), securing their position as leaders of the co-citation network. This dual role of several top authors indicates that the field is still developing, and has the potential for further growth, which can help fill the gaps in covering various taxa and regions.
The papers undergo peer review, most of them being published in established journals and methodological correct, as indicated by the scarcity of comments and rebuttals. However, we found it challenging to assign modeling and design approaches to a standard nomenclature. This challenge may arise because the field is relatively new. However, it is also because, despite the existence of several methodological books and articles, the field lacks clear standards for modeling workflows and reporting of results. While there are new papers attempting to fill this gap (e.g., Kellner et al., 2023), more work and clear guidelines are needed for standardization (including naming e of model types). Additionally, there is a need for guidance on what and how to report metadata, which should include details about studied taxa, study levels, type of sampling designs,study length, model results, standards of accuracy (e.g., Araújo et al. 2019).
The study highlights the growing importance of applied hierarchical modeling in population ecology, providing a powerful tool for monitoring wildlife distribution and abundance. Despite significant growth, particularly since 2012, this field remains largely driven by researchers from developed countries, with a strong focus on mammals and birds. Key findings emphasize the need for increased collaboration, especially with researchers from megadiverse regions, to ensure a more comprehensive understanding of global biodiversity. Additionally, efforts to standardize modeling and reporting practices are crucial for advancing the field’s impact. Although hierarchical modeling articles may not yet receive the high citation counts of other ecological studies, key authors and journals play a pivotal role in bridging the gap between applied hierarchical modeling and broader ecological topics. This suggests that continued growth and influence in the field are achievable. Ultimately, this research underscores the potential of applied hierarchical modeling to address critical conservation challenges. To maximize its impact, researchers, practitioners, and policymakers should work together to fully harness the potential of this valuable tool for the preservation of global biodiversity.

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