Mapping potential distribution of slender loris subspecies in peninsular India

Abstract

The present study mapped the potential geographic distribution of subspecies of slen- der loris Loris lydekkerianus from peninsular India. We utilized occurrence records of more than 300 confirmed sightings of slender lorises to model the species' potential geographic distribution by applying an ecological niche modeling (ENM) framework using a desktop genetic algorithm for rule- set prediction (GARP) algorithm. Results indicate that the modeled potential distribution of a morpho- logically different and hitherto undescribed subspecies of slender loris is noticeably different in geo- graphic space from the 2 known subspecies found within peninsular India. The potential geographic distribution of this subspecies appears to occupy a distinct and intermediate climate region running along the eastern fringe of the southern Western Ghats. Among the 2 known subspecies, the modeled potential distribution of L. l. lydekkerianus corresponds with a relatively drier climate, largely occu- pying deciduous and open-scrub forest types, whereas the modeled potential distribution of L. l. mal- abaricus corresponds with wetter climates, ranging from deciduous to evergreen forest types. The presence of an undescribed subspecies of slender loris demonstrates an urgent need for a detailed exploration within the range modeled by the present study.