Multi-criteria conservation assessment of the economically important rattan Calamus inops Becc. ex K.Heyne (Arecaceae), an endemic species from Sulawesi, Indonesia

Calamus inops Becc. ex K.Heyne (Arecaceae) is an economically important rattan species endemic to Sulawesi, Indonesia. This species is increasingly threatened due to unsustainable logging, land use change, and global climate change. We assess the occurrence patterns, environmental factors influencing its distribution, and potential threats to C. inops. Field surveys were conducted in multiple regions of Sulawesi, and species records were created using herbarium data and global biodiversity databases. MaxEnt was used to model predicted current and future distribution. Conservation assessment was conducted using the IUCN Red List criteria. Species Distribution Modelling (SDM) had AUC Training and Test values of 0.9 or more. Suitable habitats for C. inops are primarily concentrated in highland regions, especially within Central Sulawesi and covering an area of approximately 25,456 km² or 15.48 % of the total area of Sulawesi. The population of this species is primarily influenced by mean annual temperature, followed by mean annual precipitation and slope, with most suitable habitats located within protected areas, such as Lore Lindu National Park. Based on the geospatial conservation assessment tool, occurrence, and the declining quality of habitat, we propose the conservation status of C. inops as Vulnerable (VU). The understanding of spatial distribution, habitat requirements, and conservation assessment is needed to manage the conservation aspect of this species and of Sulawesi as a whole.