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Dong X, Gong J, Zhang W, Zhang S, Yang G, Yan C, Wang R, Zhang S, Wang T, Yu Y, Xie Q. Future climate change increase species vulnerability and present new opportunities for biodiversity conservation in China. JOURNAL OF ENVIRONMENTAL MANAGEMENT 2025; 385:125652. [PMID: 40334409 DOI: 10.1016/j.jenvman.2025.125652] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/17/2024] [Revised: 04/18/2025] [Accepted: 05/01/2025] [Indexed: 05/09/2025]
Abstract
Climate change is exerting severe pressure on terrestrial biodiversity. It is essential to clarify how vulnerabilities to climate change differ among taxonomic groups to mitigate biodiversity loss. Conservation planning should aim to minimize additional threats while maximizing the opportunities that climate change offers. In this study, we used species distribution models to simulate the current and future (2050s) suitable distributions of Chinese mammals, reptiles, amphibians, birds, and plants. We analyzed the climate change vulnerability across these taxonomic groups and identified conservation priorities based on the vulnerable and opportunity areas that will result from climate change. By the 2050s, the losses of current habitat suitable for amphibians, mammals, reptiles, birds, and plants will reach 26.8 %, 16.8 %, 13.8 %, 11.9 %, and 10.0 %, respectively, indicating high vulnerability to climate change. The relative loss of suitable habitat is influenced by the threat status of species. Spatially, the areas of China with the highest vulnerability to climate change are mainly distributed in the north, northwest, and Qinghai-Tibet regions, whereas high-opportunity areas are mainly in the south. Areas with high opportunity and vulnerability will together account for 11.8 % of land area in China and represent conservation priorities for reducing species extinction. However, provinces with large priority areas will have lower human development and human footprint indexes, which will challenge the successful implementation of conservation efforts. Our results highlight the different responses of different Chinese taxonomic groups to climate change and will guide the selection of crucial areas for reducing species extinction risk.
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Affiliation(s)
- Xuede Dong
- State Key Laboratory of Earth Surface Processes and Resource Ecology, MOE Engineering Research Center of Desertification and Blown-sand Control, Faculty of Geographical Science, Beijing Normal University, Beijing, 100875, China
| | - Jirui Gong
- State Key Laboratory of Earth Surface Processes and Resource Ecology, MOE Engineering Research Center of Desertification and Blown-sand Control, Faculty of Geographical Science, Beijing Normal University, Beijing, 100875, China.
| | - Weiyuan Zhang
- State Key Laboratory of Earth Surface Processes and Resource Ecology, MOE Engineering Research Center of Desertification and Blown-sand Control, Faculty of Geographical Science, Beijing Normal University, Beijing, 100875, China
| | - Siqi Zhang
- State Key Laboratory of Earth Surface Processes and Resource Ecology, MOE Engineering Research Center of Desertification and Blown-sand Control, Faculty of Geographical Science, Beijing Normal University, Beijing, 100875, China
| | - Guisen Yang
- State Key Laboratory of Earth Surface Processes and Resource Ecology, MOE Engineering Research Center of Desertification and Blown-sand Control, Faculty of Geographical Science, Beijing Normal University, Beijing, 100875, China
| | - Chenyi Yan
- State Key Laboratory of Earth Surface Processes and Resource Ecology, MOE Engineering Research Center of Desertification and Blown-sand Control, Faculty of Geographical Science, Beijing Normal University, Beijing, 100875, China
| | - Ruijing Wang
- State Key Laboratory of Earth Surface Processes and Resource Ecology, MOE Engineering Research Center of Desertification and Blown-sand Control, Faculty of Geographical Science, Beijing Normal University, Beijing, 100875, China
| | - Shangpeng Zhang
- State Key Laboratory of Earth Surface Processes and Resource Ecology, MOE Engineering Research Center of Desertification and Blown-sand Control, Faculty of Geographical Science, Beijing Normal University, Beijing, 100875, China
| | - Tong Wang
- State Key Laboratory of Earth Surface Processes and Resource Ecology, MOE Engineering Research Center of Desertification and Blown-sand Control, Faculty of Geographical Science, Beijing Normal University, Beijing, 100875, China
| | - Yaohong Yu
- State Key Laboratory of Earth Surface Processes and Resource Ecology, MOE Engineering Research Center of Desertification and Blown-sand Control, Faculty of Geographical Science, Beijing Normal University, Beijing, 100875, China
| | - Qin Xie
- State Key Laboratory of Earth Surface Processes and Resource Ecology, MOE Engineering Research Center of Desertification and Blown-sand Control, Faculty of Geographical Science, Beijing Normal University, Beijing, 100875, China
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Urgilez-Clavijo A, Rivas-Tabares DA, Gobin A, Tarquis Alfonso AM, de la Riva Fernández J. Understanding local connectivity and complexity in the skeleton of deforestation. Sci Rep 2025; 15:18192. [PMID: 40415000 DOI: 10.1038/s41598-025-02932-w] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/26/2024] [Accepted: 05/16/2025] [Indexed: 05/27/2025] Open
Abstract
Current spatial analyses of deforestation predominantly focus on quantification, often overlooking the geometric and topological configurations that are essential for formulating spatially concrete remedial actions. Skeletons and local connected fractal dimension (LCFD) are established techniques that have been used to summarise geometric features and capture connectivity patterns. The present study analysed deforested areas in the Sumaco Biosphere Reserve at three time points from 1990 to 2018. The skeleton captured 62%, 44%, and 40% of the original deforested patches, respectively, and the complexity of connectivity patterns increased over time. A spatially explicit characterisation of the deforested patches was conducted by combining the LCFD and topological descriptors, which enabled the definition of five prioritisation levels for informed decision-making. In addition, we observed an increase in the complexity of pixel neighbourhood relationships over time. In conclusion, the spatial characterisation of the deforestation skeleton serves to further understand the dynamics of deforestation expansion from the local to the regional scale by highlighting complex connections that are significant for forest protection and mitigation efforts.
