Predicting Potential Distribution of an Endemic Butterfly Lizard, Leiolepis ocellata (Squamata: Agamidae)

• DOI: 10.58837/tnh.20.1.198819
• Publication Date: 2025-04-18T03:15:30Z
• Authors: Pattarapon Promnun; Chalita Kongrit; Nontivich Tandava...; Supatchaya Techac...; Jenjit Khudamrong...
• Keywords: Agamidae

Predicting available habitat and the fine scale distribution of an endemic butterfly lizard, Leiolepis ocellata, is important for conservation since its populations are experiencing threats from anthropogenic activities. We conducted field surveys in northern Thailand detected L. ocellata at 15 16 surveyed localities. then used Maxent to predict potential based on presence-only data collected museum specimens predictor variables (19 bioclimatic variables). The most optimal model confirmed geographic but absent other regions country supported by high AUC (0.875±0.076). variable was isothermality followed temperature annual range precipitation seasonality. Its occurrence corresponded with known sites species. One further site, which old specimen recorded 1967, not predicted disappeared during surveys. Most located outside protected areas, may potentially disturb populations. Our results presented updated information current Thailand, useful developing strategy this