Bioclimatic habitat limitations for argan trees (Argania spinosa (L.) Skeels) in Northern Africa and Spain

Abstract Argania spinosa L. Skeels is an Algerian-Moroccan endemic tree. This species part of various plant communities consisting Mediterranean, Macaronesian and Saharan floristic elements. It has been introduced perhaps sometimes naturalized in regions the Mediterranean basin. Due to its role combating desertification, high socio-economic value, traditional use as fodder food, southwestern Moroccan argan grove (Arganeraie) was declared Biosphere Reserve. had already subject conservation reforestation programs a century earlier. Its cultivation for oil production could be, besides economic objective, effective method conserve genetic diversity. Therefore, this study aims estimate potential distribution establish efficient breeding by determining ecological requirements, identifying different habitats, predicting habitat suitability models Morocco, Algeria, Tunisia, Spain. Using 53 occurrence points, wind speed direction data, 29 bioclimatic variables, multivariate methods were applied describe profiles characterize heterogeneity subsequently, train Maxent model that establishes, Morocco suitable areas Tunisia The North African area limited western coast Algeria flat coastal eastern Tunisia. increased likelihood remains southeast Iberian Peninsula. A probability also evident Canary Islands. These results provide possibilities future expansion crop window opportunity improve diversity conservation.