Otso Ovaskainen, an Academy Professor at the University of Jyväskylä, is leading a groundbreaking study. His research has centered on mapping the diversity of nature’s patterns across more than 450 locations around the world. According to Ovaskainen — an acclaimed specialist in the field of mathematical and statistical modeling — we need more models. These models need to forecast the effects of climate change and changes in land use on species where we have scarce observational data.
The dedicated research and demonstration project will conclude in March of 2026. It means processing huge datasets, from a century of sound recordings to millions of camera trap images and billions of DNA sequences. Such an integrated approach permits deeper insights into the patterns, processes, and changes shaping the state of life on Earth today. Ovaskainen is a leading figure in an international research team. He is deeply involved in developing a new, joint modeling statistical approach for multimillion species distributions that is truly innovative and groundbreaking.
Rare species have a disadvantage. Yet their often secretive behavior poses a unique challenge in determining their conservation status. To tackle this challenge, he and his lab mates have embraced cutting-edge methods including DNA, photographic, and acoustic sampling. This holistic process has a profound impact on the quality of the resulting data. It provides key data into the unique conservation needs required for various species.
Ovaskainen’s most recent project was in collaboration with Professor David Dunson of Duke University. Together, they co-authored a study that applied the CORAL modeling approach to the Madagascar dataset. This work is a testament to the power of advanced modeling techniques. Not only can they shed light on the distributions of species in sometimes neglected parts of the world,
Ovaskainen is optimistic that in the next few years we’ll see even more accurate models being developed. These models are going to be critical for producing actionable ecological forecasts. The data collected through this project represents a baseline for future research and conservation initiatives. He hopes to continue analyzing the material for some time after the research project formally ends.
