Spatial prioritization of protected areas using Annealing simulation algorithm (Study area: Mazandaran province)

The expansion of human population, the creation of cities and villages, the construction of bridges, roads and dams are the salient factors destroying and threatening the habitat of a variety animal and plant species. Preserving the habitat of species is one of the ways to protect them from threatening factors and prevent their extinction. Protected areas include four parts such as the national natural heritage, the protected areas, the wildlife sanctuary, and the national park. The purpose of this research is to opt for the new preserved areas for the protection of 6 mammal species in Mazandaran province using the Simulated Annealing Algorithm. The maximum entropy method was used to prepare the species distribution layer. This research studied and investigated the effect of different parameters such as BLM, SPF, different protection goals (30%, 40%, 50% and 60% of the minimum area considered for any kind of protection) in the process of selecting protected areas. By examining 4 different scenarios for the protection of 6 species of mammals, the results showed that the existing protected areas (Shesh Rudbar, Asas, Hazar Jerib, Dodange Wildlife Sanctuary, Bind National Park, and Kiasar National Park) are not effective for protection purposes.