Ecology and Evolution, Journal Year: 2025, Volume and Issue: 15(3)

Published: March 1, 2025

To delineate the biogeographic structure of Lebanon based on native tree and shrub species distribution using ecological niche modeling dissimilarity indices. Lebanon, Middle East, Mediterranean basin (34° N-35° W). We compiled a list phanerophytes used models (ENM) to obtain surface distributions for each species. Then we defined groups with overlapping whole distributional ranges (global chorotypes) significantly similar within (regional chorotype). evaluate spatially grouped sets species, mapped predicted belonging chorotype. measured distinctness amongst them turnover nestedness Finally, identified transition zones geographical mixture chorotypes Lebanon. 60 into nine global five regional chorotypes. The encompassing more than half all were rather nested occurred western side country at low middle elevations Mount (Mediterranean Euro-Siberian chorotypes). most dissimilar in northeastern part Anti-Lebanon mountains (Irano-Turanian) southern lowland (Saharo-Arabian). found hotspot richness intermediate elevation northwestern slopes range zone high eastern as well mountains. Species allowed us overcome gaps occurrence data when studying biogeographical delineation. first was generated. belongs (East) region, Irano-Turanian region. remaining areas are transitional zones. few endemic trees characteristics these

Language: Английский