Ecological niche modelling confirms potential north‐east range expansion of the nine‐banded armadillo (Dasypus novemcinctus) in the USA. (4th November 2014)

• Record Type: Journal Article
• Authors: Feng, Xiao; Papeş, Monica; Silman, Miles
• Is Part Of: Journal of biogeography. Volume 42:Number 4(2015:Apr.)
• Page Start: 803
• Page End: 807
• Publication Date: 2014-11-04
• Subjects: Biogeography -- Periodicals; 578.09
• DOI: 10.1111/jbi.12427
• Languages: English
• ISSNs: 0305-0270

Abstract

<abstract abstract-type="main" id="jbi12427-abs-0001"> <title>Abstract</title> <p>The distribution of the nine banded armadillo (<italic>Dasypus novemcinctus</italic>), the only species in the family Dasypodidae found in the USA, has expanded greatly since the species was first recorded in southern Texas in 1849. Currently, the range of <italic>D. novemcinctus</italic> includes 15 states in the USA. Previous studies on the geographical expansion of this species, based on physiological experiments and distribution surveys, revealed a possible western moisture limit, a northern temperature limit, and potential north‐eastward range expansion in the USA. We applied an ecological niche modelling approach and produced a potential distribution map of <italic>D. novemcinctus</italic> with comparable western (102 °W) and northern (40 °N) limits, and confirmed the possibility of further north‐east range expansion to climatically suitable areas in the USA.</p> </abstract>