Tracing the Roots and Growth of Mathematical Ecology: A Bibliometric Review of Research Contributions and Impact

Abstract

Mathematical ecology, the application of mathematical models to study ecological systems, enables analysis and prediction of population dynamics, species interactions, and ecosystem processes, supporting conservation and sustainable management. This bibliometric analysis explores the development and research trends within mathematical ecology using data from the Scopus database. Tools such as Biblioshiny and VOSviewer were employed to analyze annual scientific production, authors' contributions over time, and the most relevant sources in the field. A Three-Field Plot highlights the relationships between journals, authors, and keywords, illustrating the interdisciplinary nature of the research. Trend topics and a thematic map provide insights into evolving research focuses, blending traditional ecological themes with emerging computational techniques. A co-occurrence network of keywords uncovers key thematic clusters, emphasizing interdisciplinary approaches and connections within the field. Bibliographic coupling reveals influential sources driving foundational and modern advancements in mathematical ecology. The analysis of co-authorship by country highlights global collaboration, with the United States, China, and the United Kingdom emerging as central contributors. Despite a plateau in annual growth, the field demonstrates dynamic intellectual progress, particularly in areas like machine learning and sustainability. This study underscores the pivotal role of mathematical ecology in addressing complex ecological challenges through collaborative and interdisciplinary research.