Habitat Suitability Modeling of the Maleo Bird in Gorontalo Using MaxEnt

Habitat suitability information is needed to support Maleo (Macrocephalon maleo) conservation in Gorontalo. This study explored the spatial pattern of potential habitat suitability using Maximum Entropy (MaxEnt) and field observations. Species-presence data described in the study were combined with environmental and land-cover information, including QuickBird imagery (2024), Landsat 8 imagery (2025), and the National Digital Elevation Model. Field observations focused on two nesting localities, Maleo Village and Tulabolo–Hungayono. The available preliminary map was interpreted into three proposed management categories: Core Zone I, Core Zone II, and Buffer Zone. The map suggests relatively suitable areas near Tulabolo–Hungayono and a different landscape context around Maleo Village. These categories constitute an initial spatial interpretation rather than validated conservation zones. The manuscript does not provide occurrence-sample counts, numerical model evaluation, predictor importance, class thresholds, or area estimates. Accordingly, the map should not be interpreted as a verified estimate of occupancy probability, habitat change, or ecological connectivity. Further reporting of MaxEnt outputs and independent field validation is required before operational conservation priorities can be established.