Modeling of species distribution with the use of topography and remote sensing data on the example of vascular plants of the Tukuringra Ridge low mountain belt (Zeya State Nature Reserve, Amur Oblast)

Abstract

Based on the maximum entropy approach released in MaxEnt Software, cartographic models were designed for the spatial distribution of 63 species of vascular plants inhabiting the low mountain belt of the Tukuringra Ridge. The initial data for modeling were the actual localities of species records, data on remote sensing (Landsat multispectral space images), and a digital elevation model. It was found that the structure of factors contributing to the model is related to species ecological amplitude. The distribution of stenotopic species is determined mainly by topography, which is associated with the thermal and humidity conditions of the habitats. Variables based on remote sensing contribute significantly to the models for eurytopic species, and these variables encompassed parameters of the soil and vegetation. In the course of analysis of the obtained models, three principal groups of species were determined. These groups have similar distribution patterns. Species of the first are restricted in their distribution by the slopes of Zeya and Gilyui river gorges. Species of the second are associated with the southern macroslope of the ridge and with the southern slopes of large river valleys. The third group includes species distributed over the entire studied territory.