1
|
Kougioumoutzis K, Constantinou I, Panitsa M. Rising Temperatures, Falling Leaves: Predicting the Fate of Cyprus's Endemic Oak under Climate and Land Use Change. PLANTS (BASEL, SWITZERLAND) 2024; 13:1109. [PMID: 38674518 PMCID: PMC11053427 DOI: 10.3390/plants13081109] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/21/2024] [Revised: 04/11/2024] [Accepted: 04/14/2024] [Indexed: 04/28/2024]
Abstract
Endemic island species face heightened extinction risk from climate-driven shifts, yet standard models often underestimate threat levels for those like Quercus alnifolia, an iconic Cypriot oak with pre-adaptations to aridity. Through species distribution modelling, we investigated the potential shifts in its distribution under future climate and land-use change scenarios. Our approach uniquely combines dispersal constraints, detailed soil characteristics, hydrological factors, and anticipated soil erosion data, offering a comprehensive assessment of environmental suitability. We quantified the species' sensitivity, exposure, and vulnerability to projected changes, conducting a preliminary IUCN extinction risk assessment according to Criteria A and B. Our projections uniformly predict range reductions, with a median decrease of 67.8% by the 2070s under the most extreme scenarios. Additionally, our research indicates Quercus alnifolia's resilience to diverse erosion conditions and preference for relatively dry climates within a specific annual temperature range. The preliminary IUCN risk assessment designates Quercus alnifolia as Critically Endangered in the future, highlighting the need for focused conservation efforts. Climate and land-use changes are critical threats to the species' survival, emphasising the importance of comprehensive modelling techniques and the urgent requirement for dedicated conservation measures to safeguard this iconic species.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
| | | | - Maria Panitsa
- Laboratory of Botany, Department of Biology, University of Patras, 26504 Patras, Greece; (K.K.); (I.C.)
| |
Collapse
|
2
|
Liu Y, Ji X, Zhou L. Assessment of Waterbird Habitat Importance and Identification of Conservation Gaps in Anhui Province. Animals (Basel) 2024; 14:1004. [PMID: 38612243 PMCID: PMC11011108 DOI: 10.3390/ani14071004] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/29/2024] [Revised: 03/13/2024] [Accepted: 03/18/2024] [Indexed: 04/14/2024] Open
Abstract
Wetlands are among the most important habitats of highly wetland-dependent waterbirds but are subject to ongoing habitat loss and degradation owing to intensified anthropogenic activities. The scarcity of human and natural resources makes effective habitat protection an important concern. Here, we aimed to investigate waterbird habitat protection methods for Anhui Province, China, a critical stopover and wintering area on the East Asian-Australasian Flyway that features rich wetland resources subject to significant habitat loss and degradation. We evaluated the status and importance of 306 wintering waterbird habitats and identified the key environmental influences and current protection gaps using the entropy weights method and generalized additive modeling. We found 73 important habitats for waterbirds in Anhui Province, which were classified into levels of importance (descending from I to V) according to the natural discontinuity method. Level I and Level II habitats were mainly located in the Yangtze River floodplain and Level IV habitats in the Huaihe River floodplain. The gap analysis showed that 42 important waterbird habitats had protection gaps, accounting for 57.53% of the total area. Waterbird habitat importance was significantly correlated with elevation, normalized vegetation index, lake area, and lake circumference but not with distance from roads or population density. The results of this study provide scientific information for waterbird habitat conservation planning, which is crucial for maintaining wetland ecosystem functions.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Yuan Liu
- School of Resources and Environmental Engineering, Anhui University, Hefei 230601, China; (Y.L.); (X.J.)
- Anhui Province Key Laboratory of Wetland Ecosystem Protection and Restoration, Anhui University, Hefei 230601, China
- Anhui Shengjin Lake Wetland Ecology National Long-Term Scientific Research Base, Chizhou 247230, China
| | - Xianglin Ji
- School of Resources and Environmental Engineering, Anhui University, Hefei 230601, China; (Y.L.); (X.J.)
- Anhui Province Key Laboratory of Wetland Ecosystem Protection and Restoration, Anhui University, Hefei 230601, China
- Anhui Shengjin Lake Wetland Ecology National Long-Term Scientific Research Base, Chizhou 247230, China
| | - Lizhi Zhou
- School of Resources and Environmental Engineering, Anhui University, Hefei 230601, China; (Y.L.); (X.J.)
- Anhui Province Key Laboratory of Wetland Ecosystem Protection and Restoration, Anhui University, Hefei 230601, China
- Anhui Shengjin Lake Wetland Ecology National Long-Term Scientific Research Base, Chizhou 247230, China
| |
Collapse
|
3
|
Liu Y, Cai L, Sun W. Transcriptome data analysis provides insights into the conservation of Michelia lacei, a plant species with extremely small populations distributed in Yunnan province, China. BMC PLANT BIOLOGY 2024; 24:200. [PMID: 38500068 PMCID: PMC10949798 DOI: 10.1186/s12870-024-04892-1] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/01/2023] [Accepted: 03/08/2024] [Indexed: 03/20/2024]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Michelia lacei W.W.Smith (Magnoliaceae), was classified as a Plant Species with Extremely Small Populations (PSESP) by the Yunnan Provincial Government in both action plans of 2012 and 2021. This evergreen tree is known for its high ornamental and scientific value, but it faces significant threats due to its extremely small population size and narrow geographical distribution. The study aims to understand the genetic structure, diversity, and demographic history of this species to inform its conservation strategies. RESULTS The analysis of transcriptome data from 64 individuals across seven populations of M. lacei identified three distinct genetic clusters and generated 104,616 single-nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs). The KM ex-situ population, originating from Longling County, exhibited unique genetic features, suggesting limited gene flow. The genetic diversity was substantial, with significant differences between populations, particularly between the KM lineage and the OTHER lineage. Demographic history inferred from the data indicated population experienced three significant population declines during glaciations, followed by periods of recovery. We estimated the effective population size (Ne) of the KM and OTHER lineages 1,000 years ago were 85,851 and 416,622, respectively. Gene flow analysis suggested past gene flow between populations, but the KM ex-situ population showed no recent gene flow. A total of 805 outlier SNPs, associated with four environmental factors, suggest potential local adaptation and showcase the species' adaptive potential. Particularly, the BZ displayed 515 adaptive loci, highlighting its strong potential for adaptation within this group. CONCLUSIONS The comprehensive genomic analysis of M. lacei provides valuable insights into its genetic background and highlights the urgent need for conservation efforts. The study underscores the importance of ex-situ conservation methods, such as seed collection and vegetative propagation, to safeguard genetic diversity and promote population restoration. The preservation of populations like MC and BZ is crucial for maintaining the species' genetic diversity. In-situ conservation measures, including the establishment of in-situ conservation sites and community engagement, are essential to enhance protection awareness and ensure the long-term survival of this threatened plant species.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Yang Liu
- Yunnan Key Laboratory for Integrative Conservation of Plant Species With Extremely Small Populations/ Key Laboratory for Plant Diversity and Biogeography of East Asia, Kunming Institute of Botany, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Kunming, Yunnan, 650201, China
- University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing, 100049, China
| | - Lei Cai
- Yunnan Key Laboratory for Integrative Conservation of Plant Species With Extremely Small Populations/ Key Laboratory for Plant Diversity and Biogeography of East Asia, Kunming Institute of Botany, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Kunming, Yunnan, 650201, China
| | - Weibang Sun
- Yunnan Key Laboratory for Integrative Conservation of Plant Species With Extremely Small Populations/ Key Laboratory for Plant Diversity and Biogeography of East Asia, Kunming Institute of Botany, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Kunming, Yunnan, 650201, China.
| |
Collapse
|
4
|
Liu T, Liu H, Yang Y. Uncovering the determinants of biodiversity hotspots in China: Evidence from the drivers of multiple diversity metrics on insect assemblages and implications for conservation. THE SCIENCE OF THE TOTAL ENVIRONMENT 2023; 880:163287. [PMID: 37028670 DOI: 10.1016/j.scitotenv.2023.163287] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/29/2022] [Revised: 03/31/2023] [Accepted: 03/31/2023] [Indexed: 05/27/2023]
Abstract
Understanding large-scale biodiversity patterns and underlying mechanisms during the formation process is essential for guiding conservation efforts. However, previous studies on the identification and formation mechanism of diversity hotspots in China were often limited to a single (alpha) diversity metric, while multiple (beta or zeta) diversity has rarely been used for exploring drivers and conservation actions. Here, a comprehensive species distribution dataset consisting of representative families of three insect orders was compiled to explore biodiversity hotspots based on different algorithms. Furthermore, to assess the effects of environmental factors on hotspots, we fitted generalized additive mixed-effects models (GAMMs) for species richness, generalized dissimilarity models (GDMs) and multi-site generalized dissimilarity modeling (MS-GDM) for the total beta and zeta diversity. Our results showed that biodiversity hotspots were mainly concentrated in central and southern China, especially in mountainous areas with complex topography, which indicated the insects' affinity to montane environments. Further analyses based on multiple models showed that water-energy factors exerted the strongest explanatory power for the insect assemblage diversity in hotspots of both alpha and beta (or zeta) levels. Additionally, anthropogenic factors also exerted a significant effect on hotspots, and this effect was higher for beta diversity than for alpha diversity. Overall, our study elucidates a comprehensive analysis of the identification and underlying mechanism of biodiversity hotspots in China. Despite several limitations, we still believe that our findings can provide some new insights for conservation efforts in Chinese hotspots.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Tong Liu
- The Key Laboratory of Zoological Systematics and Application, School of Life Science, Institute of Life Science and Green Development, Hebei University, Baoding 071002, China
| | - Haoyu Liu
- The Key Laboratory of Zoological Systematics and Application, School of Life Science, Institute of Life Science and Green Development, Hebei University, Baoding 071002, China.
