Design of Protected Area by Tracking and Excluding the Effects of Climate and Landscape Change: A Case Study Using Neurergus derjugini

This study aimed to use the applications of Ensemble Species Distribution Modelling (eSDM), Geographical Information Systems (GISs), and Multi-Criteria Decision Analysis (MCDA) for design a protected area (PA) critically endangered yellow-spotted mountain newt, Neurergus derjugini, by tracking excluding effects climate landscape changes in western Iran northeastern Iraq. Potential recent future distributions (2050 2070) were reconstructed eSDM using eight algorithms with MRI-CGCM3 CCSM4 models. The GIS-based MCDA siting procedure was followed inside habitats high suitability eliminating main roads, cities, village density, dams, poor vegetation, low stream agricultural lands ridge density. Then, within remaining relevant areas, 10 polygons created as “nominations” PAs (NPAs). Finally, different NPAs, score ranked based on ratings weights (analytical hierarchy process) number newt localities, NPA connectivity, shape, habitat 2070, size, genetic diversity, density distance nearest PAs, roads. research could serve modern realistic approach environmental management plan conservation areas cost-effective affordable technique.