Distribution modeling of the fat-tailed scorpions of Sistan and Baluchestan Province

Understanding species distribution patterns in habitat, explaining distribution ranges, identifying environmental variables affecting distribution, and recognizing suitable habitats are key aspects of species ecology. This study aims to predict the distribution potential of the genus Androctonus in Sistan and Baluchestan, Iran, specifically Androctonus crassicauda and A. sistanus, using the Maxent. The results indicated that both species are more prevalent in the northern of the province, and this pattern is expected to persist in the future. Current distribution model for A. crassicauda highlighted the importance of variables such as mean temperature in Bio8, precipitation in the coldest month of the year (Bio19), and vegetation cover. For future distribution projections (2070), the variables Bio8, vegetation cover, and Bio7 were influential. The current distribution of A. sistanus is influenced by variables such as Bio7, Bio19, Bio18, and vegetation cover. The most significant variables for the future distribution range (2070) of A. sistanus include Bio19, Bio7, Bio18, and land use. These findings can be utilized in public health and education programs to increase awareness and improve personal protection for residents of these areas to prevent and reduce scorpion stings, as well as in conservation programs for these valuable components of Iran’s biodiversity.