| | - Yuxia Yang
- The Key Laboratory of Zoological Systematics and Application, School of Life Science, Institute of Life Science and Green Development, Hebei University, Baoding 071002, China.
| |
Collapse
|
5
|
Austin AT, Ballaré CL. Attackers gain the upper hand over plants in the face of rapid global change. Curr Biol 2023; 33:R611-R620. [PMID: 37279692 DOI: 10.1016/j.cub.2023.03.082] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 06/08/2023]
Abstract
Interactions among organisms in natural ecosystems are the foundational underpinnings of nearly all ecological studies. It has never been more important to increase our awareness of how these interactions are altered by human activity, threatening biodiversity and disrupting ecosystem functioning. Much of the historic focus of species conservation has been the preservation of endangered and endemic species at risk from hunting, over-exploitation, and habitat destruction. However, there is increasing evidence that differences between plants and their attacking organisms in the speed and direction of physiological, demographic, and genetic (adaptation) responses to global change are having devastating consequences, resulting in large-scale losses of dominant or abundant plant species, particularly in forest ecosystems. From the elimination in the wild of the American chestnut to the extensive regional damage caused by insect outbreaks in temperate forest ecosystems, these losses of dominant species change the ecological landscape and functioning, and represent important threats to biodiversity at all scales. Introductions due to human activity, range shifts due to climate change, and their combination are the principal drivers behind these profound ecosystem changes. In this Review, we argue that there is an urgent need to increase our recognition and hone our predictive power for how these imbalances may occur. Moreover, we should seek to minimize the consequences of these imbalances in order to ensure the preservation of the structure, function and biodiversity of entire ecosystems, not just rare or highly endangered species.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Amy T Austin
- IFEVA, Consejo Nacional de Investigaciones Científicas y Técnicas (CONICET), Facultad de Agronomía, Universidad de Buenos Aires, Av. San Martín 4453, C1417DSE, Buenos Aires, Argentina.
| | - Carlos L Ballaré
- IFEVA, Consejo Nacional de Investigaciones Científicas y Técnicas (CONICET), Facultad de Agronomía, Universidad de Buenos Aires, Av. San Martín 4453, C1417DSE, Buenos Aires, Argentina; IIB-INTECH, Consejo Nacional de Investigaciones Científicas y Técnicas, Universidad Nacional de San Martín, B1650HMP Buenos Aires, Argentina.
| |
Collapse
|
6
|
Barrio IC, Rapini A. Plants under pressure: the impact of environmental change on plant ecology and evolution. BMC Ecol Evol 2023; 23:13. [PMID: 37081378 PMCID: PMC10116802 DOI: 10.1186/s12862-023-02115-z] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/06/2023] [Accepted: 04/17/2023] [Indexed: 04/22/2023] Open
Abstract
Plants have demonstrated tremendous resilience through past mass extinction events. However, anthropogenic pressures are rapidly threatening plant survival. To develop our understanding of the impact of environmental change on plant ecology and evolution and help solve the current biodiversity crisis, BMC Ecology and Evolution has launched a new article Collection titled "Plants under Pressure".
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Isabel C Barrio
- Faculty of Environmental and Forest Sciences, Agricultural University of Iceland, Reykjavík, Iceland.
| | - Alessandro Rapini
- Department of Biological Sciences, The State University of Feira de Santana, Feira de Santana, Brazil
| |
Collapse
|
7
|
González-Toral C, Nava HS, Fernández Prieto JA, Cires E. What Hides in the Heights? The Case of the Iberian Endemism Bromus picoeuropeanus. PLANTS (BASEL, SWITZERLAND) 2023; 12:1531. [PMID: 37050157 PMCID: PMC10096826 DOI: 10.3390/plants12071531] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/25/2023] [Revised: 02/28/2023] [Accepted: 03/30/2023] [Indexed: 06/19/2023]
Abstract
Bromus picoeuropeanus is a recently described species belonging to a complex genus of grasses. It inhabits stony soils at heights ranging from 1600 to 2200 m in Picos de Europa (Cantabrian Mountains, northern Spain). This species is morphologically very similar to B. erectus, partially sharing its presumed distribution range. We aim to determine the relationship between these species and their altitudinal ranges in Picos de Europa and the Cantabrian Mountains by conducting phylogenetic analyses based on nuclear (ETS and ITS) and chloroplastic (trnL) markers. Phylogenetic trees were inferred by Maximum Likelihood and Bayesian Inference. Haplotype networks were estimated based on the plastid marker. Although the ITS topologies could not generate exclusive clades for these species, the ETS analyses generated highly supported B. picoeuropeanus exclusive clades, which included locations outside its altitudinal putative range. The ETS-ITS and ETS-ITS-trnL topologies generated B. picoeuropeanus exclusive clades, whereas the trnL-based trees and haplotype networks were unable to discriminate B. erectus and B. picoeuropeanus. This evidence suggests that B. picoeuropeanus is a separate species with a larger distribution than previously thought, opening new questions regarding the evolution of B. erectus and other similar species in European mountainous systems. However, more information is needed regarding B. picoeuropeanus susceptibility to temperature rises.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Claudia González-Toral
- Department of Organisms and Systems Biology, University of Oviedo, C/Catedrático Rodrigo Uría s/n, 33071 Oviedo, Spain
| | - Herminio S. Nava
- Department of Organisms and Systems Biology, University of Oviedo, C/Catedrático Rodrigo Uría s/n, 33071 Oviedo, Spain
| | - José Antonio Fernández Prieto
- Department of Organisms and Systems Biology, University of Oviedo, C/Catedrático Rodrigo Uría s/n, 33071 Oviedo, Spain
- Institute of Natural Resources and Territorial Planning (INDUROT), Campus de Mieres, C/Gonzalo Gutiérrez Quirós s/n, 33600 Mieres, Spain
| | - Eduardo Cires
- Department of Organisms and Systems Biology, University of Oviedo, C/Catedrático Rodrigo Uría s/n, 33071 Oviedo, Spain
- Institute of Natural Resources and Territorial Planning (INDUROT), Campus de Mieres, C/Gonzalo Gutiérrez Quirós s/n, 33600 Mieres, Spain
| |
Collapse
|
8
|
Johnson SA, Coons J, Zaya DN, Molano-Flores B. Assessing the Reproductive Ecology of a Rare Mint, Macbridea alba, an Endangered Species Act Protected Species. PLANTS (BASEL, SWITZERLAND) 2023; 12:1485. [PMID: 37050111 PMCID: PMC10096621 DOI: 10.3390/plants12071485] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/20/2023] [Revised: 03/24/2023] [Accepted: 03/26/2023] [Indexed: 06/19/2023]
Abstract
Many rare plant species lack up-to-date research about their reproductive ecology, which challenges effective in situ and ex situ conservation, particularly in the face of ongoing environmental and anthropogenic changes. For protected species, outdated and incomplete information also creates barriers to successful recovery planning and delisting. In this study, we gathered a range of reproductive metrics for the federally threatened and state endangered Florida endemic mint, Macbridea alba Chapman (Lamiaceae). We collected data at seven populations within Apalachicola National Forest (Florida, USA) and conducted germination trials to estimate reproductive potential. Additionally, we observed a previously undocumented lepidopteran seed predator for the species and confirmed the occurrence of vivipary. The seed set was low with less than 20% of flowers per inflorescence producing seed across populations; however, germination was high with more than 60% of seeds germinating in five of seven populations. When comparing our results to previous research conducted more than 20 years ago, the results were similar overall (i.e., germination, vivipary); however, new information emerged (i.e., herbivore pressure). As M. alba undergoes reassessment as a potential candidate for delisting from the Endangered Species Act (ESA) list, this information is critical for assessing recovery goals and decisions regarding the species' protected status. For recovery needs related to propagation and reintroduction, these results can inform future seed collection and propagation efforts for the species.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Sara A. Johnson
- Department of Natural Resources and Environmental Sciences, University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign, 1102 S Goodwin Ave, Urbana, IL 61801, USA
- Illinois Natural History Survey, 1816 South Oak Street, Champaign, IL 61820, USA (B.M.-F.)
| | - Janice Coons
- Illinois Natural History Survey, 1816 South Oak Street, Champaign, IL 61820, USA (B.M.-F.)
