Modelling Spatial Distribution of the Carob Tree (Ceratonia siliqua L.) in Azilal Province, Morocco

Abstract

Factors determining forest species distribution include, in addition to external factors such as human interference and environmental management strategies, also soil and hydrological characteristics and climate conditions in any given areas. Modelling distribution has practical application in forest conservation and management, and help decision makers to develop strategies aimed at forest restoration, development of mountainous areas and the continuous and sustainable provision of forest-related services. Species distribution modelling (SDM) can be used for predicting species distribution based on tree presence records and on a number of environmental predictors. In this study we used MaxEnt for niche modelling in predicting carob ( Ceratonia siliqua L.) trees spatial distribution in the Province of Azilal in Morocco. The results obtained show that a large area of the mountain regions is suitable for the expansion of Ceratonia siliqua stands. These findings will help decision makers in forest planning to better identify suitable sites for carob tree plantations and assess the potential of the exiting populations.