Identifying the potential geographic distribution for Castanopsis argentea and C. tungurrut (Fagaceae) in the Sumatra Conservation Area Network, Indonesia

Abstract

Abstract. Harapan TS, Nurainas, Syamsuardi, Taufiq A. 2022. Identifying the potential geographic distribution for Castanopsis argentea and Castanopsis tungurrut (Family: Fagaceae) in the Sumatra Conservation Area Network, Indonesia. Biodiversitas 23: 1726-1733. Recently, Castanopsis argentea (Blume) A.DC. and Castanopsis tungurrut (Blume) A.DC. have been listed as endangered species by the International Union for the Conservation of Nature (IUCN). For conservation planning, it is important to know the full distribution of species. This study aimed to predict the potential distribution of C. argentea and C. tungurrut using MaxEnt, and understand key factors responsible for the distribution of these species. A total of 53 occurrences and six environmental variables were used to model their distribution. The AUC values of C. argentea and C. tungurrut were 0.86 and 0.91, respectively, and the models suggest the distribution of both species is mainly influenced by elevation, and temperature seasonality for C. tungurrut. The predicted distributions of the species are in the mountains of the western part of Sumatra, and their range includes 12 conservation areas that have highly suitable habitats for both species. After generating the MaxEnt prediction map, we conducted field validation to validate the model predictions. Field surveys in two predicted areas showed that the predicted distribution maps accurately estimated the distribution of C. argentea and C. tungurrut at those localities.

Lithocarpus tapanuliensis (Fagaceae), a new stone oak from northern Sumatra and its role as an important resource for critically endangered orangutans

“…A comprehensive understanding of the species, along with further surveys and spatial distribution analysis, is crucial for protecting against potential extinction. Future strategies must focus on the long-term survival of the species through ex situ conservation in suitable habitats combined with in situ conservation efforts ( Volis and Blecher 2010 ; Harapan et al 2022 ).…”

Conservation planning for the endemic and endangered medicinal plants under the climate change and human disturbance: a case study of Gentiana manshurica in China

“…The first step in conservation is to understand the relationship between the geographic distribution of taxa and environmental conditions. And this assessment can help conserve and restore endangered plants more scientifically and cost-effectively ( Harapan et al., 2022 ). In this study, the contribution of environmental variables to the geographic distribution was determined by percent contribution and permutation importance.…”

“…Response curves for environmental variables. The first step in conservation is to understand the relationship between the geographical distribution of taxa and environmental conditions (Harapan et al, 2022). The results show that precipitation (bio15) and temperature (bio01 and bio03) are the main factors limiting the distribution of G. manshurica.…”