- Department of Biological Sciences, Eastern Illinois University, 600 Lincoln Ave, Charleston, IL 61920, USA
| | - David N. Zaya
- Illinois Natural History Survey, 1816 South Oak Street, Champaign, IL 61820, USA (B.M.-F.)
| | - Brenda Molano-Flores
- Illinois Natural History Survey, 1816 South Oak Street, Champaign, IL 61820, USA (B.M.-F.)
| |
Collapse
|
9
|
Johnson SA, Molano-Flores B. Is the Endangered Species Act living to its full potential? The reassessment of the conservation status and recovery of Macbridea alba Chapm. as a case study. FRONTIERS IN CONSERVATION SCIENCE 2023. [DOI: 10.3389/fcosc.2023.1116848] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/12/2023] Open
Abstract
Since 1988, the Cooperative Endangered Species Conservation Fund or “Section 6” fund facilitates partnerships between the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service and state agencies that aim to provide data pertinent to the recovery of Endangered Species Act (ESA) protected species. Despite the success of these efforts, research for rare plants is chronically underfunded and many species experience long periods of research inactivity that hinders their conservation. One example is Macbridea alba Chapm. (white birds-in-a-nest, Lamiaceae, M. alba from hereon), a federally threatened and state endangered mint endemic to four counties within the Florida panhandle. The species is a candidate for delisting after 30 years of protection under the ESA, however a lack of up-to-date data associated with the species has continually challenged the implementation of effective conservation programs and prolonged the recovery process. The focus of this paper is to review the timeline of recovery goals for M. alba, present a summary of recent research findings (i.e., species distribution models, habitat associations, reproductive ecology), and identify achievements as well as persistent obstacles to recovery and delisting. Our research focused on 5 of 10 recovery actions listed in the recovery plan for M. alba. Our findings provide updated data and make novel contributions to the protection of M. alba that will prioritize and improve management efforts. Overall, our work highlights frequent barriers to the recovery and delisting of rare species, using an endemic plant species as a case-study. Importantly, we outline effective methods for the rapid assessment of at-risk plant species that due to enduring data gaps, face an uncertain future in listing and recovery. We hope our work provides a convincing case demonstrating the critical need for current and expanded ESA funding and encourages a diversity of individuals and institutions to participate in critical rare plant research to swiftly fill research gaps and expedite recovery of some of the rarest plant species across the United States.
Collapse
|
10
|
Kougioumoutzis K, Trigas P, Tsakiri M, Kokkoris IP, Koumoutsou E, Dimopoulos P, Tzanoudakis D, Iatrou G, Panitsa M. Climate and Land-Cover Change Impacts and Extinction Risk Assessment of Rare and Threatened Endemic Taxa of Chelmos-Vouraikos National Park (Peloponnese, Greece). PLANTS (BASEL, SWITZERLAND) 2022; 11:3548. [PMID: 36559660 PMCID: PMC9784511 DOI: 10.3390/plants11243548] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/25/2022] [Revised: 12/04/2022] [Accepted: 12/10/2022] [Indexed: 06/17/2023]
Abstract
Chelmos-Vouraikos National Park is a floristic diversity and endemism hotspot in Greece and one of the main areas where Greek endemic taxa, preliminary assessed as critically endangered and threatened under the IUCN Criteria A and B, are mainly concentrated. The climate and land-cover change impacts on rare and endemic species distributions is more prominent in regional biodiversity hotspots. The main aims of the current study were: (a) to investigate how climate and land-cover change may alter the distribution of four single mountain endemics and three very rare Peloponnesian endemic taxa of the National Park via a species distribution modelling approach, and (b) to estimate the current and future extinction risk of the aforementioned taxa based on the IUCN Criteria A and B, in order to investigate the need for designing an effective plant micro-reserve network and to support decision making on spatial planning efforts and conservation research for a sustainable, integrated management. Most of the taxa analyzed are expected to continue to be considered as critically endangered based on both Criteria A and B under all land-cover/land-use scenarios, GCM/RCP and time-period combinations, while two, namely Alchemilla aroanica and Silene conglomeratica, are projected to become extinct in most future climate change scenarios. When land-cover/land-use data were included in the analyses, these negative effects were less pronounced. However, Silene conglomeratica, the rarest mountain endemic found in the study area, is still expected to face substantial range decline. Our results highlight the urgent need for the establishment of micro-reserves for these taxa.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
| | - Panayiotis Trigas
- Laboratory of Systematic Botany, Department of Crop Science, Agricultural University of Athens, 11855 Athens, Greece
| | - Maria Tsakiri
- Laboratory of Botany, Department of Biology, University of Patras, 26504 Patras, Greece
| | - Ioannis P. Kokkoris
- Laboratory of Botany, Department of Biology, University of Patras, 26504 Patras, Greece
| | - Eleni Koumoutsou
- Laboratory of Botany, Department of Biology, University of Patras, 26504 Patras, Greece
| | - Panayotis Dimopoulos
- Laboratory of Botany, Department of Biology, University of Patras, 26504 Patras, Greece
| | - Dimitris Tzanoudakis
- Laboratory of Botany, Department of Biology, University of Patras, 26504 Patras, Greece
| | - Gregoris Iatrou
- Laboratory of Botany, Department of Biology, University of Patras, 26504 Patras, Greece
| | - Maria Panitsa
- Laboratory of Botany, Department of Biology, University of Patras, 26504 Patras, Greece
| |
Collapse
|
11
|
Performance of an automated conservation status assessment for the megadiverse vascular flora of Brazil. J Nat Conserv 2022. [DOI: 10.1016/j.jnc.2022.126272] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/22/2022]
|
12
|
Terrin E, Cottaz C, Fort N, Van Es J, Noble V, Diadema K. Regional strategy for invasive alien plant species: towards an integrative and biogeographic approach to the territory of Provence-Alpes-Côte d’Azur, France. Biol Invasions 2022. [DOI: 10.1007/s10530-022-02863-x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/28/2022]
|
13
|
Procheş Ş. Naturally low biodiversity is getting a raw deal in the media. FRONTIERS IN CONSERVATION SCIENCE 2022. [DOI: 10.3389/fcosc.2022.960788] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/13/2022] Open
Abstract
While media usage has helped biodiversity gain a central spot in the contemporary conservation landscape, it is acknowledged that high biodiversity in itself is not always the best indication of conservation value. There are multiple reasons why low-biodiversity systems have to be valued. Such systems are easier to appreciate by the general public in their entirety, and also easier to study, with most model systems referring to low numbers of species. In remote and environmentally harsh settings, biodiversity can increase via biological invasion, which is usually perceived as a negative anthropogenic impact. Island systems, typically lower in biodiversity compared to continental settings, are, specifically thanks to the available niche space, laboratories of speciation and potentially macroevolutionary innovation. Although biodiversity hotspots are at the centre of global conservation efforts, coldspots have their own dynamics and conservation needs, generally poorly understood at this stage due to the high-biodiversity focus. Here, I discuss the media relevance and, where applicable, distortion, of these aspects. I conclude by recommending a local rather than global focus in the marketing of conservation, which could encourage an appreciation of naturally low biodiversity.
Collapse
|
14
|
Continuous Land Cover Change Detection in a Critically Endangered Shrubland Ecosystem Using Neural Networks. REMOTE SENSING 2022. [DOI: 10.3390/rs14122766] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/16/2022]
Abstract
Existing efforts to continuously monitor land cover change using satellite image time series have mostly focused on forested ecosystems in the tropics and the Northern Hemisphere. The notable difference in spectral reflectance that occurs following deforestation allows land cover change to be detected with relative accuracy. Less progress has been made in detecting change in low productivity or disturbance-prone vegetation such as grasslands and shrublands where natural dynamics can be difficult to distinguish from habitat loss. Renosterveld is a hyperdiverse, critically endangered shrubland ecosystem in South Africa with less than 5–10% of its original extent remaining in small, highly fragmented patches. I demonstrate that classification of satellite image time series using neural networks can accurately detect the transformation of Renosterveld within a few days of its occurrence and that trained models are suitable for operational continuous monitoring. A dataset of precisely dated vegetation change events between 2016 and 2021 was obtained from daily, high resolution Planet Labs satellite data. This dataset was then used to train 1D convolutional neural networks and Transformers to continuously detect land cover change events in time series of vegetation activity from Sentinel 2 satellite data. The best model correctly identified 89% of land cover change events at the pixel-level, achieving a f-score of 0.93, a 79% improvement over the f-score of 0.52 achieved using a method designed for forested ecosystems based on trend analysis. Models have been deployed to operational use and are producing updated detections of habitat loss every 10 days. There is great potential for continuous monitoring of habitat loss in non-forest ecosystems with complex natural dynamics. A key limiting step is the development of accurately dated datasets of land cover change events with which to train machine-learning classifiers.
Collapse
|
15
|
In Vitro Germination and Propagation of Dyckia brevifolia, an Ornamental and Endangered Bromeliad. HORTICULTURAE 2022. [DOI: 10.3390/horticulturae8050390] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/04/2023]
Abstract
Dyckia brevifolia is an endangered plant used for ornamental purposes. As no references to the in vitro propagation of the species exist, the present study aims at investigating the possibility of an efficient micropropagation protocol. Seeds collected from mother plants were germinated at high percentages (84–86%) at a range of 15–25 °C, without any pre-treatment, and demonstrated their highest germination speed index (191.51) at 25 °C. In vitro-grown seedlings were used as the starting material for micropropagation on solid, or liquid, MS medium, supplemented with a variety of concentrations of cytokinins (BA, KIN or 2IP). Shoots and leaves were used as starting explants. Liquid media supplemented with BA or 2IP at 1.0 mg L−1 led to high multiplication rate and 2.7, or 2.3, lateral shoots were regenerated while on 2IP a high percentage (77.5%) of rooting occurred at the same time. Rooted microshoots were acclimatised ex vitro at 100% and acclimatised plants were transplanted in pots where they grew with a survival rate of 100% after two months. The in vitro propagation protocol presented in this study could enhance the large-scale propagation use of D. brevifolia as an ornamental plant and, simultaneously, contribute to the ex-situ conservation of the species.
