Geographic Distribution and Habitat Suitability Modeling of Great Gerbil (Rhombomys opimus) by Maximum Entropy Model in Golestan Province

Today, the geographical distribution of a species based on maximum entropy using spatial data from geographical information system, remote sensing data and statistical techniques have a great contribution on conservation management of species. The aim of this study is evaluate the effects of environmental variable on distribution and habitat suitability of great gerbil (Rhombomys opimus) and predicting its habitat in Golestan province, Iran.

For this purpose, 272 presence-only data and 13 environment variables as independent variables were selected for this species. Then, geographic distribution and habitat suitability modeling were performed by maximum entropy approach in MaxEnt software, using to these presence data and variables.

Our results showed that, some of the habitat variables including: altitude, NDVI, soil type and climate had the greatest plays for habitat suitability and geographical distribution of R. opimus in this area. While that, aspect had less effects than other variables.

Based on our findings, habitats of R. opimus was continues and about 10.1% of Golestan province pereidicted as a suitable habitat for the great gerbil.