Maxent Simulated Site Suitability Model for Adlai (Coix lacryma-jobi. L.) in Bukidnon, Philippines

Abstract

52 species occurrence points (SOPs) and 14 bioclimatic variables were used to generate baseline and projected site suitability models for Adlai and evaluate the impact of climate change to the distribution of the species. Purposive sampling was adapted to gather SOPs while bioclimatic variables were acquired from a credible online source. Results have shown that 245,980 ha. in the province is suitable for the species based on the model. To assess the impact of climate change, a 30-year projected suitability model was modelled revealing an increase in suitable area from 245,980 ha. to 391,872 ha., an increase of 145,892 ha. Most of the projected suitable areas are found in the southern part where some towns have almost 100% suitability coverage. The model accuracy was excellent at 92%. The bioclimatic variable that had the most important contribution is bio 12 (annual precipitation) which obtained 24.74%. The information generated in this study is key for interested sectors in planning, targeting and prioritizing areas to put in investment programs for Adlai.