Predicting the invasion risk of non-native reptiles as pets in the Middle East

Trade of non-native reptiles is an important and increasing driver biodiversity loss often compromises the standards required for protection. However, growing interest in as pets has posed serious concerns to wildlife managers conservationists. Instituting effective policies regarding requires a thorough understanding potential range species new environments. In this study, we used ensemble ten distribution models predict 23 most commonly traded across Middle East. We modeling techniques implemented Biomod2 package forecasts. Final thirty environmental variables, including climatic, topographic, land cover/land use variables. Our results indicate that all Eastern countries included suitable habitats at least six species, except Qatar, Kuwait Bahrain, which did not any habitats. study showed Lebanon, Palestine, Turkey, Israel face highest risk biological invasion based on area studied species. Also, turtles spreading Information pose greater danger invaders possible impacts their introduction will be valuable contribution development conservation plans policies.