Habitat suitability assessment for black billed sandgrous (Pterocles orientalis) using maximum entropy in Shirahmad wildlife refuge

Habitat recognition and knowledge of habitat requirements are extremely important to the wildlife conservation, particularly for endangered and vulnerable species. The purpose of the study was to determine which ecological and habitat factors contribute the distribution of black billed sandgrous (Pterocles orientalis) in Shirahmad wildlife refuge. Sampling was performed in two season (spring and summer 2010) and in eight transects. Presence points of black billed sandgrous along with human and topographic variables were mapped in GIS environment. This study employs one recently proposed modelling technique –. Maxent – to investigate the geographic distribution pattern of black billed sandgrous. The results show that the most important factors affecting on the distribution of black billed sandgrous include the distance from roads and distance from the water sources. According to the predictions, water resources and pasture have positive relationship with habitat suitability. On the other hand, habitat suitability has negative relation with the distance from the village and rivers. Results indicate that western part of Shirahmad wildlife refuge needs more attention to most effetely manage the population of this species. Furthermore, suitable habitat factors within black billed sandgrous habitat have to be improved.