Abstract: The study was conducted to identify the potential distribution of Bruguiera sexangula, a threatened mangrove species in the Kerala region using ecological niche modeling. Of the 19 bioclimatic and six topographic variables, only three variables viz., Annual Precipitation, Dem and Mean Diurnal Range positively influence the distribution of this mangrove species. The potential distribution is found to be high in the backwater areas in Alapuzha and Ernakulam districts especially the mangrove patches of Chellanam, Panangad, Vypin Pattanakkad, Ezhupunna, Eramallur and Thuravur areas. The potential predicted distribution information of this species can be helpful in planning, conservation of existing populations, identification of survey sites, and to set priorities for the restoration in natural habitats.
Keywords: Ecological niche modeling, Bruguiera sexangula, Distribution, Maxent.
Title: DISTRIBUTION MAPPING AND CONSERVATION OF Bruguiera sexangula (LOUR.) POIR., KERALA, INDIA
Author: Harishma, K.M., Sasi, R., Sreekumar, V.B., Sandeep, S
International Journal of Life Sciences Research
ISSN 2348-313X (Print), ISSN 2348-3148 (online)
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