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Affiliation(s)
- Andrea Urgilez-Clavijo
- Department of Geography and Land Management, GEOFOREST-IUCA, University of Zaragoza, 50009, Zaragoza, Spain
- Institute for Sectional Regime Studies of Ecuador (IERSE), Universidad del Azuay, 010204, Cuenca, Ecuador
| | - David Andrés Rivas-Tabares
- Research Centre for the Management of Agricultural and Environmental Risks (CEIGRAM), ETSIAAB, Universidad Politécnica de Madrid, 28040, Madrid, Spain
- GeoinfoRmatics, Agrosciences and Sustainable Solutions Group (GRASS), Faculty of Agricultural Sciences, School of Agronomy, Universidad de Cuenca, 010205, Cuenca, Ecuador
| | - Anne Gobin
- Department of Earth and Environmental Sciences, KU Leuven, 3001, Leuven, Belgium
| | - Ana María Tarquis Alfonso
- Research Centre for the Management of Agricultural and Environmental Risks (CEIGRAM), ETSIAAB, Universidad Politécnica de Madrid, 28040, Madrid, Spain
- Complex Systems Group (GSC), Universidad Politécnica de Madrid, 28040, Madrid, Spain
| | - Juan de la Riva Fernández
- Department of Geography and Land Management, GEOFOREST-IUCA, University of Zaragoza, 50009, Zaragoza, Spain.
- Departamento de Geografía y Ordenación del Territorio, Universidad de Zaragoza, Pedro Cerbuna 12, 50009, Zaragoza, Spain.
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3
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Popović N, Đuknić J, Marinković N, Tubić B, Atanacković A, Milošević D, Raković M. Environmental Factors Determining the Distribution Pattern of Chironomidae in Different Types of Freshwater Habitats. INSECTS 2025; 16:501. [PMID: 40429214 PMCID: PMC12112228 DOI: 10.3390/insects16050501] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/28/2025] [Revised: 04/28/2025] [Accepted: 04/29/2025] [Indexed: 05/29/2025]
Abstract
Chironomidae are characterised by cosmopolitan distribution, high abundance and diversity in different aquatic environments, which makes them ideal for studying changes in freshwater ecosystems. To understand the environmental factors influencing chironomid communities, we analysed how altitude and waterbody type (hydromorphological features) affect their composition at 75 study sites from 49 watercourses. A total of 110 chironomid taxa from five subfamilies were identified, with Prodiamesa olivacea, Rheocricotopus fuscipes and Cricotopus bicinctus being the most frequent species. The lowest values of all alpha diversity components were recorded in communities collected from watercourses at altitudes up to 500 m a.s.l., while the highest values were observed in small mountainous rivers and streams. Beta diversity showed that taxa turnover was the dominant component in all situations analysed. Communities in large rivers with fine substrate were characterised by the lowest taxa turnover and the highest levels of nestedness, indicating the existence of an ecological gradient that reduces the number of taxa from one site to another. We identified indicator taxa for different altitudes, as well as groups of taxa that are typical for different waterbody types. Furthermore, the combination of four water parameters (oxygen saturation, conductivity, concentration of ammonium and nitrates) had the strongest influence on the chironomid community composition in the studied watercourses.
