Proyection of potencial habitats of Magnolia cubensis urb. subsp. cubensis in the eastern Cuba

Abstract

Species distribution models are an important tool in conservation studies of threatened species. Magnolia cubensis subsp. cubensis is an endemic species categorized as vulnerable in mountain rainforests of eastern Cuba. The present study aimed to determine the current potential distribution of M. cubensis subsp. cubensis in eastern Cuba, as a basis for climate change impact studies and identification of sites for conservation. The actual distribution of the subspecies showed a fragmented distribution pattern for the Sierra Maestra mountain range, which is located between 702 and 1396 m a.s.l. and occupies an area of 0.02 km². The modeling of potential habitats shows a fragmented behavior with a suitability area of 12,428.62 ha. The variables that most influenced the potential distribution of the species were those related to the thermal regime, especially the minimum temperature of the coldest period and altitude.

Keywords

• magnolia cubensis subsp. cubensis
• modelación
• distribución espacial.