Potential distribution of some non-wood forest products in the Turkmen Mountain

The aim of this study was to model the potential distribution of non-wood forest products in the Turkmen Mountain of Turkey. Cistus laurifolius, Crataegus monogyna subsp. monogyna, Crataegus orientalis, Rosa canina, Salvia tomentosa and Thymus longicaulis species were selected due to their economic value. Field data were collected from 693 sample plots. Elevation, slope, aspect, parent material, topographic position index, radiation index and bioclimatic variables were used as explanatory variables. Generalized Additive Model (GAM) and Classification and Regression Tree technique (CART) were applied in the modeling processes. The most accurate distribution models for all species were obtained with GAM. Elevation became the most descriptive variable within the distribution models. In addition, parent material, precipitation seasonality (Bio15) and topographical position index played important roles in the model construction process. Visualizations of the distribution models were performed by Geographical Information System software