Predicting the habitat suitability of Wych elm (Ulmus glabra Huds.) in Kheyroud Forest

Document Type : Complete scientific research article

Authors

Abstract

Abstract
Background and objectives:
Wych elm is one of the most invaluable native species in Hyrcanian forest. But due to Dutch elm disease outbreak in several decades ago, and illegal cutting of this species, its dominance in these forests has been significantly decreased. Hence, it must be adequately preserved from extinction. Therefore, maintaining and restoring this invaluable species is essential. Habitat suitability models could constitute a good tool for decision-making within the framework of applied forest ecology. They have mainly been used in strategies for conservation, planning and forest management. Habitat suitability or species distribution models are defined as statistical analysis algorithms that relate species’ field observations species data to environmental predictor variables. The aime of study is predicts the distribution of Wych elm species in Kheyroud forest using GLM and GAM models and Provide habitat suitability map with the best models..
Materials and methods:
Using digital elevation models and extracted primary and secondary topographic attributes from DEM, the habitat suitability of Wych elm was prepared in Kheyroud forests, Nowshar by using two common modeling techniques i.e. GLM and GAM. Due to the extent of the study area and being dispersed in the area, the locations of Wych elm individual trees with DBH > 10 cm were recorded by Global Positioning System by selective sampling. The primary and secondary topographic attributes calculated from digital elevation model with 12.5 m resolution along with soil characteristics, soil fertility and geology maps were then derived at each Wych elm location.
Results:
Results showed that GAM outperforms GLM based on AUC, Kappa and TSS criteria. The results also indicated altitude and valley depth were the most important variables in determining the habitat suitability of Wych elm species. The results also showed that 62% of study area has acceptable potential for presence of Wych elm species.
Conclusion:
The results of this study showed that due to the optimal moisture, thermal, light and topographic conditions in mid-lands and also the high potential of this region for the presence of the Wych elm species, this area is the best habitat for this species. The results and methods used in this research can be used to assist the management decisions to conserve and restore the Wych elm and other rare and endangered species.

Conclusion:
The results of this study showed that due to the optimal moisture, thermal, light and topographic conditions in mid-lands and also the high potential of this region for the presence of the Wych elm species, this area is the best habitat for this species. The results and methods used in this research can be used to assist the management decisions to conserve and restore the Wych elm and other rare and endangered species.

Keywords

Main Subjects

References

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Journal of Wood and Forest Science and Technology
Volume 24, Issue 3
December 2017
Pages 67-80

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