Species distribution modeling and environmental suitability of the Southern crested newt, Triturus karelinii (Strauch, 1870) (Amphibia: Caudata) in Iran

The southern crested newt, Triturus karelinii (Strauch, 1870), is a newt endemic to the Ponto Caspian region. We evaluate the potential distribution of this species and identify the most important environmental factors that determine the distribution of this species in Iran. Forty-four presence points and seven environmental variables were used to model the distribution range. Species distribution modeling was performed using the Maximum Entropy algorithm (MaxEnt). Precipitation of the warmest quarter, with 68.60% contribution, and altitude, with 13.70% contribution, were the most important factors determining the distribution of the species. According to our habitat suitability map, the Golestan, Mazandaran, Guilan, and Ardabil provinces are determined as possessing suitable habitat for the species, while the central and southern regions of Iran do not possess suitable habitats, associated with insufficient rainfall.