Modeling the potential habitat of Ferula ovina (Boiss) using Generalized Linear Model in Semi-Steppe rangelands of Western Isfahan

This study was aimed to predict the potential distribution of Ferula ovina (Boiss) in Feridoonshar, in the western part of Isfahan province, and to produce species response curves in relation to the environmental variables using the Generalized Linear Model (GLM). The presence and absence of the species in 278 sites (including 138 presence sites & 140 absence sites) were collected using random stratified sampling. Digital elevation model was used to produce elevation classes, aspect and slope maps. Seventy soil profiles and 10 climate stations data were used to produce 31 environmental maps including climate and soil maps using kriging methods. According to the results, the presence of Ferula ovina was correlated with silt percent, average annual temperature, elevation, organic matter content, soil saturation percentage and CaCO3 content. The produced species distribution model had high accuracy, as indicated by calculated Kappa coefficient (0.79) and ROC area under curve plots (0.83). The result of this study can be, therefore, used in the rehabilitation and restoration of this valuable species in the rangeland ecosystems.