Modelling the eco-cultural niche of giant chestnut trees: new insights into land use history in southern Switzerland through distribution analysis of a living heritage

► We identify the driving factors of the current distribution of giant chestnut trees. ► Altitude, distance from lake, livestock, settlements and footpaths are good predictors. ► Overall prediction rates range from 80.6% to 83.8%. ► Giant chestnuts are located in marginal places with a sufficient degree of centrality. ► Former socio-economic conditions and environmental constraints are decisive.