Species Distribution Modeling - a conservation tool with a wide spectrum of applications in Central Asia
DOI:
https://doi.org/10.54981/PDCA/vol1_iss2/a2Keywords:
conservation planning, reserve design, reintroduction, restoration, threatened speciesAbstract
The goal of this paper was to review and illustrate the utility of SDM for solving conservation problems. Using real-world examples, I show a variety of uses for SDM, and then review the existing and potential applications of SDM for plant conservation in Central Asia. Central Asia is the region with a high number of endemic species that have narrow habitat specialization and very restricted ranges. Many of these species are red-listed and known from only a few or a single location. Any plans for their recovery must be based on the estimates of their area of occupancy and critical habitat, as well as the knowledge of their habitat requirements and potential range. SDM can be used for obtaining this information. The predicted ranges then can be used for species translocations, identification of biodiversity and endemism hotspots and reserve design.
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