Modeling the species distribution of Caucasian pit viper (Gloydius halys caucasicus) (Viperidae: Crotalinae) under the influence of climate change

Abstract

During recent years, the effects of climate change on various biological and ecological aspects of the species have been discussed in several litterateurs. The aim of this study was to reveal the effect of climate change on the extent and suitability of the Gloydius halys caucasicus habitats at present time and future. So that, 50 presence points and 19 bioclimatic variables were used. To compare the effects of global warming and climate change over the extent andsuitability of habitats, future bioclimatic variables were used in two mild climate change (PCR2.6) and severe (PCR8.5) scenarios in species distribution modeling. The results show that due to warming process of the planet and its growing trend in the future, the extent of suitable habitats of Caucasian pit viper is declining. Due to the fact that most of the suitable habitats of Caucasian pit viper are outside the protected areas, comprehensive studies are needed to plan and introduce new protected areasin future.