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Affiliation(s)
- Nataša Popović
- Department of Hydroecology and Water Protection, Institute for Biological Research “Siniša Stanković”—National Institute of the Republic of Serbia, University of Belgrade, Bulevar Despota Stefana 142, 11108 Belgrade, Serbia; (J.Đ.); (N.M.); (B.T.); (A.A.); (M.R.)
| | - Jelena Đuknić
- Department of Hydroecology and Water Protection, Institute for Biological Research “Siniša Stanković”—National Institute of the Republic of Serbia, University of Belgrade, Bulevar Despota Stefana 142, 11108 Belgrade, Serbia; (J.Đ.); (N.M.); (B.T.); (A.A.); (M.R.)
| | - Nikola Marinković
- Department of Hydroecology and Water Protection, Institute for Biological Research “Siniša Stanković”—National Institute of the Republic of Serbia, University of Belgrade, Bulevar Despota Stefana 142, 11108 Belgrade, Serbia; (J.Đ.); (N.M.); (B.T.); (A.A.); (M.R.)
| | - Bojana Tubić
- Department of Hydroecology and Water Protection, Institute for Biological Research “Siniša Stanković”—National Institute of the Republic of Serbia, University of Belgrade, Bulevar Despota Stefana 142, 11108 Belgrade, Serbia; (J.Đ.); (N.M.); (B.T.); (A.A.); (M.R.)
| | - Ana Atanacković
- Department of Hydroecology and Water Protection, Institute for Biological Research “Siniša Stanković”—National Institute of the Republic of Serbia, University of Belgrade, Bulevar Despota Stefana 142, 11108 Belgrade, Serbia; (J.Đ.); (N.M.); (B.T.); (A.A.); (M.R.)
| | - Djuradj Milošević
- Department of Biology and Ecology, Faculty of Sciences and Mathematics, University of Niš, Višegradska 33, 18000 Niš, Serbia;
| | - Maja Raković
- Department of Hydroecology and Water Protection, Institute for Biological Research “Siniša Stanković”—National Institute of the Republic of Serbia, University of Belgrade, Bulevar Despota Stefana 142, 11108 Belgrade, Serbia; (J.Đ.); (N.M.); (B.T.); (A.A.); (M.R.)
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4
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Wojnowska-Heciak M, Sikorski P, Ciemniewska J, Sikorska D, Heciak J. Stakeholder perceptions of biodiversity in urban residential areas. JOURNAL OF ENVIRONMENTAL MANAGEMENT 2025; 382:125368. [PMID: 40250177 DOI: 10.1016/j.jenvman.2025.125368] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/09/2024] [Revised: 03/29/2025] [Accepted: 04/11/2025] [Indexed: 04/20/2025]
Abstract
This study investigates differences in understanding in stakeholder group perceptions of biodiversity in urban neighborhoods of Warsaw, Poland, focusing on and support for biodiversity among architects, landscape architects, public administrators and local activists. The research assesses how these professional groups perceive key elements of biodiversity and prioritize aspects of urban green space. We conducted a structured survey using a Computer-Assisted Web Interview (CAWI) targeting 144 participants from the aforementioned stakeholder groups. Participants evaluated biodiversity-related elements, such as the presence of multi-layered vegetation, deadwood, insects, and animal-friendly structures, and indicated their preferences for green space designs through photomontages with varying biodiversity levels. Groups differed in how they understood and value specific aspects of biodiversity such as the presence of dead wood or insects. Results revealed that 81 % of stakeholders expressed positive attitudes toward nature, yet significant differences emerged in their preferences and willingness to incorporate biodiverse elements into designs. Local activists demonstrated the strongest support for biodiverse landscapes, favoring naturalistic features like dense vegetation and deadwood, while architects and public administration officials exhibited reservations, citing concerns about safety, aesthetics, and maintenance costs. Landscape architects occupied a middle ground, showing awareness of biodiversity benefits but adopting a cautious approach. These findings underscore the need for collaborative efforts to bridge the gap between stakeholder priorities and promote biodiverse urban spaces, with particular attention to public concerns and misperceptions about biodiversity. Public apprehension towards dense vegetation particularly needs to be addressed. Highlighting the benefits of biodiverse spaces can foster acceptance among varying stakeholder groups.
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Affiliation(s)
- M Wojnowska-Heciak
- Department of Landscape Architecture, Institute of Environmental Engineering, Warsaw University of Life Sciences-SGGW, 166 Nowoursynowska Street, 02-787, Warsaw, Poland.
| | - P Sikorski
- Department of Environmental Management, Institute of Environmental Engineering, Warsaw University of Life Sciences - SGGW, 159 Nowoursynowska Street, 02-776, Warsaw, Poland
| | - J Ciemniewska
- National Institute of Telecommunications, ul. Szachowa 1, 04-894, Warsaw, Poland
| | - D Sikorska
- Centre for Climate Research, Warsaw University of Life Sciences - SGGW, 166 Nowoursynowska Street, 02-787, Warsaw, Poland
| | - J Heciak
- Faculty of Architecture, Warsaw University of Technology, ul. Koszykowa 55, 00-659, Warsaw, Poland.
