Final answer:
The realized ecological niche of the Azores bullfinch is shaped by various factors including habitat composition, presence of invasive species like Clethra arborea, and effective habitat management actions. Ecological models predict that the bullfinch can thrive despite invasions, especially in managed native forests where invasive species are controlled.
Step-by-step explanation:
The realized ecological niche of an organism refers to the conditions and resources in which it actually exists due to competition and other biological interactions. The information provided suggests a study that focuses on the Azores bullfinch and its habitat which include laurel forest and areas invaded by the lily-of-the-valley tree (Clethra arborea). Factors influencing the niche such as invasive species, habitat management, and ecological modeling using the Spatially Explicit Species Distribution Model (StDM) have been explored to understand and predict future distribution and abundance of the bullfinch in face of ecological changes.
The ecological niche modeling in this context indicates that the Azores bullfinch is resilient to invasion by C. arborea, especially when present within a matrix of native forest. The model predicts that habitat management, specifically the removal of C. arborea, would result in increased local bullfinch densities. Conservation efforts that focus on the removal of invasive species and the protection of native habitats directly influence the realized ecological niche of the Azores bullfinch.