summer habitat suitability modeling of brown bear (ursus arctos) southern alborz protected area

brown bear (ursus arctos) is one of the most important carnivores in iran. however, information on its habitat associations is scared. based on ecological niche factor analysis (enfa) method, a summer habitat suitability model was developed for this species in the southern part of alborz protected area. our results showed that, brown bears prefer higher altitudes and northern aspects in their potential habitat. water resources and presence of domestic animals found to be important predictors for bears occurrence while they avoid rocky terrains. habitat suitability map illustrates those most favorite parts, located in northern parts of the protected area, including around 10% of total habitat.