Wolf (Canis lupus) habitat Modeling in kola ghazi Natural Park by Ecological Niche Factor Analysis (ENFA)

Wolf (Canis lupus) of main predator for artiodactyla and its impact on the use of artiodactyla habitats will be determined while this species actual and potential habitats are determined. In order to achieve this goal، habitat modeling tools can be appropriate. In this study، Ecological Niche Factor Analysis (ENFA) method was used to determine habitat suitability and Ecological Niche of wolf in Kola Ghazi Natural Park. Kola Ghazi Natural Park is located 26 kilometers southeast of Isfahan. ENFA is used species presence and habitat variables. In this study، Biomapper software was used to perform habitat modeling and FRAGSTATS، IDRISI15 and ARC view3. 2 software was used to prepare of habitat variables. The results showed that wolves in kola ghazi Natural Park has a high tolerance to environmental variables and in other words this species tolerate wide range of environmental variables and they exist in intermediate of habitat variables. Wild goat distribution، slop، mountainous areas، water resource and wild sheep are important effective parameters on the distribution of wolf.