## 4 Discussion
Another study by [PERSON] and [PERSON] [13] stated that 25.6% of the district was covered by forestlands. The difference in the extent between this study and previous studies might be attributed to differences in the satellite data properties, methodology used, and study time. The ensemble model unveiled the variable importance and response curves in the prediction of Acacia decurrens distribution. The results indicate that CVI, ARVI, and GI are ranked as the first, second, and third variables, respectively, with values of 39.3%, 16%, and 7.1% based on the AUC metric, signifying the relatively strong influence of vegetation indices. These indices played a predominant role in determining the distribution and proliferation of Acacia decurrens. Vegetation indices played a crucial role in identifying tree species, demonstrating the highest relative importance, and can effectively serve as a classification variable to differentiate evergreen trees [115]. The study by [PERSON] [116] also reported similar variable importance, with vegetation indices being the best predictors of tropical evergreen species. This result is consistent with the description of vegetation index variables exerting a more substantial influence than the bioclimatic variables, significantly contributing to defining the distribution range and landscape patterns in the _Chelodina longicollis_ model, with a total contribution of 50.75 compared to 36.94 for the 11 bioclimatic variables [117]. Moreover, [PERSON] et al. [99] also indicated that variables derived from remote sensing are significantly crucial for mapping the spatial distribution of both broadleaved and coniferous tree species at high-resolution data. Elevation, distance to roads, and mSAVI occupy the fourth, fifth, and sixth ranks, respectively, making significant contributions to the species' distribution. Elevation significantly influences the distribution of plant species [118; 119], and in particular, the decision of where and whether to establish plantations depends on environmental factors such as elevation [120]. Further, the findings of [PERSON] and [PERSON] [121] also indicate that plantation forests tend to be located in areas characterized by moderate elevation levels and a short distance from roads. Rainfall holds the seventh rank in terms of its relative importance in determining the distribution of this species. The lower ranked predictor variables, specifically, temperature and slope, also play a role in the distribution of Acacia _decurrens_. However, in relative terms, they are not as influential as other predictor variables in the model, as indicated by the AUC metrics. This may be attributed to the size of the study area in relation to the resolution of the utilized data. The response curves in Figure 6 show that the probability of Acacia _decurrens_ occurrence generally increases with higher values of vegetation indices. Among the environmental variables, the probability of occurrence increases with higher elevation, keeping other variables constant at their mean value. The probability of occurrence is rare at low-elevation areas of the district because these areas are more suitable for agricultural practices, especially small-scale irrigation activities. This is clearly seen in Figure 7, where the distribution of Acacia decurrens is rare in the Northeastern and Western parts, where small-scale irrigation activities are being carried out along the Guder and Tinbil rivers, respectively. Conversely, the probability of occurrence decreases with an increase in distance from roads and slope (Figure 7). The community cultivates Acacia decurrens to generate income by selling the standing trees or producing charcoal, and road access plays a vital role in facilitating this. Access to roads reduces input costs and in certain situations, leads to higher prices for plantation products [122].