HABITAT SUITABILITY MODELLING IN AUTO-ECOLOGY ANALYSIS OF AZOLLA FILICULOIDES (LAM.) AZOLLACEAE IN SELKEH WILDLIFE REFUGE (IRAN)

摘要

The introduction of exotic species in aquatic ecosystems has increased enormously during the past decades. As a result, invasive species contribute to a change in composition of local fauna and flora all around the world (Vitousek et al., 1996). The colonisation process is facilitated by transport routes created by man (i.e. canals) (Bij de Vaate et al., 2002), while ballast water from ships is considered to be one of the major sources of unintentional intercontinental introductions (Gollasch, 1996).Azolla is one of these invasive genera that is well-known as a bothersome weed and exotic fern in many tropical regions (Barreto et al., 2000). They are fast-growing macrophytes with a doubling time of 2-5 days (Van Hove and Lejeune, 2002). Having suchcharacteristics, it makes this fern a unique species among free-floating macrophytes.