warehouse
USGS Organization National Climate Adaptation Science Center
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