Modeling the spatial distribution of wolf (Canis lupus pallipes) attacks on human using genetic algorithm (GARP) in Hamedan province

In recent decades due to steady human population growth coupled with increased use of resources and habitat degradation, conflicts between humans and carnivores have greatly been expanded. In order to mitigate these conflicts based on a clear understanding of conflict patterns, applying the species distribution models as helpful methods has been suggested. Occurring the recent conflict between wolves and local communities in Hamedan province is a clear case of this problem. In this study, capabilities of the genetic algorithm (GARP) were assessed in the modeling spatial distribution of wolf attacks in Hamedan province during 2006-2012. The area under the receiver operating characteristic curve (ROC) was used to evaluate performance of the model. Findings indicated that the applied modelingapproach has a very good performance (area under curve=0.856) inpredicting the spatial distribution of wolf attacks on humans. In addition, based on the results of sensitivity analysis, land-cover t ype, human population density and distance from main road were the most effective parameters. Findings of the present study can be applied in formulation of an adaptive management plan for wolf conservation and mitigation of the conflicts with local communities

Habitat modeling of the common pheasant Phasianus colchicus (Galliformes: Phasianidae) in a highly modified landscape: application of species distribution models in the study of a poorly documented bird in Iran

The common pheasant is listed as a nationally protected species in Iran because it faces many threats such as habitat destruction, pollution from pesticides and overhunting. The species’ habitat selection remains unknown in Iran; consequently, conservation planning for the species is hampered by this lack of information. In this study we used predictor variables including topographic, anthropogenic, land cover and climate and 122 occurrence points to model the distribution of common pheasant (subspecies P. c. talischensis), in Gilan province, Iran. The results showed that distance to agriculture and orchards as well as distance to plantation forests were the most important variables in predicting species distribution. Furthermore, we found that the total potential suitable habitat for the species in Gilan province is 315,990 hectares. We observed a shift of the species to higher altitudes in the province. We recommend raising awareness about the presence of the species especially among private landowners, creating a network of protected areas on private land, and changing land-use policies at the provincial level as essential measures for the conservation of the species in Gilan province. Our results can be applied to management and conservation of the species in other modified or rapidly changing landscapes