Collapse
|
16
|
Feijó A, Ge D, Wen Z, Xia L, Yang Q. Identifying hotspots and priority areas for xenarthran research and conservation. DIVERS DISTRIB 2022. [DOI: 10.1111/ddi.13473] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/30/2022] Open
Affiliation(s)
- Anderson Feijó
- Key Laboratory of Zoological Systematics and Evolution, Institute of Zoology Chinese Academy of Sciences Beijing China
| | - Deyan Ge
- Key Laboratory of Zoological Systematics and Evolution, Institute of Zoology Chinese Academy of Sciences Beijing China
| | - Zhixin Wen
- Key Laboratory of Zoological Systematics and Evolution, Institute of Zoology Chinese Academy of Sciences Beijing China
| | - Lin Xia
- Key Laboratory of Zoological Systematics and Evolution, Institute of Zoology Chinese Academy of Sciences Beijing China
| | - Qisen Yang
- Key Laboratory of Zoological Systematics and Evolution, Institute of Zoology Chinese Academy of Sciences Beijing China
| |
Collapse
|
17
|
Johnson SE, Zettlemoyer MA. Seed predator preferences are associated with seed traits but an unlikely mechanism of local extinction. Restor Ecol 2022. [DOI: 10.1111/rec.13627] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/30/2022]
Affiliation(s)
- Sarah E. Johnson
- Kellogg Biological Station Michigan State University Hickory Corners MI 49060‐9505
| | - Meredith A. Zettlemoyer
- Kellogg Biological Station Michigan State University Hickory Corners MI 49060‐9505
- Department of Plant Biology University of Georgia Athens GA 30602‐5004
| |
Collapse
|
18
|
Molnár V. A, Löki V, Verbeeck M, Süveges K. Orchids of Azerbaijani Cemeteries. PLANTS 2021; 10:plants10122779. [PMID: 34961250 PMCID: PMC8703613 DOI: 10.3390/plants10122779] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/30/2021] [Accepted: 12/11/2021] [Indexed: 11/30/2022]
Abstract
In order to explore their orchid flora, we performed surveys of 96 Azerbaijani burial places in 2018 and 2019. Altogether, 28 orchid taxa were found in 37 visited cemeteries. In the orchid diversity a remarkable pattern was observed: geographic latitude was significantly and positively related to the number of taxa and number of individuals. The most widespread and abundant orchids in Azerbaijani graveyards were Anacamptis pyramidalis and A. papilionacea (found in 23 and 8 cemeteries, respectively). Azerbaijani cemeteries can be important refuges for rare and threatened orchids, e.g., Himantoglossum formosum (three cemeteries), Ophrys sphegodes subsp. mammosa (eight), Orchis adenocheila (two), O. punctulata (three), O. stevenii (one) and Steveniella satyrioides (one). Epipactis turcica, detected in a single locality, was previously unknown to the flora of Azerbaijan. Additionally, we documented orchid tuber (salep) collection in two cemeteries.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Attila Molnár V.
- Department of Botany, University of Debrecen, Egyetem tér 1, H-4032 Debrecen, Hungary;
- Correspondence:
| | - Viktor Löki
- Wetland Ecology Research Group, Centre for Ecological Research, Bem tér 18/C, H-4026 Debrecen, Hungary;
| | - Marc Verbeeck
- Arbeitskreis Heimische Orchideen Baden-Württemberg, D-69469 Weinheim, Belgium;
| | - Kristóf Süveges
- Department of Botany, University of Debrecen, Egyetem tér 1, H-4032 Debrecen, Hungary;
| |
Collapse
|
19
|
Climate-Change Impacts on the Southernmost Mediterranean Arctic-Alpine Plant Populations. SUSTAINABILITY 2021. [DOI: 10.3390/su132413778] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/16/2022]
Abstract
Human-induced climate- and land-use change have been affecting biogeographical and biodiversity patterns for the past two centuries all over the globe, resulting in increased extinction and biotic homogenization rates. High mountain ecosystems are more sensitive to these changes, which have led to physiological and phenological shifts, as well as to ecosystem processes’ deformation. Glacial relicts, such as arctic-alpine taxa, are sensitive indicators of the effects of global warming and their rear-edge populations could include warm-adapted genotypes that might prove—conservation-wise—useful in an era of unprecedented climate regimes. Despite the ongoing thermophilization in European and Mediterranean summits, it still remains unknown how past and future climate-change might affect the distributional patterns of the glacial relict, arctic-alpine taxa occurring in Greece, their European southernmost distributional limit. Using species distribution models, we investigated the impacts of past and future climate changes on the arctic-alpine taxa occurring in Greece and identified the areas comprising arctic-alpine biodiversity hotspots in Greece. Most of these species will be faced with severe range reductions in the near future, despite their innate resilience to a multitude of threats, while the species richness hotspots will experience both altitudinal and latitudinal shifts. Being long-lived perennials means that there might be an extinction-debt present in these taxa, and a prolonged stability phase could be masking the deleterious effects of climate change on them. Several ex situ conservation measures (e.g., seed collection, population augmentation) should be taken to preserve the southernmost populations of these rare arctic-alpine taxa and a better understanding of their population genetics is urgently needed.
Collapse
|
20
|
Pouteau R, Brunel C, Dawson W, Essl F, Kreft H, Lenzner B, Meyer C, Pergl J, Pyšek P, Seebens H, Weigelt P, Winter M, Kleunen M. Environmental and socioeconomic correlates of extinction risk in endemic species. DIVERS DISTRIB 2021. [DOI: 10.1111/ddi.13438] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/28/2022] Open
Affiliation(s)
- Robin Pouteau
- Zhejiang Provincial Key Laboratory of Plant Evolutionary Ecology and Conservation Taizhou University Taizhou China
- AMAP IRD CNRS CIRAD INRA Univ Montpellier Montpellier France
| | - Caroline Brunel
- Zhejiang Provincial Key Laboratory of Plant Evolutionary Ecology and Conservation Taizhou University Taizhou China
| | - Wayne Dawson
- Department of Biosciences Durham University Durham UK
| | - Franz Essl
- BioInvasions, Global Change, Macroecology‐Group Department of Botany and Biodiversity Research University of Vienna Vienna Austria
| | - Holger Kreft
- Biodiversity, Macroecology & Biogeography University of Goettingen Göttingen Germany
- Centre of Biodiversity and Sustainable Land Use (CBL) University of Goettingen Göttingen Germany
| | - Bernd Lenzner
- BioInvasions, Global Change, Macroecology‐Group Department of Botany and Biodiversity Research University of Vienna Vienna Austria
| | - Carsten Meyer
- German Centre for Integrative Biodiversity Research (iDiv) Halle‐Jena‐Leipzig Leipzig Germany
- Institute of Biology Leipzig University Leipzig Germany
- Institute for Geosciences and Geography Martin Luther University Halle‐Wittenberg Halle (Saale) Germany
| | - Jan Pergl
- Institute of Botany Department of Invasion Ecology Czech Academy of Sciences Průhonice Czech Republic
| | - Petr Pyšek
- Institute of Botany Department of Invasion Ecology Czech Academy of Sciences Průhonice Czech Republic
- Department of Ecology Faculty of Science Charles University Prague 2 Czech Republic
| | - Hanno Seebens
- Senckenberg Biodiversity and Climate Research Centre Frankfurt am Main Germany
| | - Patrick Weigelt
- Biodiversity, Macroecology & Biogeography University of Goettingen Göttingen Germany
- Campus‐Institut Data Science Göttingen Germany
| | - Marten Winter
- German Centre for Integrative Biodiversity Research (iDiv) Halle‐Jena‐Leipzig Leipzig Germany
| | - Mark Kleunen
- Zhejiang Provincial Key Laboratory of Plant Evolutionary Ecology and Conservation Taizhou University Taizhou China
- Department of Biology University of Konstanz Konstanz Germany
| |
Collapse
|
21
|
Novoa A, Foxcroft LC, Keet JH, Pyšek P, Le Roux JJ. The invasive cactus Opuntia stricta creates fertility islands in African savannas and benefits from those created by native trees. Sci Rep 2021; 11:20748. [PMID: 34675315 PMCID: PMC8531129 DOI: 10.1038/s41598-021-99857-x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/22/2021] [Accepted: 09/27/2021] [Indexed: 01/05/2023] Open
Abstract
The patchy distribution of trees typical of savannas often results in a discontinuous distribution of water, nutrient resources, and microbial communities in soil, commonly referred to as "islands of fertility". We assessed how this phenomenon may affect the establishment and impact of invasive plants, using the invasion of Opuntia stricta in South Africa's Kruger National Park as case study. We established uninvaded and O. stricta-invaded plots under the most common woody tree species in the study area (Vachellia nilotica subsp. kraussiana and Spirostachys africana) and in open patches with no tree cover. We then compared soil characteristics, diversity and composition of the soil bacterial communities, and germination performance of O. stricta and native trees between soils collected in each of the established plots. We found that the presence of native trees and invasive O. stricta increases soil water content and nutrients, and the abundance and diversity of bacterial communities, and alters soil bacterial composition. Moreover, the percentage and speed of germination of O. stricta were higher in soils conditioned by native trees compared to soils collected from open patches. Finally, while S. africana and V. nilotica trees appear to germinate equally well in invaded and uninvaded soils, O. stricta had lower and slower germination in invaded soils, suggesting the potential release of phytochemicals by O. stricta to avoid intraspecific competition. These results suggest that the presence of any tree or shrub in savanna ecosystems, regardless of origin (i.e. native or alien), can create favourable conditions for the establishment and growth of other plants.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Ana Novoa
- grid.418095.10000 0001 1015 3316Department of Invasion Ecology, Institute of Botany, Czech Academy of Sciences, 252 43 Průhonice, Czech Republic ,grid.11956.3a0000 0001 2214 904XDepartment of Botany and Zoology, Centre for Invasion Biology, Stellenbosch University, Stellenbosch, South Africa ,grid.452736.10000 0001 2166 5237Invasive Species Programme, South African National Biodiversity Institute, Kirstenbosch Research Centre, Claremont, South Africa
| | - Llewellyn C. Foxcroft
- grid.11956.3a0000 0001 2214 904XDepartment of Botany and Zoology, Centre for Invasion Biology, Stellenbosch University, Stellenbosch, South Africa ,grid.463628.d0000 0000 9533 5073Scientific Services, South African National Parks, P/Bag X402, Skukuza, 1350 South Africa
| | - Jan-Hendrik Keet
- grid.11956.3a0000 0001 2214 904XDepartment of Botany and Zoology, Centre for Invasion Biology, Stellenbosch University, Stellenbosch, South Africa ,grid.11956.3a0000 0001 2214 904XDepartment of Botany and Zoology, Stellenbosch University, Stellenbosch, South Africa
| | - Petr Pyšek
- grid.418095.10000 0001 1015 3316Department of Invasion Ecology, Institute of Botany, Czech Academy of Sciences, 252 43 Průhonice, Czech Republic ,grid.4491.80000 0004 1937 116XDepartment of Ecology, Faculty of Science, Charles University, Viničná 7, 128 44 Prague, Czech Republic
| | - Johannes J. Le Roux
- grid.11956.3a0000 0001 2214 904XDepartment of Botany and Zoology, Centre for Invasion Biology, Stellenbosch University, Stellenbosch, South Africa ,grid.11956.3a0000 0001 2214 904XDepartment of Botany and Zoology, Stellenbosch University, Stellenbosch, South Africa ,grid.1004.50000 0001 2158 5405Department of Biological Sciences, Macquarie University, Sydney, NSW 2109 Australia
| |
Collapse
|
22
|
Evaluation of Species Invasiveness: A Case Study with Acacia dealbata Link. on the Slopes of Cabeça (Seia-Portugal). SUSTAINABILITY 2021. [DOI: 10.3390/su132011233] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/26/2022]
Abstract
One of the main causes of biodiversity loss in the world is the uncontrolled expansion of invasive plants. According to the edaphoclimatic conditions of each region, plants acquire different invasion behaviors. Thus, to better understand the expansion of invasive plants with radial growth, it is proposed to use two equations, the Annual Linear Increment (ALI) and the Annual Invasiveness Rate (AIR). These equations are applied using spatiotemporal data obtained from the analysis of orthophotomaps referring populations of Acacia dealbata Link. in areas located in Serra da Estrela, Portugal. As a result, the area occupied by this species in the parish of Cabeça was evaluated and a 20-year projection was carried out. The data produced by these equations contributed to improving the knowledge about the invasion behavior of exotic species in a rigorous and detailed way according to local ecological conditions. This study may serve as the basis for the application of other similar situations concerning invasive species in other territories, to improve the efficiency of future projections for these species. Local technical and scientific knowledge will contribute to improving spatial and management planning, enabling a better adequacy and effectiveness of the control measures to be adopted.
