DesktopGarp is a software package for biodiversity and ecologic research that allows the user to predict and analyze wild species distributions. DesktopGarp is a desktop version of the GARP algorithm (Genetic Algorithm for Rule-set Production), originally developed by David Stockwell at ERIN Unit of Environment Australia and enhanced at the San Diego Supercomputer Center.
GARP is a genetic algorithm that creates ecological niche models for species. The models describe environmental conditions under which the species should be able to maintain populations. For input, GARP uses a set of point localities where the species is known to occur and a set of geographic layers representing the environmental parameters that might limit the species’ capabilities to survive.
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