Modeling of the Geographical Distribution Effects of Great Gerbil (Rhombomis opimus) on Distribution of Sandfly Phlebotomus papatasi in Golestan Province

Today, identifying the geographical distribution effects of the species that they are as a reservoir of the human pathogens, in order to conservation planning and diseases control through the bio-ecology methods is not inevitable. The aim of this study is assessment the effects of the geographical distribution of Great gerbil (Rhombomis opimus) as a reservoir of Lishmania major on geographical distribution of sandfly (Phlebotomus papatasi), which is main vector of this generating parasite of the zoonotic cutaneous leishmanianisis in Golestan province. For this aim, 378 presence-only data and 6 environment variables were selected as independent variables for this species. These variables were including: climate, altitude, normalized difference vegetation index, soil type, geographical distribution and habitat suitability of the great gerbil. Then, geographic distribution modeling of this sandfly was performed by maximum entropy approach in MaxEnt software, using to these presence data and variables. Our results showed that, some of the habitat variables including: geographical distribution and habitat suitability of the great gerbil had the greatest plays (89.3%) for geographical distribution of Ph. papatasi in this area. While that, other variables together had least effects (10.7%). Based on modeling conducted in this study, habitats of Ph. papatasi was continues in north of Golestan province and about 12.5% of this province predicted as a suitable habitat for the Ph. papatasi. This prediction can be effective in assess the vulnerability of areas to disease and develop preventive strategies aimed and control of disease.