Collapse
|
23
|
Helmstetter AJ, Cable S, Rakotonasolo F, Rabarijaona R, Rakotoarinivo M, Eiserhardt WL, Baker WJ, Papadopulos AST. The demographic history of Madagascan micro-endemics: have rare species always been rare? Proc Biol Sci 2021; 288:20210957. [PMID: 34547905 PMCID: PMC8456134 DOI: 10.1098/rspb.2021.0957] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/23/2021] [Accepted: 08/25/2021] [Indexed: 01/25/2023] Open
Abstract
Extinction has increased as human activities impact ecosystems, yet relatively few species have conservation assessments. Novel approaches are needed to highlight threatened species that are currently data-deficient. Many Madagascan plant species have extremely narrow ranges, but this may not have always been the case-it is unclear how the island's diverse flora evolved. To assess this, we generated restriction-site associated DNA sequence data for 10 Madagascan plant species, estimated effective population size (Ne) for each species and compared this to census (Nc) sizes. In each case, Ne was an order of magnitude larger than Nc-signifying rapid, recent population decline. We then estimated species' demographic history, tracking changes in Ne over time. We show that it is possible to predict extinction risk, particularly in the most threatened species. Furthermore, simulations showed that our approach has the power to detect population decline during the Anthropocene. Our analyses reveal that Madagascar's micro-endemics were not always rare, having experienced a rapid decline in their recent history. This casts further uncertainty over the processes that generated Madagascar's exceptional biodiversity. Our approach targets data-deficient species in need of conservation assessment, particularly in regions where human modification of the environment has been rapid.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Andrew J. Helmstetter
- Royal Botanic Gardens, Kew, Richmond, Surrey TW9 3AE, UK
- Institut de Recherche pour le Développement (IRD), UMR-DIADE, 911 Avenue Agropolis, BP 64501, Montpellier 34394, France
| | - Stuart Cable
- Royal Botanic Gardens, Kew, Richmond, Surrey TW9 3AE, UK
- Kew Madagascar Conservation Centre, Lot II J 131 B Ambodivoanjo, Ivandry, Antananarivo 101, Madagascar
| | - Franck Rakotonasolo
- Kew Madagascar Conservation Centre, Lot II J 131 B Ambodivoanjo, Ivandry, Antananarivo 101, Madagascar
| | - Romer Rabarijaona
- Kew Madagascar Conservation Centre, Lot II J 131 B Ambodivoanjo, Ivandry, Antananarivo 101, Madagascar
| | - Mijoro Rakotoarinivo
- Mention Biologie et Ecologie Végétales, Faculté des Sciences, Université d'Antananarivo, Antananarivo BP 906101, Madagascar
| | - Wolf L. Eiserhardt
- Royal Botanic Gardens, Kew, Richmond, Surrey TW9 3AE, UK
- Department of Biology, Aarhus University, Aarhus, Denmark
| | | | - Alexander S. T. Papadopulos
- Royal Botanic Gardens, Kew, Richmond, Surrey TW9 3AE, UK
- Molecular Ecology and Evolution Bangor, Environment Centre Wales, School of Natural Sciences, Bangor University, Bangor LL57 2UW, UK
| |
Collapse
|
24
|
Early Growth of 11 Native and Three Alien Tree Species in Northeastern Mindanao, Philippines. FORESTS 2021. [DOI: 10.3390/f12070909] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/20/2022]
Abstract
Early growth performances of 11 native tree species were investigated in three different sites in Mindanao, Philippines, to evaluate their adaptability and potential for plantation development. Three alien species were added to assess how native species could potentially compete with these alien species based on survival rate, diameter growth rate (DGR), and height growth rate (HGR). A year after planting, the native species common to all sites that obtained >80% survival rate were Casuarina equisetifolia L. Alstonia macrophylla Wall. ex. G.Don., Alstonia scholaris (L.) R.Br., and Parkia javanica (Lam.) Merr. and were comparable to an alien species Acacia mangium Willd. The species with the lowest survival rate (30%) across all sites was Duabanga moluccana Blume. Native species P. javanica, Eucalyptus deglupta Blume, and A. macrophylla all had a DGR of 34 mm year−1 and were comparable with the alien species Schizolobium parahyba (Vell.) S.F.Blake with 38 mm year−1. However, the HGR of native species E. deglupta (245 cm year−1) and Melia dubia Cav. (230 cm year−1) were higher than an alien species S. parahyba (222 cm year−1). No native species can compete with the DGR (52 mm year−1) and HGR (384 cm year−1) of A. mangium. Rainfall significantly explained 13%–97% of DGR, HGR and survival rate of >70% of the species while air temperature explained about 17%–96% of the variations of similar variables. This early assessment provides a strong basis to better predict the early performances of native species in the Philippines. Through this, appropriate silvicultural intervention can be recommended towards improving the growth and survival of the native seedlings as alternative industrial tree plantation species in the country.
