Desirable habitat modeling of the Whooper Swan (Cygnus cygnus) in the international wetland of Fereydunkenar using the multi-criteria evaluation (MCE) method

Desirable habitat modeling of the Whooper Swan (Cygnus cygnus) in the international wetland of Fereydunkenar using the multi-criteria evaluation (MCE) method

Authors

  • Javad Delpasand Department of Environment Science, Faculty of Natural Resources and Marine Science, Tarbiat Modares University, Noor, Iran, Iran, Islamic Republic of
  • Seyed Mahmoud Ghasempoori Department of Environment Science, Faculty of Natural Resources and Marine Science, Tarbiat Modares University, Noor, Iran, Iran, Islamic Republic of
  • Mehdi Gholamalifard Department of Environment Science, Faculty of Natural Resources and Marine Science, Tarbiat Modares University, Noor, Iran, Iran, Islamic Republic of
  • Elham Haghshenas Department of Environment Science, Faculty of Natural Resources and Marine Science, Tarbiat Modares University, Noor, Iran, Iran, Islamic Republic of

Keywords:

Evaluation Desired Habitat Quality Weighted Linear Combination (WLC) Aquatic and Riparian Birds Mazandaran

Abstract

Introduction: Evaluating and determining the suitability of a habitat is a practical approach to conserving and managing ecosystems, essentially wildlife management. The wintering migratory birds, including the Caspian Snowcock, are at risk of losing their wintering habitats due to potential threats. Therefore, identifying suitable habitats is essential for the largest colonies of this species.
Materials & Methods: A combination of Multi-Criteria Evaluation (MCE) and Geographic Information System (GIS) methods was used. The main variables used in this study include land use, slope, aspect, distance from roads, distance from rivers, distance from water sources, distance from livestock areas, distance from the sea, and residential areas in Fereydunkenar. The weight of each variable was determined based on previous studies and field surveys, and then the variables were combined and overlaid using the Weighted Linear Combination (WLC) model.
Results: Ultimately, six areas with the highest suitability were identified as alternative habitats for the Caspian Snowcock, which are located near livestock areas. Although livestock areas are used as hunting grounds due to their structural characteristics, shooting restrictions exist around these areas during autumn and winter seasons, and they have a higher dispersion in the northern and northeastern parts. The accuracy assessment results (ROC) yielded a suitability map with an accuracy of 0.701.
Conclusion: In this study, distance from residential areas, distance from main and secondary roads had the highest weight in habitat selection. Therefore, security can be considered the most important factor in habitat selection. Considering the current trend of habitat destruction in Iran, managing alternative habitats and proposing them as the most suitable habitats for protecting Caspian Snowcock populations is recommended.

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Published

2024-09-26

Issue

Vol. 16 No. 3 (2024)

Section

Articles

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