Predictive modeling and mapping of Malayan Sun Bear (Helarctos malayanus) distribution using maximum entropy

PLoS One. 2012;7(10):e48104. doi: 10.1371/journal.pone.0048104. Epub 2012 Oct 24.

Abstract

One of the available tools for mapping the geographical distribution and potential suitable habitats is species distribution models. These techniques are very helpful for finding poorly known distributions of species in poorly sampled areas, such as the tropics. Maximum Entropy (MaxEnt) is a recently developed modeling method that can be successfully calibrated using a relatively small number of records. In this research, the MaxEnt model was applied to describe the distribution and identify the key factors shaping the potential distribution of the vulnerable Malayan Sun Bear (Helarctos malayanus) in one of the main remaining habitats in Peninsular Malaysia. MaxEnt results showed that even though Malaysian sun bear habitat is tied with tropical evergreen forests, it lives in a marginal threshold of bio-climatic variables. On the other hand, current protected area networks within Peninsular Malaysia do not cover most of the sun bears potential suitable habitats. Assuming that the predicted suitability map covers sun bears actual distribution, future climate change, forest degradation and illegal hunting could potentially severely affect the sun bear's population.

Publication types

  • Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't

MeSH terms

  • Animals
  • Biodiversity*
  • Climate Change
  • Ecology / methods*
  • Ecology / trends
  • Entropy
  • Forecasting
  • Geography
  • Malaysia
  • Models, Biological*
  • Population Density
  • Population Dynamics
  • Trees / growth & development
  • Tropical Climate
  • Ursidae / growth & development*
  • Ursidae / metabolism

Grants and funding

This work was supported financially by the Ministry of Science, Technology and Innovation Malaysia (MOSTI) Top-down Science Fund No. MOSTI.S.180.010.S062970 for the Malayan Sun Bear Project (Faculty of Veterinary Medicine UPM) and the Habitat and Ecology Modeling Mapping Project (Faculty of Forestry UPM). The funders had no role in study design, data collection and analysis, decision to publish, or preparation of the manuscript.