Identifying Potential Climatic Refugia to Protect Populations of Goitered Gazelle (Gazelle subgutturosa) in the Face of Climate Change (A case Study: Central Iran)

Abstract

Currently, conservation planning based on the future distribution of species is among the most important adaptive conservation approaches to reduce the negative impacts of climate change on species. In this study, by adapting an ensemble modelling approach, scenarios of RCP 2.6 and RCP 8.5 and five global circulation models, the distribution of Goitered gazelle (Gazellea subgutturosa) under climate change was predicted in the central Iran (Isfahan, Semnan, Markazi, Fars and Yazd provinces). In addition, by comparing the current and future distributions, suitable habitats that would remain so in the future with the potential to function as climatic refugia were identified. The results revealed that by 2070, Goitered gazelle will have lost 46% and 70% of its habitats based on RCP 2.6 and RCP 8.5, respectively. Across central Iran, only proportions of habitats in Isfahan and Semnan at higher latitudes were predicted to function as the climatic refugia. Based on RCP 8.5, however, all refugia in Isfahan, except for those in Mooteh Wildlife Refuge, were projected to disappear. According to the findings of this study, expanding the protected network and increasing connectivity in the areas where refugia are distributed, and enhancing the protection status of key no-hunting areas and wildlife refugees are recommended as the management approaches for the effective conservation of this species against climate change.

Keywords

• Vulnerable ungulates
• Ensemble modelling approach
• Protected areas
• Landscape connectivity
• Climatic refugia