Niche Region and Niche Overlap Metrics for Multidimensional
Ecological Niches
Description
Implementation of a probabilistic method to calculate 'nicheROVER' (_niche_ _r_egion and niche _over_lap) metrics using multidimensional niche indicator data (e.g., stable isotopes, environmental variables, etc.). The niche region is defined as the joint probability density function of the multidimensional niche indicators at a user-defined probability alpha (e.g., 95%). Uncertainty is accounted for in a Bayesian framework, and the method can be extended to three or more indicator dimensions. It provides directional estimates of niche overlap, accounts for species-specific distributions in multivariate niche space, and produces unique and consistent bivariate projections of the multivariate niche region. The article by Swanson et al. (2015) provides a detailed description of the methodology. See the package vignette for a worked example using fish stable isotope data.