Using maximum entropy modeling to delineate the distribution patterns of sloth bear (melursus ursinus) in similipal boisphere reserve, odisha, india

Sloth bears (Melursus ursinus) are endemic to the Indian subcontinent. As a result of continued habitat loss and degradation over the past century, sloth bear populations have been in steady decline and now exist only in isolated or fragmented habitat across the entire range. So, the conservation program should be provided to overcome the extinction of the species of interest. In Similipal by using the Maximum Entropy model we develop a distribution pattern with reference to presence only data. It was found that 10% of Similipal are suitable for sloth bear habitat. The Sloth bear is very intensively distributed in the south western part of similipal biosphere reserve. The northern and eastern part has a non-habitable climate for the sloth bear and also found to be tigers core habitat region. Some what the core region provides some suitable habitat for the bears. Various environmental variables may be contributing for this spatial distribution of Sloth bear. We also get that the environmental variable that is the Bio 2, the mean diurnal temperature range has great effect on the distribution pattern of sloth bear whereas the Bio 3, Isothermality has less effect on the distribution pattern.