Collapse
|
25
|
Médail F, Diadema K, Pouget M, Baumel A. Identification of plant micro-reserves using conservation units and population vulnerability: The case of an endangered endemic Snowflake (Acis nicaeensis) in the Mediterranean Basin hotspot. J Nat Conserv 2021. [DOI: 10.1016/j.jnc.2021.125980] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/22/2022]
|
26
|
Can we save critically endangered relict endemic plant species? A case study of Primula boveana Decne ex Duby in Egypt. J Nat Conserv 2021. [DOI: 10.1016/j.jnc.2021.126005] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/24/2022]
|
27
|
Cheikh Albassatneh M, Escudero M, Monnet A, Arroyo J, Bacchetta G, Bagnoli F, Dimopoulos P, Hampe A, Leriche A, Médail F, Nikolic T, Ponger L, Vendramin GG, Fady B. Spatial patterns of genus‐level phylogenetic endemism in the tree flora of Mediterranean Europe. DIVERS DISTRIB 2021. [DOI: 10.1111/ddi.13241] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/05/2023] Open
Affiliation(s)
- Marwan Cheikh Albassatneh
- Institut de Systématique, Evolution, Biodiversité (ISYEB) Muséum national d’Histoire naturelle (MNHN), CNRS, Sorbonne Université, EPHE, Université des Antilles Paris France
- Aix Marseille Université, Avignon Université, CNRS, IRD IMBE Aix‐en‐Provence France
- Institute of Ecology and Environmental Sciences Sorbonne University Paris France
| | - Marcial Escudero
- Department of Plant Biology and Ecology University of Seville Seville Spain
| | - Anne‐Christine Monnet
- Institut de Systématique, Evolution, Biodiversité (ISYEB) Muséum national d’Histoire naturelle (MNHN), CNRS, Sorbonne Université, EPHE, Université des Antilles Paris France
- Aix Marseille Université, Avignon Université, CNRS, IRD IMBE Aix‐en‐Provence France
| | - Juan Arroyo
- Department of Plant Biology and Ecology University of Seville Seville Spain
| | - Gianluigi Bacchetta
- Department of Life and Environmental Sciences University of Cagliari Cagliari Italy
| | | | | | - Arndt Hampe
- BIOGECO INRAE, Bordeaux University Cestas France
| | - Agathe Leriche
- Aix Marseille Université, Avignon Université, CNRS, IRD IMBE Aix‐en‐Provence France
| | - Frédéric Médail
- Aix Marseille Université, Avignon Université, CNRS, IRD IMBE Aix‐en‐Provence France
| | - Toni Nikolic
- Department of Botany Faculty of Science University of Zagreb Zagreb Croatia
| | - Loïc Ponger
- Structure et Instabilité des Génomes "Muséum National d'Histoire Naturelle" (MNHN), CNRS Paris France
| | | | - Bruno Fady
- Ecology of Mediterranean Forests (URFM) INRAE Avignon France
| |
Collapse
|
28
|
An Overview of Ecosystem Service Studies in a Tropical Biodiversity Hotspot, Sri Lanka: Key Perspectives for Future Research. FORESTS 2021. [DOI: 10.3390/f12050540] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/01/2023]
Abstract
Tropical island countries are often highly populated and deliver immense ecosystem service benefits. As human wellbeing depends on these ecosystems, proper management is crucial in the resource-rich tropical lands where there is less related research. Though ecosystem service and biodiversity studies are a promising path to inform the ecosystem management for these mostly developing countries, published evidence of using ecosystem service studies in decision making is lacking. The purpose of this study is to provide an overview of ecosystem services and related research in Sri Lanka, examining trends and gaps in how these studies are conceptualized. Out of the considered 220 peer-reviewed articles, the majority of articles (48.2%) were terrestrial and forest related while coastal ecosystems were considered in 33.2% of studies. In most studies, the ecosystem service category studied was provisioning (31.5%) followed by regulatory service (28.7%). Studies investigating and quantifying ecosystem services, pressures on ecosystems, and their management were fewer compared to studies related to biodiversity or species introduction. Moreover, studies investigating the value of ecosystem services and biodiversity to the communities or involvement of stakeholders in the development of management actions regarding the ecosystem services were rare in Sri Lanka, and an intense focus from future studies in these aspects is timely and necessary.
Collapse
|
29
|
Valli AT, Chondrogiannis C, Grammatikopoulos G, Iatrou G, Trigas P. Conservation of Micromeria browiczii (Lamiaceae), Endemic to Zakynthos Island (Ionian Islands, Greece). PLANTS 2021; 10:plants10040778. [PMID: 33921110 PMCID: PMC8071367 DOI: 10.3390/plants10040778] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/06/2021] [Revised: 04/07/2021] [Accepted: 04/08/2021] [Indexed: 11/24/2022]
Abstract
The massive decline in biodiversity due to anthropogenic threats has led to the emergence of conservation as one of the central goals in modern biology. Conservation strategies are urgently needed for addressing the ongoing loss of plant diversity. The Mediterranean basin, and especially the Mediterranean islands, host numerous rare and threatened plants in need of urgent conservation actions. In this study, we assess the current conservation status of Micromeria browiczii, a local endemic to Zakynthos Island (Ionian Islands, Greece), and estimate its future risk of extinction by compiling and assessing scientific information on geographical distribution, population dynamics and reproductive biology. The population size and the geographical distribution of the species were monitored for five years. The current population of the species consists of 15 subpopulations. Considerable annual fluctuation of population size was detected. The species is assessed as Endangered according to the International Union for Conservation of Nature threat categories. According to population viability analysis results, its extinction risk was estimated to be 5.6% over the next 50 years, when six of the fifteen subpopulations (40%) might become extinct. The investigation of certain aspects of the species’ biology yielded important data necessary to identify critical aspects for its survival and to propose conservation measures.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Anna-Thalassini Valli
- Laboratory of Systematic Botany, Department of Crop Science, School of Plant Sciences, Agricultural University of Athens, Iera Odos 75, 11855 Athens, Greece;
- Correspondence: ; Tel.: +306986850009
| | - Christos Chondrogiannis
- Laboratory of Plant Physiology, Department of Biology, University of Patras, Rio, 26504 Patras, Greece; (C.C.); (G.G.)
| | - George Grammatikopoulos
- Laboratory of Plant Physiology, Department of Biology, University of Patras, Rio, 26504 Patras, Greece; (C.C.); (G.G.)
| | - Gregoris Iatrou
- Laboratory of Botany, Department of Biology, University of Patras, Rio, 26504 Patras, Greece;
| | - Panayiotis Trigas
- Laboratory of Systematic Botany, Department of Crop Science, School of Plant Sciences, Agricultural University of Athens, Iera Odos 75, 11855 Athens, Greece;
| |
Collapse
|
30
|
Conservation Genetics of Four Critically Endangered Greek Endemic Plants: A Preliminary Assessment. DIVERSITY 2021. [DOI: 10.3390/d13040152] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/02/2023]
Abstract
The Mediterranean basin constitutes one of the largest global biodiversity hotspots, hosting more than 11,000 endemic plants, and it is recognised as an area with a high proportion of threatened taxa. Nevertheless, only a tiny fraction of the threatened Mediterranean endemics have their genetic diversity assessed, and we are unaware if and how climate change might impact their conservation status. This is even more pronounced in Eastern Mediterranean countries with a rich endemic flora, such as Greece, which hosts a large portion of the plant taxa assessed at the European level under the IUCN criteria. Using inter simple sequence repeats (ISSR) markers and species distribution models, we analysed the genetic diversity and investigated the impacts of climate change on four critically endangered and extremely narrow and rare Greek island endemic plants, namely Aethionema retsina, Allium iatrouinum, Convolvulus argyrothamnos, and Saponaria jagelii. All four species are facing intense anthropogenic threats and display moderate genetic diversity (uHe: 0.254–0.322), while climate change is expected to have a profound impact on their range size during the coming decades. A combination of in- and ex-situ measures, such as population reinforcement and seed bank conservation, are urgently needed in order to preserve these highly threatened and rare Greek endemics.
Collapse
|
31
|
Extinction Risk Assessment of the Greek Endemic Flora. BIOLOGY 2021; 10:biology10030195. [PMID: 33806693 PMCID: PMC7999807 DOI: 10.3390/biology10030195] [Citation(s) in RCA: 25] [Impact Index Per Article: 8.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/05/2021] [Revised: 02/22/2021] [Accepted: 03/01/2021] [Indexed: 01/24/2023]
Abstract
Simple Summary This study assesses for the first time all the vascular endemic plant taxa of Greece, according to their decline and rarity. Phylogenetic analysis and its spatial overview highlight areas for conservation prioritization. Several of the Greek endemics are threatened with extinction and fourteen of them need to be prioritized, due to their evolutionary distinctiveness. This assessment could act as the baseline and supporting tool for conservation actions, decision- and policy-making for biodiversity, while highlighting the need for a new Red Data Book for the Greek flora. Abstract Human-induced biodiversity decline has been on the rise for the past 250 years, due to various causes. What is equally troubling, is that we are unaware which plants are threatened and where they occur. Thus, we are far from reaching Aichi Biodiversity Target 2, i.e., assessing the extinction risk of most species. To that end, based on an extensive occurrence dataset, we performed an extinction risk assessment according to the IUCN Criteria A and B for all the endemic plant taxa occurring in Greece, one of the most biodiverse countries in Europe, in a phylogenetically-informed framework and identified the areas needing conservation prioritization. Several of the Greek endemics are threatened with extinction and fourteen endemics need to be prioritized, as they are evolutionary distinct and globally endangered. Mt. Gramos is identified as the most important conservation hotspot in Greece. However, a significant portion of the identified conservation hotspots is not included in any designated Greek protected area, meaning that the Greek protected areas network might need to be at least partially redesigned. In the Anthropocene era, where climate and land-use change are projected to alter biodiversity patterns and may force many species to extinction, our assessment provides the baseline for future conservation research, ecosystem services maintenance, and might prove crucial for the timely, systematic and effective aversion of plant extinctions in Greece.
Collapse
|
32
|
Abstract
Understanding temporal changes in the distribution and abundance of various species is one of the key goals of conservation biology. During recent decades, the abundance and distribution of many species of plants and animals have declined dramatically, mainly because of habitat loss and fragmentation. The purpose of this study is to analyze the rate of extinction of orchids at various sites in different 20-year time intervals over the last 150 years, determined according to changes in society. Using the dataset of the orchid records of the Nature Conservation Agency of the Czech Republic, we determined the disappearance rate of orchids from sites using a grid of 1 × 1 km. We found that the vast majority of orchids disappeared from many of their historical localities in all time intervals analyzed. The number of sites suitable for Czech orchids declined by 8–92%, depending on the species. The most threatened orchid species in the Czech Republic are Spiranthes spiralis, Anacamptis palustris, Epipogium aphyllum and Goodyera repens. This all seems to be closely related with changes in agricultural practices in the open as well as in forest habitats. Preserving suitable orchid habitats seems to be the key for keeping Czech orchid flora alive.
