Integrating niche and occupancy models to infer the distribution of an endemic fossorial snake (Atractus lasallei).

ABSTRACT: Understanding species distribution and habitat preferences is crucial for effective conservation strategies. However, the lack of information about population responses to environmental change at different scales hinders effective conservation measures. In this study, we estimate the potential and realized distribution of Atractus lasallei, a semi-fossorial snake endemic to the northwestern region of Colombia. We modelled the potential distribution of A. lasallei based on ecological niche theory (using maxent), and habitat use was characterized while accounting for imperfect detection using a single-season occupancy model. Our results suggest that A. lasallei selects areas characterized by slopes below 10°, with high average annual precipitation (>2500mm/year) and herbaceous and shrubby ve

SUBMITTER: Cruz-Arroyave CA 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC11335104 | biostudies-literature | 2024

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature