Providing a habitat model for black male Caucasians grouse (Tetrao mlokosiewiczi) using geographical information system (GIS)

The black male Caucasians grouse (Tetrao mlokosiewiczi) is one of the rarest birds in the world. In Iran, it only lives in Arasbaran forests. The black male Caucasians grouse is among the birds included in the IUCN (International Union Conservation Nature) red list. It means that, it is in danger of extinction. Therefore, the importance of recognition and conservation of the habitat for this rare species is significantly clear.

In this study, relying on 10-year field observations by experts, habitat model map for this bird was made using geographical information system. Among the obtained-by-GPS points that the black male Caucasians grouse had been seen, some points were selected randomly. Then by overlaying them with altitude, slope, aspect, density of forest cover, plant species types and climate maps, the habitat model map of the black male Caucasians grouse was prepared.

To test the developed model, all of the points obtained in field observations were overlaid with the made. The results show the high accuracy of the prepared habitat model. The results also show that the black male Caucasians grouse lives in the fields with these specifications: dense and semi dense forests, altitude of 2100 to 2400, slope of over 30%, slope towards north, and humid and semi humid climate, where some plant species such as oak, hornbeam, seven cole, nagorno qat and eglantine are abundant. Discussion and

Habitats are as one of the most important factors for survival of the species in any environment. Understanding the need of any species can be effective in selecting the suitable habitats to set them free. The capabilities of GIS are very effective in this regard, since by using them in the analyses, a large volume of data can be studied and habitat modeling can be done.