Predicting suitable habitats and conservation areas for Suaeda salsa using MaxEnt and Marxan models

<i>Suaeda salsa</i> (L.) Pall. (<i>S. salsa</i>) is a salt-tolerant plant with medicinal and ecological value. Understanding its potential distribution under changing climate conditions is essential for conservation and sustainable use. Using 130 occurrence records and 14 selected environmental variables, this study applied the MaxEnt model to predict suitable habitats of <i>S. salsa</i> across China under current and future climate scenarios. The Marxan model was used to identify priority conservation areas based on habitat suitability and planning cost. Results show that temperature-related variables, soil salinity, and silt content are the most influential factors. Future scenarios suggest an overall expansion of suitable areas and a southeastward shift in habitat centroids. Priority conservation zones are primarily located in northern China, aligning with highly suitable habitats. This research provides a spatial basis for ecological restoration, habitat management, and future planning for <i>S. salsa</i> conservation under climate change.