Distribution modeling of Caucasian pit viper, Gloydius halys caucasicus in Iran (Ophidia: Viperidae)

Caucasian pit viper (Gloydius halys caucasicus), is the only species in the Subfamily of Crotalinae in Iran, it is found in the northern coastal region of Iran. So far, studies have been done on the polymorphism, asymmetry of scales in the head area, morphological, meristic and morphometric traits, asymmetric meristic traits. But in Iran, so far, no study has been done on the desirability of the Caucasian pit viper habitat, which will be considered in this research. In this study, using the points of presence of the species from the books, articles and samples in museums and personal collections, and 19 layers of climate, with the Maxent model, is a potential pattern of geographic distribution in Iran. Then the map of the most desirable distribution areas was prepared using Maxent, and the relative importance of the variables was evaluated based on jackknife results from Maxent. Finally, the modeling verification index was evaluated. The results showed that the overall distribution of Caucasian pit viper in coastal regions of Iran is included, the most desirable areas of the potential distribution of Caucasian pit viper in Iran, are consistent. The prediction of Caucasian pit viper distribution and the status of their occupied habitats are important in defining conservation issues.