Modelling and mapping of potential distribution of some plant species with non-wood forest product features in Babadağ (Fethiye) district

Presently, non-wood forest products have been widely used in many fields such as medicine and pharmacy, industry, food, cosmetics, and perfumery, and their importance has gradually increased. Based on this study, species distribution modeling of 5 different non-wood forest products, which are important in Fethiye - Babadağ region, was conducted and potential distribution maps were acquired. MaxEnt method was utilized for modeling. 15 topographic variables were created to be exercised in modeling. The climate data were also downloaded from the CHELSA database. According to the models performed the AUC values of the model obtained for Sandalwood (Arbutus andrachne L.) were 0.954, 0.868 for wild olive (Olea europaea L. subsp. europaea), 0.822 for Turkish oregano (Origanum onites L.), 0.806 for turpentine tree (Pistacia terebinthus L.), and 0.875 for balsamic sage (Salvia tomentosa Mill.). It was seen that the models were valid for all five species in terms of the AUC values. Finally, potential distribution maps were obtained for each species. It is thought that these maps may play an effective and practical role in the planning studies to be carried out for the aforementioned species.