The geographical distribution of species has been signifcantly afected by human activities, which has led to changes in the ranges of many species in terms of latitude and altitude. To assess the efects of climate change on the distribution of species and determine the suitability of their habitats, species distribution models (SDMs) have been developed. This study aimed to use the MaxEnt model to develop SDMs for Thymus daenensis subs. daenensis and Thymus daenensis subs. lancifolius in Iran under two representative concentration pathways (RCP 4.5 and RCP 8.5) for the years 2050 and 2070. The objective was to identify the crucial bioclimatic (n=6) and topographic (n=1) variables that afect their distribution and predict how their distribution may change under diferent climate scenarios. The results showed that the most signifcant factors infuencing the distribution of the two taxa were the slope and mean temperature of the driest quarter (bio9). The MaxEnt modeling was efective, as indicated by all Area under the Curve values being over 0.9. Based on the projections, the two subspecies are expected to experience a decrease in area in the coming years. These results can be useful in developing adaptive management strategies to protect and sustainably utilize these species in the face of global climate change. Special attention should be given to conserving T. d. subsp daenensis and T. d. subsp lancifolius considering their signifcant habitat loss in the future.
