Conducting and Analyzing Openmodeller and Maximum Entropy Model Software for Species Distribution Modeling using Arc GIS

Abstract

This paper gives a basic procedure and analysis to use species distribution models (SDMs) of the Maxent 3.3.3k, open modeler version 1.1.0 with useful steps used in Arc GIS 10 for modeling of species’ geographic distributions. To model species’ geographic distributions Arc GIS plays great role for preparation of input data and processing of the output data. Predicting species distribution using SDMs for the map of potential suitable habitat and pest risk for endangered species is critical for monitoring and restoring in to their natural habitat, artificial introductions, conservation sites, and management of their native habitat. This paper also gives knowledge on procedures used to run the species distribution models (SDMs) in order to conserve and sustain the species. The tutorial was also conducted in Northern Ethiopia.

Keywords: Arc GIS, Openmodeller, Maxent, Representative Concentration Pathway (RCP), General circulation model (GCM)