Habitat Evaluation of Wild Sheep (Ovis orientalis) in Kavir National Park using Ecological Niche Factor Analysis Method

Kavir National Park is an example of dry and desert ecosystem that is consisted of vast plains and numerous highlands. Wild sheep is one of the iconic bovid in this area. Understanding their habitat requirements and similarities is essential for their successful population management. We used Ecological Niche Factor Analysis approach to develop habitat suitability models for wild sheep in Kavir National Park based on field data collected from autumn 2009 to summer 2010. In this method after preparation of maps by idrisi and biomapper software, habitat variables including elevation, slope, aspect, vegetation cover, distance from water and road were entered into the Biomapper software. The scores obtained from the analysis showed that wild sheep tends to 950 to 1200 meters altitude, rocky areas and northern aspects. Habitat suitability map of Wild sheep in kavir National Park, obtained with the mentioned method. The results of this analysis showed that Wild sheep are Relatively resistant Than changing of optimal conditions of habitat, and tends to marginal habitats.