Scholarlink

<p>The Nilgiri Wood Pigeon (<i>Columba elphinstonii</i>), a forest specialist endemic to the Western Ghats of India. We used MaxEnt species distribution models integrating 117 spatially filtered eBird occurrence records and bioclimatic variables to delineate current and projected climatic suitability of the species under two Shared Socioeconomic Pathways (SSP1-2.6, SSP5-8.5) for mid- (2021–2040) and late-century (2081–2100) using the high-sensitivity HadGEM3-GC31-LL climate model. Model performance was consistently excellent (AUC &gt; 0.98, TSS &gt; 0.91), with isothermality, temperature annual range, and elevation emerging as the dominant predictors of present and future range. Projections indicate a nuanced, non-linear response: mid-century scenarios predict a modest upslope expansion in suitable habitat, but severe late-century warming (especially SSP5-8.5) drives sharp declines in high-suitability areas and marked range contraction. This trajectory highlights its sensitivity to both rising temperatures and area constraints at high elevations. Our findings indicate the importance of conserving elevational corridors and montane refugia to buffer against climate-induced range loss. This study delivers the first landscape-scale, climate-integrated habitat suitability model for <i>C. elphinstonii</i>, providing vital guidance for conservation planning of montane forest specialists in the Western Ghats.</p>

错误：搜索内容不能为空，请输入英文关键词
错误：关键词超出字数限制，请精简
高级检索

Biogeography and habitat suitability of the Nilgiri Wood Pigeon (Columba elphinstonii) using MaxEnt

  • 期刊论文

  • 发表日期：

    2026年2月24日

查看全文
  • Phillmon Smart Edward,
  • Jeyasubashini Regupathikannan,
  • Arockianathan Samson

摘要

The Nilgiri Wood Pigeon (Columba elphinstonii), a forest specialist endemic to the Western Ghats of India. We used MaxEnt species distribution models integrating 117 spatially filtered eBird occurrence records and bioclimatic variables to delineate current and projected climatic suitability of the species under two Shared Socioeconomic Pathways (SSP1-2.6, SSP5-8.5) for mid- (2021–2040) and late-century (2081–2100) using the high-sensitivity HadGEM3-GC31-LL climate model. Model performance was consistently excellent (AUC > 0.98, TSS > 0.91), with isothermality, temperature annual range, and elevation emerging as the dominant predictors of present and future range. Projections indicate a nuanced, non-linear response: mid-century scenarios predict a modest upslope expansion in suitable habitat, but severe late-century warming (especially SSP5-8.5) drives sharp declines in high-suitability areas and marked range contraction. This trajectory highlights its sensitivity to both rising temperatures and area constraints at high elevations. Our findings indicate the importance of conserving elevational corridors and montane refugia to buffer against climate-induced range loss. This study delivers the first landscape-scale, climate-integrated habitat suitability model for C. elphinstonii, providing vital guidance for conservation planning of montane forest specialists in the Western Ghats.