Ecological Niche Characterization and Potential Distribution of the Subendemic Species Cicer grande (Popov) Korotkova (Fabaceae) in Uzbekistan

Cicer grande (Popov) Korotkova is a rare, subendemic species within the flora of Uzbekistan, primarily inhabiting mountainous landscapes. As a wild progenitor of nutritionally significant cultivated crops, it holds considerable potential for enhancing food security and mitigating hunger through applications in sustainable agriculture and the conservation of plant genetic resources. This study employed species distribution modeling to examine the ecological niche, geographic distribution, and potential habitat suitability of C. grande across Uzbekistan. Data from herbarium specimens and field surveys were integrated with a comprehensive suite of environmental variables encompassing climatic, edaphic, topographic, hydrological, and anthropogenic factors. From an initial set of 45 predictor variables, highly correlated ones were removed using Pearson correlation analysis and variance inflation factor (VIF) assessment to reduce multicollinearity. Habitat suitability was subsequently modeled using the BIOCLIM algorithm. The results show that C. grande is predominantly found at elevations between 1000 and 2500 m, where it is strongly associated with shallow Lithosols and carbonate-rich Calcic Xerosols (FAO soil classification). Phytocoenotic assessments indicate that the species occurs mainly within plant communities dominated by perennial species. Among the environmental drivers analyzed, elevation, temperature-related variables, and slope aspect were identified as the most influential factors shaping its distribution. BIOCLIM projections reveal that highly suitable habitats are spatially limited and largely confined to the Nurata and Kuhitang mountain ranges. Overall, these findings demonstrate that C. grande occupies a narrow and specialized ecological niche, which likely accounts for its restricted distribution and subendemic status. This study provides a robust scientific foundation for developing conservation strategies and habitat management plans for this rare species in Central Asia.