Ecological niche modelling in triatomines-abusus non tollit usum: a reply to Gutiérrez (2016)

Abstract

In [1], the vectorial risk of Chagas disease transmission was estimated from the climatic suitability expected for Rhodnius prolixus and Triatoma infestans by year 2050 in Argentina and Venezuela using ecological niche modelling (ENM), and Gutierrez [2] claimed that the nature of the data and the study regions might invalidate the conclusions. Although this warning is fit and welcomed, in triatomines and for particular goals the use of ENM, though not complying with some methodological prescriptions, can be justified.