Abstract:
Maximum entropy
niche modeling was employed as a tool to assess potential habitat suitability for 10 reptile species and
to map their potential distribution in the Western Podillya (Ukraine). We used climate, topography and
human impact (assessed by the Human Footprint) as predictor variables. “Isothermality”, “temperature
seasonality” and the “mean temperature of coldest month” were three most important factors in predicting
habitat suitability and distribution. A profound contribution to the modeling has been displayed by the
Human Footprint, meaning that human infrastructure may benefi t reptile species. Areas have been
distinguished that in the fi rst place should be of interest to biodiversity conservationists targeting reptiles
and maps summarizing predicted habitat suitability and species richness were produced for guiding
conservation eff orts.