The usefulness of species distribution models in hunting management of wild ungulates

摘要

We developed a distribution model of Iberian ibex (Capra pyrenaica) using the maximum entropy method (Maxent) based on information from the database of the Spanish Ministry of Agriculture, Food and Environment. The goal was to study the usefulness of such models to determine potential areas for reintroduction or natural colonization of the species. To validate the model, we used data generated from known densities of the Iberian ibex in 107 protected areas: 26 areas where the species is present, and 81 where it is not present. Findings showed that the preferred habitat for the species has steep slopes, altitude over 1,000 m, and seasonal variation in precipitation and temperature. We detected a significant relationship between the densities obtained in the study areas and their relation to the preferred habitat. Our results indicate these models can be useful in species management planning to determine areas for reintroduction of the species.