Survey of Mugger (Crocodylus palustris) habitat by using Habitat Suitability Index (HIS) Method along Sarbaz River (Sistan & Baluchistan province)

Survey of Mugger (Crocodylus palustris) habitat by using Habitat Suitability Index (HIS) Method along Sarbaz River (Sistan & Baluchistan province)

Authors

  • Behrouz Behrouzirad Research and Science Branch, Islamic Azad University, Ahwaz, Iran, Iran, Islamic Republic of
  • Elham Abtin Research and Science Branch, Islamic Azad University, Ahwaz, Iran, Iran, Islamic Republic of
  • Tooraj Hemati Main Office of Iran Environment Protection, Sistan & Baluchistan Province, Zahedan, Iran, Iran, Islamic Republic of
  • Hossein Mohammadi Main Office of Fish and Wildlife, Iran Environment Protection Organization, Tehran, Iran, Iran, Islamic Republic of
  • Malihe Erfan Environment Department of Zabol University, Zabol, Iran, Iran, Islamic Republic of

Keywords:

Mugger, Crocodylus palustris, Vulnerable (VU), Habitat Suitability Index (HSI)

Abstract

For determination and classification of Habitat Suitability Index (HSI) for Mugger (Crocodylus palustris), 10 areas indexes along the Sarbaz River, were measured with (HEP) method. In this study, 49 variables including: climatic characteristics, physical and chemical
factors of soil and water habitats in 10 areas were measured monthly for one year. By using Pearson correlation test with 95 percent accuracy, we found that among 49 variables, the percentage of vegetation, slope habitats, existence of fish types and amphibians, EC and water depth are factors that have a key role for Crocodiles habitat selection. Finally, the downstream area of Pishin dam with suitability number 1, (HSI = 1) as suitable habitat and Kalani pond with a suitability number 0,2 (HSI = 0,2) as unsuitable habitat were chosen for Mugger. 

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Published

2009-11-13

Issue

Vol. 1 No. 4 (2009)

Section

Articles

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