Collapse
|
33
|
Knapp WM, Frances A, Noss R, Naczi RFC, Weakley A, Gann GD, Baldwin BG, Miller J, McIntyre P, Mishler BD, Moore G, Olmstead RG, Strong A, Kennedy K, Heidel B, Gluesenkamp D. Vascular plant extinction in the continental United States and Canada. CONSERVATION BIOLOGY : THE JOURNAL OF THE SOCIETY FOR CONSERVATION BIOLOGY 2021; 35:360-368. [PMID: 32860266 PMCID: PMC8151872 DOI: 10.1111/cobi.13621] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/17/2020] [Revised: 08/14/2020] [Accepted: 08/17/2020] [Indexed: 05/11/2023]
Abstract
Extinction rates are expected to increase during the Anthropocene. Current extinction rates of plants and many animals remain unknown. We quantified extinctions among the vascular flora of the continental United States and Canada since European settlement. We compiled data on apparently extinct species by querying plant conservation databases, searching the literature, and vetting the resulting list with botanical experts. Because taxonomic opinion varies widely, we developed an index of taxonomic uncertainty (ITU). The ITU ranges from A to F, with A indicating unanimous taxonomic recognition and F indicating taxonomic recognition by only a single author. The ITU allowed us to rigorously evaluate extinction rates. Our data suggest that 51 species and 14 infraspecific taxa, representing 33 families and 49 genera of vascular plants, have become extinct in our study area since European settlement. Seven of these taxa exist in cultivation but are extinct in the wild. Most extinctions occurred in the west, but this outcome may reflect the timing of botanical exploration relative to settlement. Sixty-four percent of extinct plants were single-site endemics, and many occurred outside recognized biodiversity hotspots. Given the paucity of plant surveys in many areas, particularly prior to European settlement, the actual extinction rate of vascular plants is undoubtedly much higher than indicated here.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Wesley M. Knapp
- North Carolina Natural Heritage ProgramAshevilleNC28805U.S.A.
| | - Anne Frances
- NatureServe2550 South Clark Street, Suite 930ArlingtonVA22202‐3926U.S.A.
| | - Reed Noss
- Florida Institute for Conservation Science112 Half Moon TrailMelroseFL32666U.S.A.
| | - Robert F. C. Naczi
- Institute of Systematic Botany, New York Botanical Garden2900 Southern Blvd.BronxNY10458‐5126U.S.A.
| | - Alan Weakley
- Biology Department, North Carolina Botanical GardenUniversity of North Carolina at Chapel HillCampus Box 3280Chapel HillNC27599‐3280U.S.A.
| | - George D. Gann
- The Institute for Regional Conservation100 E. Linton Blvd. #302BDelray BeachFL33483U.S.A.
| | - Bruce G. Baldwin
- Jepson Herbarium & Department of Integrative BiologyUniversity of California1001 Valley Life Sciences Bldg. #2465BerkeleyCA94720‐2465U.S.A.
| | - James Miller
- Missouri Botanical Garden4344 Shaw Blvd.St. LouisMO63110U.S.A.
| | - Patrick McIntyre
- NatureServe2550 South Clark Street, Suite 930ArlingtonVA22202‐3926U.S.A.
| | - Brent D. Mishler
- University and Jepson Herbaria & Department of Integrative BiologyUniversity of California1001 Valley Life Sciences Bldg. #2465BerkeleyCA94720‐2465U.S.A.
| | - Gerry Moore
- National Plant Data TeamUnited States Department of Agriculture2901 East Gate City Blvd., Suite 2100GreensboroNC27041U.S.A.
| | - Richard G. Olmstead
- Department of Biology and Burke MuseumUniversity of WashingtonSeattleWA98195U.S.A.
| | - Anna Strong
- Texas Parks and Wildlife Department4200 Smith School RoadAustinTX78744U.S.A.
| | - Kathryn Kennedy
- United States Forest Service333 Broadway Blvd. SEAlbuquerqueNM87102U.S.A.
| | - Bonnie Heidel
- Wyoming Natural Diversity DatabaseUniversity of Wyoming1000 E. University AvenueLaramieWY82071U.S.A.
| | - Daniel Gluesenkamp
- California Native Plant Society2707 K Street, Suite 1SacramentoCA95816U.S.A.
| |
Collapse
|
34
|
Kougioumoutzis K, Kokkoris IP, Panitsa M, Kallimanis A, Strid A, Dimopoulos P. Plant Endemism Centres and Biodiversity Hotspots in Greece. BIOLOGY 2021; 10:72. [PMID: 33498512 PMCID: PMC7909545 DOI: 10.3390/biology10020072] [Citation(s) in RCA: 22] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/03/2020] [Revised: 01/11/2021] [Accepted: 01/17/2021] [Indexed: 12/21/2022]
Abstract
Biodiversity hotspots (BH) cover a small fraction of the Earth's surface, yet host numerous endemics. Human-induced biodiversity loss has been increasing worldwide, despite attempts to halt the extinction crisis. There is thus an urgent need to efficiently allocate the available conservation funds in an optimised conservation prioritization scheme. Identifying BH and endemism centres (EC) is therefore a valuable tool in conservation prioritization and planning. Even though Greece is one of the most plant species-rich European countries, few studies have dealt with the identification of BH or EC and none has ever incorporated phylogenetic information or extended to the national scale. Consequently, we are unaware of the extent that Special Areas of Conservation (SAC) of the Natura 2000 network efficiently protect Greek plant diversity. Here, we located for the first time at a national scale and in a phylogenetic framework, the areas serving as BH and EC, and assessed the effectiveness of the Greek SAC in safeguarding them. BH and EC are mainly located near mountainous areas, and in areas supposedly floristically impoverished, such as the central Aegean islands. A critical re-assessment of the Greek SAC might be needed to minimize the extinction risk of the Greek endemics, by focusing the conservation efforts also on the BH and EC that fall outside the established Greek SAC.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Konstantinos Kougioumoutzis
- Division of Plant Biology, Laboratory of Botany, Department of Biology, University of Patras, 26504 Patras, Greece; (I.P.K.); (M.P.); (P.D.)
- Department of Ecology and Systematics, Faculty of Biology, National and Kapodistrian University of Athens, Panepistimiopolis, 15701 Athens, Greece
- Department of Ecology, School of Biology, Aristotle University of Thessaloniki, 54124 Thessaloniki, Greece;
| | - Ioannis P. Kokkoris
- Division of Plant Biology, Laboratory of Botany, Department of Biology, University of Patras, 26504 Patras, Greece; (I.P.K.); (M.P.); (P.D.)
| | - Maria Panitsa
- Division of Plant Biology, Laboratory of Botany, Department of Biology, University of Patras, 26504 Patras, Greece; (I.P.K.); (M.P.); (P.D.)
| | - Athanasios Kallimanis
- Department of Ecology, School of Biology, Aristotle University of Thessaloniki, 54124 Thessaloniki, Greece;
| | | | - Panayotis Dimopoulos
- Division of Plant Biology, Laboratory of Botany, Department of Biology, University of Patras, 26504 Patras, Greece; (I.P.K.); (M.P.); (P.D.)
| |
Collapse
|
35
|
Nic Lughadha E, Bachman SP, Leão TCC, Forest F, Halley JM, Moat J, Acedo C, Bacon KL, Brewer RFA, Gâteblé G, Gonçalves SC, Govaerts R, Hollingsworth PM, Krisai‐Greilhuber I, Lirio EJ, Moore PGP, Negrão R, Onana JM, Rajaovelona LR, Razanajatovo H, Reich PB, Richards SL, Rivers MC, Cooper A, Iganci J, Lewis GP, Smidt EC, Antonelli A, Mueller GM, Walker BE. Extinction risk and threats to plants and fungi. PLANTS, PEOPLE, PLANET 2020; 2:389-408. [PMID: 0 DOI: 10.1002/ppp3.10146] [Citation(s) in RCA: 94] [Impact Index Per Article: 23.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/24/2020] [Accepted: 06/09/2020] [Indexed: 05/29/2023]
Affiliation(s)
| | - Steven P. Bachman
- Conservation Science Department Royal Botanic Gardens, Kew Richmond UK
| | | | - Félix Forest
- Analytical Methods Royal Botanic Gardens, Kew Richmond UK
| | - John M. Halley
- Laboratory of Ecology Department of Biological Applications & Technology University of Ioannina Ioannina Greece
| | - Justin Moat
- Bioinformatics and Spatial Analysis Department Royal Botanic Gardens, Kew Richmond UK
| | - Carmen Acedo
- Department of Biodiversity and Environment Management Faculty of Biological and Environmental Sciences Campus of Vegazana University of León León Spain
| | - Karen L. Bacon
- Botany & Plant Sciences School of Natural Sciences National University of Ireland Galway Ireland
| | - Ryan F. A. Brewer
- Conservation Science Department Royal Botanic Gardens, Kew Richmond UK
| | - Gildas Gâteblé
- Equipe ARBOREAL Institut Agronomique néo‐Calédonien Mont‐Dore New Caledonia
| | - Susana C. Gonçalves
- Centre for Functional Ecology Department of Life Sciences University of Coimbra Coimbra Portugal
| | - Rafaël Govaerts
- Bioinformatics and Spatial Analysis Department Royal Botanic Gardens, Kew Richmond UK
| | | | - Irmgard Krisai‐Greilhuber
- Mycology Research Group Division of Systematic and Evolutionary Biology Department of Botany and Biodiversity Research University of Vienna Vienna Austria
| | - Elton J. Lirio
- Departamento de Botânica Instituto de Biociências Universidade de São Paulo São Paulo Brazil
| | | | - Raquel Negrão
- Conservation Science Department Royal Botanic Gardens, Kew Richmond UK
| | - Jean Michel Onana
- Systematics, Biodiversity and Conservation of Plants Faculty of Science University of Yaoundé I & National Herbarium of Cameroon Yaoundé Cameroon
| | - Landy R. Rajaovelona
- Conservation Science Department Royal Botanic Gardens, Kew Richmond UK
- Kew Madagascar Conservation Centre Antananarivo Madagascar
| | - Henintsoa Razanajatovo
- Conservation Science Department Royal Botanic Gardens, Kew Richmond UK
- Kew Madagascar Conservation Centre Antananarivo Madagascar
| | - Peter B. Reich
- Department of Forest Resources University of Minnesota St. Paul MN USA
- Hawkesbury Institute for the Environment Western Sydney University Penrith NSW Australia
| | | | | | - Amanda Cooper
- Bioinformatics and Spatial Analysis Department Royal Botanic Gardens, Kew Richmond UK
- Department of Biological Sciences Royal HollowayUniversity of London Egham UK
| | - João Iganci
- Instituto de Biologia Departamento de Botânica Universidade Federal de Pelotas Pelotas Brazil
