Abbasi Z, Farzadmehr J, Sangouni H. Determining the Potential Habitat of Iris songarica Schrenk in Torbat Heydarieh County, Using Ecological Niche Factor Analysis. مرتع 2024; 17 (4) :570-586
URL:
http://rangelandsrm.ir/article-1-1197-en.html
Department of Nature Engineering and Medicinal Plants, Faculty of Agriculture, University of Torbat Heydarieh, Torbat Heydarieh
Abstract: (1196 Views)
Background and objectives: Successful pasture improvement plans rely on selecting suitable planting locations for each plant species. Identifying the potential habitat of plant species and planting them in appropriate areas significantly increases the plan's success, facilitating environmental restoration. This study aims to model the habitat of Iris songarica Schrenk, commonly known as desert iris, in Torbat Heydarieh County using Ecological Niche Factor Analysis (ENFA).
Methodology: Presence data for Iris songarica were collected from 34 points through field surveys and direct observations, recorded using GPS. These points were considered suitable areas for iris growth. Environmental variables, including physiographic (three variables), soil science (seven variables), and climatic (nineteen variables) data, were incorporated into the ENFA model. Initial mapping of these variables was conducted using ArcGIS software. The ENFA model was then applied, and statistical analyses such as normalization and correlation were performed in Biomapper software to generate the potential habitat map of Iris songarica using the geometric mean method. Habitat map evaluation was conducted using Cross-validation tests and the Boyce index.
Results: Marginality, specialization, and tolerance indices were calculated as 0.536, 10.015, and 0.1, respectively, indicating Iris songarica's preference for central habitat variables and its specialization in tolerating a specific range of environmental conditions. Direction, electrical conductivity, annual temperature range, temperature homogeneity, silt percentage, carbon content, average daily temperature range, and total rainfall of the coldest consecutive quarter were identified as the most influential factors in determining the habitat of Iris songarica. Climatic variables related to temperature had a greater impact on species distribution than those related to rainfall. Out of the four significant climatic variables affecting Iris songarica's distribution, three were temperature-related, while only one was related to rainfall. Approximately 66.16% of the study area was classified as unsuitable habitat, with 14.7% identified as potential habitat. Boyce's index revealed a model accuracy of 94%, indicating its reliability.
Conclusion: Ecological Niche Factor Analysis proves effective in predicting Iris songarica's distribution in the study area with satisfactory accuracy. The results can inform various pasture management endeavors, aiding in the protection, utilization, and restoration of Iris songarica habitats.
Type of Study:
Research |
Subject:
Special Received: 2023/05/5 | Accepted: 2023/10/16 | Published: 2024/02/29