Ecological niche divergence between two groups of Phasianus colchicus (Aves: Galliformes), the chrysomelas- principalis group and the colchicus group, on the Iranian plateau

Ecological niche differentiation is one of the important topics in modern zoological studies to distinguish the cryptic species and local adaptations. In this article, we provided results of niche modelling of two Phasianus colchicus groups in the Iranian plateau. We performed ecological niche modeling for each group separately and then calculated the niche overlap and compared the ecological niches of the groups. Precipitation of warmest quarter and mean temperature of coldest quarter were the most important factors in determining habitat suitability and niche divergence. Based on niche overlap analysis, separation of ecological niches between these groups has been confirmed. Consequently, ecological niche divergence may effect on the genetic divergence between groups by presenting a prezygotic barrier.