- Instituto de Biociências Programa de Pós‐Graduação em Botânica Universidade Federal do Rio Grande do Sul Porto Alegre Brazil
| | - Gwilym P. Lewis
- Comparative Plant and Fungal Biology Royal Botanic Gardens, Kew Richmond UK
| | - Eric C. Smidt
- Departamento de Botânica Universidade Federal do Paraná Curitiba Brazil
| | - Alexandre Antonelli
- Royal Botanic Gardens, Kew Richmond UK
- Gothenburg Global Biodiversity Centre Department of Biological and Environmental Sciences University of Gothenburg Gothenburg Sweden
| | - Gregory M. Mueller
- Negaunee Institute for Plant Conservation Science and Action Chicago Botanic Garden Chicago IL USA
| | - Barnaby E. Walker
- Conservation Science Department Royal Botanic Gardens, Kew Richmond UK
| |
Collapse
|
36
|
Spatial Phylogenetics, Biogeographical Patterns and Conservation Implications of the Endemic Flora of Crete (Aegean, Greece) under Climate Change Scenarios. BIOLOGY 2020; 9:biology9080199. [PMID: 32751787 PMCID: PMC7463760 DOI: 10.3390/biology9080199] [Citation(s) in RCA: 16] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/11/2020] [Revised: 07/27/2020] [Accepted: 07/29/2020] [Indexed: 12/24/2022]
Abstract
Human-induced biodiversity loss has been accelerating since the industrial revolution. The climate change impacts will severely alter the biodiversity and biogeographical patterns at all scales, leading to biotic homogenization. Due to underfunding, a climate smart, conservation-prioritization scheme is needed to optimize species protection. Spatial phylogenetics enable the identification of endemism centers and provide valuable insights regarding the eco-evolutionary and conservation value, as well as the biogeographical origin of a given area. Many studies exist regarding the conservation prioritization of mainland areas, yet none has assessed how climate change might alter the biodiversity and biogeographical patterns of an island biodiversity hotspot. Thus, we conducted a phylogenetically informed, conservation prioritization study dealing with the effects of climate change on Crete’s plant diversity and biogeographical patterns. Using several macroecological analyses, we identified the current and future endemism centers and assessed the impact of climate change on the biogeographical patterns in Crete. The highlands of Cretan mountains have served as both diversity cradles and museums, due to their stable climate and high topographical heterogeneity, providing important ecosystem services. Historical processes seem to have driven diversification and endemic species distribution in Crete. Due to the changing climate and the subsequent biotic homogenization, Crete’s unique bioregionalization, which strongly reminiscent the spatial configuration of the Pliocene/Pleistocene Cretan paleo-islands, will drastically change. The emergence of the ‘Anthropocene’ era calls for the prioritization of biodiversity-rich areas, serving as mixed-endemism centers, with high overlaps among protected areas and climatic refugia.
Collapse
|
37
|
Khapugin AA, Silaeva TB. The arrangement of threatened plants in Mordovia: the role of biodiversity research centers. ECOSCIENCE 2020. [DOI: 10.1080/11956860.2020.1753293] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/24/2022]
Affiliation(s)
- Anatoliy A. Khapugin
- Joint Directorate of the Mordovia State Nature Reserve and National Park “Smolny”, Republic of Mordovia, Saransk, Russia
- Institute X-BIO, Tyumen State University, Tyumen, Russia
| | - Tatyana B. Silaeva
- Department of Botany, Physiology and Ecology of Plants, Mordovia State University, Saransk, Russia
| |
Collapse
|
38
|
Moodley D, Foxcroft LC, Novoa A, Pyšková K, Pergl J, Pysek P. Invasive alien species add to the uncertain future of protected areas. NEOBIOTA 2020. [DOI: 10.3897/neobiota.57.52188] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/12/2022]
Abstract
Establishing and managing protected areas (national parks, nature reserves and other sites of conservation value) represent the most common approach to conserving species and ecosystems, but these areas are vulnerable to global environmental change. Recently, Golden Kroner et al. (2019) suggested protected area downgrading, downsizing, and degazettement (PADDD) as one of the main threats to biodiversity conservation. However, there are several other elements, of similar concern, that threaten conservation efforts in protected areas, such as climate change and pollution. Here, in a commentary to the Golden Kroner et al. (2019) paper, we address an additional important element affecting protected area dynamics and robustness that was overlooked by these authors – invasions by alien species. We argue that invasive alien species (IAS) contribute directly to the pressures of biodiversity loss by competing with native species and modifying the characteristics of the invaded ecosystems, and virtually no protected areas are free from these effects. Therefore, excluding IAS from legal instruments and policy frameworks underpinning current conservation approaches in protected areas presents a great risk for nature conservation. Consequently, this aligns poorly with the idea of protected areas being a cornerstone for conservation at local, regional and national levels. For that reason and to paint a more complete picture of the effectiveness of protected areas, we argue that when other factors threatening the existence and functioning of protected areas are discussed, we also need to account for biological invasions. This will ensure that adaptive conservation management strategies protect a wide range of species, ecosystems, and landscapes. Hence, this commentary aims to be of general interest for policymakers, managers and researchers.
Collapse
|
39
|
Le Roux JJ, Leishman MR, Cinantya AP, Gufu GD, Hirsch H, Keet JH, Manea A, Saul WC, Tabassum S, Warrington S, Yannelli FA, Ossola A. Plant biodiversity in the face of global change. Curr Biol 2020; 30:R390-R391. [PMID: 32369747 DOI: 10.1016/j.cub.2020.02.066] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/24/2022]
Abstract
Le Roux et al. suggest that documented increases in local plant richness in response to climate change should consider the nature of 'new' species. They find that species responsible for increases in richness in areas that have experienced significant disturbance and climate change are often invasive and/or weedy species.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Johannes J Le Roux
- Department of Biological Sciences, Macquarie University, Sydney, NSW, Australia.
| | - Michelle R Leishman
- Department of Biological Sciences, Macquarie University, Sydney, NSW, Australia
| | | | - Guyo D Gufu
- Department of Biological Sciences, Macquarie University, Sydney, NSW, Australia
| | - Heidi Hirsch
- Centre for Invasion Biology, Department of Botany & Zoology, Stellenbosch University, Matieland, South Africa
| | - Jan-Hendrik Keet
- Centre for Invasion Biology, Department of Botany & Zoology, Stellenbosch University, Matieland, South Africa
| | - Anthony Manea
- Department of Biological Sciences, Macquarie University, Sydney, NSW, Australia
| | - Wolf-Christian Saul
- Freie Universität Berlin, Department of Biology, Chemistry, Pharmacy, Institute of Biology, Berlin, Germany; Leibniz-Institute of Freshwater Ecology and Inland Fisheries (IGB), Berlin, Germany; Berlin-Brandenburg Institute of Advanced Biodiversity Research (BBIB), Berlin, Germany
| | - Samiya Tabassum
- Department of Biological Sciences, Macquarie University, Sydney, NSW, Australia
| | - Staci Warrington
- Centre for Invasion Biology, Department of Botany & Zoology, Stellenbosch University, Matieland, South Africa
| | - Florencia A Yannelli
- Freie Universität Berlin, Department of Biology, Chemistry, Pharmacy, Institute of Biology, Berlin, Germany
| | - Alessandro Ossola
- Department of Biological Sciences, Macquarie University, Sydney, NSW, Australia.
| |
Collapse
|
40
|
Abstract
Human influences are reshaping plant communities around the world through both extinctions and species gains. New work relating biodiversity shifts to rapid changes in climate and land use highlights the need for new biogeographic frameworks to understand evolutionary change in the Anthropocene.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Erle C Ellis
- Department of Geography & Environmental Systems, University of Maryland, Baltimore County, Baltimore, MD 21250, USA.
| |
Collapse
|
41
|
A Common Approach to the Conservation of Threatened Island Vascular Plants: First Results in the Mediterranean Basin. DIVERSITY-BASEL 2020. [DOI: 10.3390/d12040157] [Citation(s) in RCA: 25] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/29/2023]
Abstract
The Mediterranean islands represent a center of vascular plant diversity featuring a high rate of endemic richness. Such richness is highly threatened, however, with many plants facing the risk of extinction and in need of urgent protection measures. The CARE-MEDIFLORA project promoted the use of ex situ collections to experiment with in situ active actions for threatened plants. Based on common criteria, a priority list of target plant species was elaborated, and germplasm conservation, curation and storage in seed banks was carried out. Accessions were duplicated in the seed banks of the partners or other institutions. Germination experiments were carried out on a selected group of threatened species. A total of 740 accessions from 429 vascular plants were stored in seed banks, and 410 seed germination experiments for 283 plants species were completed; a total of 63 in situ conservation actions were implemented, adopting different methodological protocols. For each conservation program, a specific monitoring protocol was implemented in collaboration with local and regional authorities. This project represents the first attempt to develop common strategies and an opportunity to join methods and methodologies focused on the conservation of threatened plants in unique natural laboratories such as the Mediterranean islands.
Collapse
|