Habitat suitability modeling of Blanford’s fox (Vulpes cana) based on camera trap technology in Iran

Document Type : Ecology

Authors

1 Department of Environment and Energy, Faculty of Habitats and Biodiversity, Islamic Azad University, Science and Research Branch, Tehran

2 Department of Environmental Sciences, Islamic Azad University Branch of Arak

3 Iranian Cheetah Society, North Amirabad Ave. Tehran, Iran. 14155-8549

Abstract

Among 4 species of fox in Iran, Branford's fox is the smallest one. The previous studies on this species are limited and not significant. Therefore we researched the main factors that affect its distribution and its potential distribution throughout Iran using MAXENT modeling based on the presence data. The presence data gathered from camera trap pictures and some of the incidental observations and also several environmental variables including climatic, topographic and manmade were used for modeling. The output model indicates that rainfall in the coldest season; slope and daily temperature mean are the 3 variables that respectively have the most impact on Branford's fox distribution in Iran. Moreover 64787.5 km2 of Iran, mainly in the central region, is assumed as suitable habitat for Branford's fox.
 

Keywords

Journal of Animal Environment
Volume 7, Issue 3 - Serial Number 3
November 2015
Pages 39-46

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