Range dynamics of Walterinnesia morgani (Mocquard, 1905) (Serpentes, Elapidae) throughout climatic oscillations in Iran

Abstract

Despite their rich diversity, reptiles have been the subject of fewer ecological investigations than other vertebrate groups. Understanding the spatial distribution of reptiles is crucial due to their specific habitat needs and limited locomotion ability. Morgan’s black cobra (Walterinnesia morgani) is a venomous and secretive snake species that has received little attention in the Iranian scientific literature till now. The aim of the present study was to reveal the existing distribution pattern of the cobra and to speculate on how climatic changes might affect it. Maximum entropy modeling was used to examine a dataset consisting of 17 occurrence records gleaned from the literature and field observations. The niche of the species was predicted using current and future climate change forecasts and bioclimatic and topographical characteristics. The models predicted a future reduction in the wide distribution region of W. morgani in southern and western Iran. It was discovered that climatic factors like temperature range, precipitation dynamics, and river proximity all played a key role in shaping the pattern of dispersion. The predicted suitable areas for W. morgani were dependent on water sources; however, future scenarios showed a decline in suitable habitats. This study underscores the importance of conservation efforts in light of the potential implications of climate change on this species. To further understand the range shifts and adaptation strategies of the species, further study of its ecology and dispersal dynamics is required.