APPLYING GIS AND REMOTE SENSING TO DETERMINE POTENTIAL DISTRIBUTION AREAS OF TURTLE IN NAM DONG NATURAL RESERVE, THANH HOA PROVINCE

The study of Nam Dong Natural Reserve in Thanh Hoa province utilized remote sensing and GIS to assess potential turtle distribution across its 646.95 ha area, comprising lowland subtropical, lowland tropical, and rocky mountain forests. The reserve, rich in biodiversity, hosts species listed on both the Vietnam and IUCN Red Lists. Vegetation was classified into five types, with medium forest covering 74.34%, and elevation into five bands, with 50.02% in the 250-500m range. The study identified 31 turtles from four species, predominantly found in medium forest (65.52%) and the 82-250m elevation band (51.72%). Platysternon megacephalum favored stream habitats, while Cuora galbinifrons was less water-dependent. The habitat suitability map categorized the reserve into four levels: very suitable (57.48%), suitable (30.74%), less suitable (9.41%), and not suitable (2.37%). Cuora galbinifrons had the largest very suitable area (447.95 ha), while Platysternon megacephalum had the largest not suitable area (348.77 ha). Overall, the reserve provides favorable conditions for freshwater turtles, with substantial forest coverage and a dense river network.