Simulation of the distribution pattern of Sassafras tzumu and changes in habitat based on ArcGIS and MaxEnt

Climate change is one of the main factors affecting the distribution and diversity of species and is attracting increasing attention. We used 19 climate factors downloaded from the World Climate Website, with 233 distribution samples of Sassafras tzumu Hemsl. obtained through online review and field surveys. Distribution patterns and changes in habitat during different periods were calculated using ArcGIS 10.2 and MaxEnt 3.3.2. Results indicate that the current distribution of S. tzumu is mainly affected by precipitation of the driest month and precipitation of the wettest month, with temperature seasonality and mean temperature of the wettest quarter also major influencing factors. In addition, the Hengduan Mountains, Wuyi Mountain, Tianmu Mountain, and Daba Mountain are the major distribution areas of S. tzumu. Current and future (2070) simulation results show that suitable S. tzumu habitat for the overall area is shrinking and moving northwards. With current climate change and industrial development, the distribution pattern of S. tzumu in several decades will be equivalent to that of the past 20 000 years.