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Volume 40, Issue 3 (2025)
GeoRes 2025, 40(3): 1001-1017 |
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Received: 2025/10/22 | Accepted: 2025/11/23 | Published: 2025/09/1
Received: 2025/10/22 | Accepted: 2025/11/23 | Published: 2025/09/1
How to cite this article
Fallah Mojaver M, Hasani Shahidani E, Hejazi S A, gravand F, Kafaei S. Revisiting Forest Habitat Assessment: Unveiling the Dynamic Role of Vegetation 3D Structure and the Cumulative Effects of Human Threats on the Habitat Suitability of the Caspian Roe Deer. GeoRes 2025; 40 (3) :1001-1017
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Authors
Mostafa Fallah Mojaver, Esmaeil Hasani Shahidani, Seyedeh Aghileh Hejazi, Fourud Gravand *1, Sasan Kafaei
1- , gravand92@gmail.com
Abstract (24 Views)
Objectives and Background
Habitat degradation is one of the main drivers of global biodiversity loss. The Caspian roe deer, as an indicator species in the Hyrcanian forests, is highly sensitive to habitat structural changes and human pressures. This study aimed to comprehensively assess habitat suitability and identify key factors affecting the distribution of this species in the Deylaman–Dorfak protected area (Farraroud, Rudbar).
Methodology
An integrated approach combining the Habitat Evaluation Procedure (HEP), Ecological Niche Factor Analysis (ENFA), and Maximum Entropy Model (MaxEnt) was employed. Data were collected through expert questionnaires, field surveys, and Sentinel-2 satellite imagery, and validated using AUC and Boyce indices.
Findings
Results indicated that the Gousalekah habitat had the highest suitability (HSI=0.86), while Rokouh-Sara showed critical conditions (HSI=0.36). The MaxEnt model achieved excellent predictive performance (AUC>0.9). ENFA analysis revealed a marginality of 0.72 and specialization of 1.9, indicating high ecological sensitivity. The Normalized Difference Vegetation Index (NDVI) contributed most to model performance (34%), followed by livestock density and proximity to human settlements as major stressors reducing suitability.
Conclusion
Overall, conservation of the Caspian roe deer requires simultaneous attention to both forest ecological structure and anthropogenic pressures. The integrated modeling framework provides a scientific basis for targeted habitat management and prioritization of conservation measures in the Hyrcanian forest ecosystem.
Habitat degradation is one of the main drivers of global biodiversity loss. The Caspian roe deer, as an indicator species in the Hyrcanian forests, is highly sensitive to habitat structural changes and human pressures. This study aimed to comprehensively assess habitat suitability and identify key factors affecting the distribution of this species in the Deylaman–Dorfak protected area (Farraroud, Rudbar).
Methodology
An integrated approach combining the Habitat Evaluation Procedure (HEP), Ecological Niche Factor Analysis (ENFA), and Maximum Entropy Model (MaxEnt) was employed. Data were collected through expert questionnaires, field surveys, and Sentinel-2 satellite imagery, and validated using AUC and Boyce indices.
Findings
Results indicated that the Gousalekah habitat had the highest suitability (HSI=0.86), while Rokouh-Sara showed critical conditions (HSI=0.36). The MaxEnt model achieved excellent predictive performance (AUC>0.9). ENFA analysis revealed a marginality of 0.72 and specialization of 1.9, indicating high ecological sensitivity. The Normalized Difference Vegetation Index (NDVI) contributed most to model performance (34%), followed by livestock density and proximity to human settlements as major stressors reducing suitability.
Conclusion
Overall, conservation of the Caspian roe deer requires simultaneous attention to both forest ecological structure and anthropogenic pressures. The integrated modeling framework provides a scientific basis for targeted habitat management and prioritization of conservation measures in the Hyrcanian forest ecosystem.
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