Maxent model-based prediction of the potential distribution of Fritillaria taipaiensis P. Y. Li.

Fritillaria taipaiensis P. Y. Li has received much research attention because of its high medicinal value and edibility. Analysis of the areas of suitable habitat for F. taipaiensis can aid the conservation of its germplasm resources. We used the Maxent model to predict areas with suitable habitat under current and future climate scenarios; we also determined the primary climatic factors affecting the distribution of F. taipaiensis. Currently, suitable habitats for F. taipaiensis are concentrated in the western and central regions of China. The area of suitable habitat in this region will decrease in the future; some patches of suitable habitat will decrease in size and migrate to higher latitudes. Pivotal environmental factors that affect the distribution of F. taipaiensis is temperature. Northeastern Chongqing, southern Shaanxi, western Hubei, and northwestern Yunnan were the suitable areas for F. taipaiensis, which was basically consistent with the predicted areas in the Maxent model. The findings in the study are important for the conservation and use of F. taipaiensis specifically and Fritillaria plants more generally.