Providing a habitat model for black male Caucasians grouse (Tetrao mlokosiewiczi) using geographical information system (GIS)

Subject Areas : GIS

Ebrahim  Faridi ¹ (Young Researchers and Elite Club, Tabriz Branch, Islamic Azad University, Tabriz, Iran. *(Corresponding Authours))
Dariush  Naseri ² (Young Researchers and Elite Club, Ardabil Branch, Islamic Azad University, Ardabil, Iran.)

Received: 2014-12-19 Accepted : 2016-04-20 Published : 2019-07-23

Keywords: Arasbaran forests, GIS, Black male Caucasians grouse, Habitat model,

Abstract :

Background and Objective: The black male Caucasians grouse (Tetrao mlokosiewiczi) is one of the rarest birds in the world. In Iran, it only lives in Arasbaran forests. The black male Caucasians grouse is among the birds included in the IUCN (International Union Conservation Nature) red list. It means that, it is in danger of extinction. Therefore, the importance of recognition and conservation of the habitat for this rare species is significantly clear. Method: In this study, relying on 10-year field observations by experts, habitat model map for this bird was made using geographical information system. Among the obtained-by-GPS points that the black male Caucasians grouse had been seen, some points were selected randomly. Then by overlaying them with altitude, slope, aspect, density of forest cover, plant species types and climate maps, the habitat model map of the black male Caucasians grouse was prepared. Findings: To test the developed model, all of the points obtained in field observations were overlaid with the made. The results show the high accuracy of the prepared habitat model. The results also show that the black male Caucasians grouse lives in the fields with these specifications: dense and semi dense forests, altitude of 2100 to 2400, slope of over 30%, slope towards north, and humid and semi humid climate, where some plant species such as oak, hornbeam, seven cole, nagorno qat and eglantine are abundant. Discussion and Conclusion: Habitats are as one of the most important factors for survival of the species in any environment. Understanding the need of any species can be effective in selecting the suitable habitats to set them free. The capabilities of GIS are very effective in this regard, since by using them in the analyses, a large volume of data can be studied and habitat modeling can be done.  

References:

1. IUCN. 1992. Protected Areas of the World: A Review of National Systems. Vols. 1-4. IUCN, Gland, Switzerland and Cambridge, UK, 333 p.


2. Karami, M., B, Riazi., and N, Kalani (2007), Habitat Assessment Technique of Hyaena hyaena hyaena in Khujir National Park and Providing Habitat Suitability Modelling Assistance technique HEP, Iranian Journal of Natural Science,11: 78-86. (In Persian)


3. Martinez I, Carreno F, Escudero A, Rubio A. Are threatened lichen species well-protected in spain? Effevtivnes of a protected area network. 2006. Biological Conservation. 133: 500-511


4. Luoto M, Heikkinen RK, Poyry J, Saarinen K. 2006. Determinants of the biogeographical distribution of butterflies in boreal regions. Journal of Biogeography 33:1764–1778.


5. Anderson, M.C., Watts, J.M., Freilich, J.E., Yool, S.R., Wakefield, G.L., Mccaulery, J.F & Fahnestock, A. (2000) Regression- tree modeling of desert tortoise habitat in the central Mojave Desert. Ecological application. 10: 890-897.

1. Mack, E.L. Firbank. L.G. Bellary. P.E. Hinsley, S.A. and Veitch, N. 1997. The comparison of remotely sensed and ground–based habitat area data using species–area models. Applid ecology. Vol. 34: 1222-1228.

7. Amir Behboudi, Hamid, 1995, Study of rare plant and animal species, Tabriz, East Azarbaijan Scientific and Industrial Research publication. (In Persian)


8. Khan Mohammadov, E., Haji Zade Leyl Abadi, A (translator), 2001, Poultry of republic Azerbijan, Tabriz, East Azarbaijan Scientific and Industrial Research publication. (In Persian)


9. Mohammad Reza, Masoud, 2002, Study of distribution of Black Caucasian Rooster Population in East Azerbaijan, Environmental protection department, Tabri, East Azerbaijan. (In Persian)


10. Souter, N. J., Bull, C. M., Lethbridge, M.R., Hutchinson, M. N. (2007), Habitat requirements of the endangered pygmy bluetongue lizard, Tiliqua adelaidensis, Biological conservation, 13: pp 33 –4 5.


11. Argyle, F.B,1977, Field trip Report caucasian black Grous Survy 19 th-29 April.


12. Brotons, L., Thuiller, W., Araujo, M.B., Hirzel, A.H., 2004. Presence-absence versus presence-only modelling methods for predicting bird habitat suitability. Ecography, 27, 437-448.


13. Peterson, A.T., Ball, L.G. and Cohoon, K.P. 2002. Predicting distributions of Mexican birds using ecological niche modelling methods. Ibis 144, E27–E32.


14. Lucchini V, Höglund J, KlausS, Swenson J, Randi E.2001. Historical Biogeography and amitochondrial DNA phylogeny of grouse and ptarmigan. Molecular Phylogenetics and Evolution 20:149-162.