Using maximum entropy to predict the distribution of a critically endangered reptile species (Eryx jaculus, Reptilia: Boidae) at its Northern range limit
Journal Title: Advances in Environmental Sciences - International Journal of the Bioflux Society - Year 2009, Vol 1, Issue 2
Abstract
The sand boa ([i]Eryx jaculus[/i]) is one of the least known and rarest reptile species in Europe. In Romania, the sand boa is the rarest reptile species with only four locality records being known; at Cernavodă, Cărpiniş-Giuvegea, Cochirleni and Mahmudia (Kirițescu 1903;[i][/i] Fuhn & Vancea 1961; Zinke & Hielscher 1990). To estimate the predictors and the probability distribution of the target species ([i]Eryx jaculus[/i]) we used MaxEnt 3.3. The potential distribution model of E. jaculus in Romania have a very good score performance (AUC = 0.959). The most important variables for the model are BIO13 (92.5% of contribution), BIO9 (3.2% of contribution), BIO17 (3% of contribution) and BIO6 (1.3% of contribution). A previously mentioned hypothesis regarding the extinction of the sand boa from Romania hold the construction of the Danube River – Black Sea canal as the main responsable factor, this construction having destroyed most of the natural habitats in which the species has been recorded (Krecsak & Iftime 2006). We also support this hypothesis as the generated model indicates a suitable niche for the species along the current canal area.
Authors and Affiliations
Iulian Gherghel, Alexandru Strugariu, Stefan Zamfirescu
Keywords
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