Modeling the Spatial Distribution of the European Land Snail Cochlodina laminata (Gastropoda, Pulmonata, Clausiliidae) in the Eastern Part of the Range

Abstract

Species distribution modeling (SDM) allows us to define the potential range and identify key factors that determine suitable habitat areas. In this study, predictions are made for the distribution of the European clausilid Cochlodina laminata (Montagu, 1803) in the eastern part of the range using SDM methods. Various algorithms are used to create models, including machine-learning algorithms. As predictors, we select climatic factors and Earth remote sensing (ERS) data (enhanced vegetation index and land cover). Ensemble prediction based on all models shows that the range of C. laminata is V (“wedge”)-shaped and largely coincides with the scheme proposed earlier by I.M. Likharev. However, the potential range proves to be wider in the eastern and southeastern parts. The boundaries of the C. laminata potential distribution are established in the forest-steppe and steppe zones as well as in the Black Sea region and the Caucasus. The use of remote sensing data makes it possible to identify suitable territories in more detail, which is particularly important in the peripheral zones of the range. It is shown that the most significant factors in the distribution of the species in the studied area are the average annual temperature, temperature seasonality, and precipitation of the warmest quarter.