Using Species Distribution Modeling to Guide Surveys for a Rare Plant (Cymopterus sessiliflorus): Climate and Landscape Variables Predict Potential Distribution
Abstract
Rare species at the edge of their range often persist after range contractions, yet basic information is typically lacking. We created species distribution models (SDMs) to guide field surveys for a disjunct population of Sessileflower Indian parsley (Cymopterus sessiliflorus; Apiaceae). We used historical observations to produce an initial model that guided field surveys in 2023. We refined the model using new observations from these surveys and the best predictors were shrubs, rock outcrops, mean monthly precipitation of the warmest quarter and rock type (area under the curve = 0.97). Suitable habitat (moderate-high and high classes) was predicted in
Fields of Study & Subjects
Species Distribution and Climate Change
Plant and animal studies
Rangeland and Wildlife Management
Publication details
- Journal / source
- Environments
- Publisher
- MDPI AG
- Volume
- 13
- Issue
- 1
- Pages
- 32–32
- Publication date
- 2 January 2026
- Language
- EN