Predicting Habitat Suitability of Dalbergia latifolia (Indian Rosewood) Using MaxEnt: Implications for Conservation and Sustainable Forest Management

Background Dalbergia latifolia (Indian Rosewood), a species of both ecological and economic importance, faces growing threats from habitat degradation, deforestation, and illegal logging. Given its critical role in maintaining ecosystem services and its commercial value, understanding its habitat distribution is vital for developing effective conservation strategies. This study employs the MaxEnt (Maximum Entropy) modeling approach to assess the species' habitat suitability across tropical and subtropical regions of India, which represent its primary distribution range. The results have broader implications for conservation efforts and sustainable management practices. Results The MaxEnt model highlights tropical dry and moist deciduous forests as the most suitable habitats for D. latifolia . The species prefers specific climatic conditions, particularly temperature and precipitation ranges, which were identified as key determinants of its distribution. High-suitability areas were found in Karnataka, Maharashtra, and Madhya Pradesh, characterized by warm climates and moderate rainfall. The model demonstrated robust performance, with the Area Under Curve (AUC) metric validating its predictions. Sensitivity analysis revealed that temperature and precipitation were the most influential environmental factors driving the species' distribution. Conclusions These findings offer critical insights for conservation strategies aimed at protecting D. latifolia from further habitat loss. Identifying regions with high habitat suitability allows for targeted conservation efforts, focusing on areas most at risk from anthropogenic pressures. This study provides a valuable framework for guiding forest management practices in India, with potential applications for similar species globally. The approach can be extended to assess the habitat suitability of other ecologically and economically significant species, contributing to international biodiversity conservation efforts.