The ecological niche of Dermacentor marginatus in Germany

摘要: The ixodid tick Dermacentor marginatus (Sulzer, 1776) is endemic throughout southern Europe in the range of 33-51 (°) N latitude. In Germany, however, D. was exclusively reported Rhine valley and adjacent areas. Its northern distribution limit near Giessen located at coordinates 8.32 E/50.65 N. Particularly with regard to causative agents rickettsioses, tularemia, Q fever, observed locations as well potential vector Germany are special interest. Applying a dataset 118 georeferenced locations, ecological niche for calculated. It described by six climate parameters based on temperature relative humidity another environmental including land cover classes altitude. final determined frequency distributions these 12 locations. Main mean annual (frequency characterized minimum, median, maximum 6.1, 9.9, 12.2 (°)C), (73.7, 76.7, 80.9 %), altitude (87, 240, 1108 m). used estimate habitat suitability applying BIOCLIM model. Finally, spatial calculated mapped determining an optimal threshold value index, i.e., sensitivity specificity (Youden index). model performance expressed AUC = 0.91.