Wolf (Canis lupus) habitat evaluation in Khangormaz protected area in Hamedan province by MaxEnt method

Considering the reduction of populations of carnivores such as leopard and cheetah in most habitats of Iran, wolves are becoming key species of many habitats as predators. Habitat evaluation leads to understanding the relation between habitat variables and species presence. These results could benefit management plans. In this research, we studied effective habitat variables affecting the habitat selection of Grey wolf (Canis lupus) using MaxEnt method based on species presence data in Khangormaz Protected Area in Hamedan province. Was record in this study 40 Presence point. Habitat variables including elevation, slope, vegetation, distance to village and livestock, distance to road and distance to water were studied. Calculated correlations between factors were using SPSS software. Distance to village was the most important variable with percent contribution of 42.2%. Other important variables were distance to livestock and poultry farming, distance to road and slope. According to the habitat suitability map and the tables of important factors, our results suggest that wolves prefer habitats near villages, livestock, and area near the roads with medium slope.