image
Species Prediction Model for the Hawaiian Islands
Predicted deep-sea coral species richness and biodiversity hotspots across the Main Hawaiian Islands. Expected richness was estimated by combining species-level habitat suitability predictions from species distribution models. Cooler-to-lighter colors indicate increasing expected richness, while highlighted cells identify areas with the highest modeled richness, including core hotspots. The dashed contour indicates the 3,000-meter (1.86-mile) depth limit. These predictions represent modeled patterns of potential deep-sea coral diversity rather than direct observations and can help identify priority areas for future surveys and model validation.