Predicting the potential geographic distribution of geladas (Theropithecus gelada) in Ethiopia based on MaxEnt ecological niche model: implication for conservation
Published: December 31 2024
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All claims expressed in this article are solely those of the authors and do not necessarily represent those of their affiliated organizations, or those of the publisher, the editors and the reviewers. Any product that may be evaluated in this article or claim that may be made by its manufacturer is not guaranteed or endorsed by the publisher.
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Predictive species distribution models allow identifying suitable areas of animal for their conservation. Gelada (Theropithecus gelada) is an endemic primate species to Ethiopia, and the exact distribution ranges and suitable habitats of this species are not well known due to limited surveys. The species distribution model was prepared using MaxEnt to predict the potential geographic distribution and to identify the environmental factors that influence the distribution of gelada in Ethiopia. To prepare the model, 23 occurrence records of the species were used along with 20 climatic and topographic variables. The results show that the distribution of gelada is influenced by climatic and non-climatic variables. The minimum temperature of coldest month, altitude and mean temperature of driest quarter were the most important predictor variables. The predictive map of the species shows that high habitat suitability is found in the northern highlands (a majority in the Amhara region and few parts of the Tigray region) and in the central highlands (Oromia region). The present study indicates that gelada has a potential distribution in the highlands of Ethiopia, and this requires further exploration for conservation and management.
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How to Cite
Predicting the potential geographic distribution of geladas (Theropithecus gelada) in Ethiopia based on MaxEnt ecological niche model: implication for conservation. (2024). Tropical Zoology, 37(3-4). https://doi.org/10.4081/tz.2024.182
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