Predicting Suitable Environments and Potential Occurrences for <i>Cinnamomum camphora</i> (Linn.) Presl.

• Main Authors: Jiasong Meng, Miao Li, Jinhui Guo, Daqiu Zhao, Jun Tao
• Format: Article
• Language: English
• Published: MDPI AG 2021-08-01
• Series: Forests
• Subjects: <i>Cinnamomum camphora</i> (Linn.) Presl.; climate change; forest management; GARP; MAXENT; potential suitable habitat
• Online Access: https://www.mdpi.com/1999-4907/12/8/1126

Global climate change has created a major threat to biodiversity. However, little is known about the habitat and distribution characteristics of <i>Cinnamomum camphora</i> (Linn.) Presl., an evergreen tree growing in tropical and subtropical Asia, as well as the factors influencing its distribution. The present study employed Maxent and a GARP to establish a potential distribution model for the target species based on 182 known occurrence sites and 17 environmental variables. The results indicate that Maxent performed better than GARP. The mean diurnal temperature range, annual precipitation, mean air temperature of driest quarter and sunshine duration in growing season were important environmental factors influencing the distribution of <i>C. camphora</i> and contributed 40.9%, 23.0%, 10.5%, and 7.2% to the variation in the model contribution, respectively. Based on the models, the subtropical and temperate regions of Eastern China, where the species has been recorded, had a high suitability for this species. Under each climate change scenario, the potential geographical distribution shifted farther north and toward a higher elevation. The predicted spatial and temporal distribution patterns of this species can provide guidance for the development strategies for forest management and species protection.