A Distribution of Homalomena Genus (Araceae) using the Ecological Niche Modeling in the State of Kelantan, Peninsular Malaysia

Abstract

Five selected species of Homalomena genus from the Araceae family were used to test the ecological niche modeling technique in order to predict their potential habitat distribution in Kelantan. A total of 22 environmental variables were used in this study as parameter to model the potential habitat distribution. The results show the highest probability distribution of species within range of 60 – 100% probability noted in east, south and western part of Kelantan. Slope is indicated the main factor influencing the distributions of three species, namely, H. griffithii, H. truncata and H. wallichii. However, altitude and precipitation influencing the distribution of H. curvata and H. pontederifolia, respectively.

Keywords: ecological niche modeling, Homalomena genus, Kelantan, Maxent, and species distribution.