Species distribution models have many applications in ecology, conservation, biogeography, and even paleoecology. In this study, we modeled the distribution of the Eastern Rock Nuthatch (Sitta tephronota), a common rock dweller bird in Iranian Plateau, and determined most important climatic variables affecting the distribution of the species. We then projected the species distribution into the past, the Last Glacial Maximum (21,000 yr BP) and Last Interglacial (~120,000– 140,000 yr BP), to investigate how the species’ range would have changed through time. Results indicated that Zagros Mountains, Alborz Mountains and Kopet Dagh Mountains in the northeast of Iran are the most suitable habitats for the Eastern Rock Nuthatch. Annual mean temperature and annual precipitation identified as the most important variables in predicting the distribution of this species. During the Last Glacial Maximum, potential distribution of Eastern Rock Nuthatch was larger from its current distribution; however, the species’ climatic niche remains relatively stable since the Last Glacial Maximum. Our results also showed that during the Last Interglacial, distribution of the Eastern Rock Nuthatch was restricted to high elevations and was very different compared to its current distribution.

中文翻译：

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末次冰盛期和末次间冰期东岩五子甲分布重建

物种分布模型在生态学、保护、生物地理学甚至古生态学中有许多应用。在这项研究中，我们模拟了伊朗高原常见的岩栖鸟类东部岩雀 (Sitta tephronota) 的分布，并确定了影响该物种分布的最重要的气候变量。然后，我们将物种分布预测到过去，即末次冰期最大值 (21,000 yr BP) 和末次间冰期 (~120,000–140,000 yr BP)，以研究物种的范围如何随时间变化。结果表明，伊朗东北部的扎格罗斯山脉、阿尔伯兹山脉和科佩特达格山脉是东岩五子甲最适宜的栖息地。年平均温度和年降水量被确定为预测该物种分布的最重要变量。在末次冰盛期期间，Eastern Rock Nuthatch 的潜在分布比目前的分布要大；然而，自末次盛冰期以来，该物种的气候生态位保持相对稳定。我们的研究结果还表明，在末次间冰期，东岩五子鱼的分布仅限于高海拔地区，与其目前的分布情况大不相同。