Habitat suitability models of mountain ungulates: identifying potential areas for conservation

摘要: Determining the distribution of species and suitable habitats is a fundamental part conservation planning. We used slope ruggedness terrain, forest type distance to nearest village construct habitat suitability maps for three mountain ungulates (barking deer (Muntiacus muntjak), Himalayan goral (Naemorhedus goral) serow (Capricornis thar)) in midhills western Nepal. locations sightings signs presence these collected during surveys along transect derive value each variable using Jacob’s index. A multiplication approach was combine environmental variables produce map species. An independent dataset evaluate Boyce’s This provides an overview probable distributions question. predict that total area studied, 57% M. muntjak, 67% N. 41% C. thar. Although there are all throughout study area, availability high-quality varied considerably. Suitable thar were fragmented mostly confined southern northern parts area. important baseline information biologists concerned with maintaining biodiversity