Habitat suitability evaluation for Persian Gazelle (Gazella subgutturosa) in Haftad Qolleh Protected Area, Markazi provincein central Iran

Persian Gazelle (Gazella subgutturosa) with conservation status of vulnerable (VU) is one of Bovidae species living in plain and steppe regions of Iran and its population has declined dramatically. Haftad Gholleh Protected Area has been considered as one of the suitable habitats for this species for many years. However,its population faced local extinction. In order to re-introduce the species to Haftad Gholleh Protected Area, the current suitability of protected area habitats should be evaluated. Therefore, in this study, the occurrence data for gazelles was extracted by reviewing local reports and interview with experts. These occurrence data was related to the anthropogenic and topographic characteristics of the habitat in the past (30 years ago the last time gazelles were reported from the area), using maxent and logistic regression methods. Then, the developed models were projected to the current status of the protected area to estimate the present situation of suitable habitats for gazelles. Both models indicated high discrimination power with AUC greater than 80 percent. Results of both models, suggested that areas with low elevation, low slope, close to the water sources and away from roads, farms and the mines are suitable for gazelles. Current suitable maps for gazelles indicate a decrease by 13% and 16% in maxent method and logistic regression method, respectively.finally, both models predict seven percent of the protected area as suitable for gazelles. These areas are of great priority in any attempt for reintroduction of gazelles to Haftad Gholleh Protected Area.