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Conrado-Silva L, de Niemeyer J, Pires APF. Adaptive restoration planning to enhance water security in a changing climate. AMBIO 2025:10.1007/s13280-025-02184-y. [PMID: 40266439 DOI: 10.1007/s13280-025-02184-y] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/02/2024] [Revised: 02/06/2025] [Accepted: 03/28/2025] [Indexed: 04/24/2025]
Abstract
Ecosystem restoration is a global priority for recovering degraded areas and mitigating climate change. However, climate change can impact the long-term effectiveness of restoration efforts. This study evaluated the effects of climate change on restoration planning, focusing on water quality in the Doce River basin, the site of Brazil's largest environmental tragedy and the most significant mining disaster globally, with the release of approximately 50 million cubic metres of iron ore tailings into the environment. Sediment exportation was used as a criterion for assessing water quality under three climate scenarios. Restoration of riparian vegetation reduced sediment exportation by 75.29% but was insufficient to fully control erosion, particularly in the upper basin, where increased precipitation could exacerbate the problem. The findings underscore the risks of ignoring climate change in restoration planning. Adaptive strategies are essential to ensure long-term benefits and address climate challenges, fostering more resilient and sustainable ecosystems.
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Affiliation(s)
- Luiz Conrado-Silva
- Laboratório de Ecologia e Conservação de Ecossistemas (LECE), Universidade do Estado do Rio de Janeiro (UERJ), Rio de Janeiro, Brazil.
- Departamento de Ecologia, Instituto de Biologia Roberto Alcantara Gomes, Universidade do Estado do Rio de Janeiro, Rio de Janeiro, RJ, Brazil.
| | - Julia de Niemeyer
- Laboratório de Vertebrados (LabVert), Departamento de Ecologia, Universidade Federal do Rio de Janeiro (UFRJ), Rio de Janeiro, RJ, Brazil
- Instituto Internacional Para Sustentabilidade (IIS), Estrada Dona Castorina 124, Rio de Janeiro, RJ, 22460-320, Brazil
| | - Aliny P F Pires
- Laboratório de Ecologia e Conservação de Ecossistemas (LECE), Universidade do Estado do Rio de Janeiro (UERJ), Rio de Janeiro, Brazil
- Fundação Brasileira Para o Desenvolvimento Sustentável (FBDS), Rio de Janeiro, Brazil
- Plataforma Brasileira de Biodiversidade e Serviços Ecossistêmicos (BPBES), Campinas, Brazil
- Rede Brasileira de Pesquisas sobre Mudanças Climáticas Globais (Rede Clima), São José dos Campos, Brazil
- Departamento de Ecologia, Instituto de Biologia Roberto Alcantara Gomes, Universidade do Estado do Rio de Janeiro, Rio de Janeiro, RJ, Brazil
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Xu Y, Guan BQ, Chen R, Yi R, Jiang XL, Xie KQ. Investigating the Distribution Dynamics of the Camellia Subgenus Camellia in China and Providing Insights into Camellia Resources Management Under Future Climate Change. PLANTS (BASEL, SWITZERLAND) 2025; 14:1137. [PMID: 40219205 PMCID: PMC11991661 DOI: 10.3390/plants14071137] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/01/2025] [Revised: 03/29/2025] [Accepted: 04/02/2025] [Indexed: 04/14/2025]
Abstract
Rapid climate change has significantly impacted species distribution patterns, necessitating a comprehensive understanding of dominant tree dynamics for effective forest resource management and utilization. The Camellia subgenus Camellia, a widely distributed taxon in subtropical China, represents an ecologically and economically important group of woody plants valued for both oil production and ornamental purposes. In this study, we employed the BIOMOD2 ensemble modeling framework to investigate the spatial distribution patterns and range dynamics of the subgenus Camellia under projected climate change scenarios. Our analysis incorporated 1455 georeferenced occurrence records from 15 species, following the filtering of duplicate points, along with seven bioclimatic variables selected after highly correlated factors were eliminated. The ensemble model, which integrates six single species distribution models, demonstrated robust predictive performance, with mean true skil l statistic (TSS) and area under curve (AUC) values exceeding 0.8. Our results identified precipitation of the coldest quarter (Bio19) and temperature seasonality (Bio4) as the primary determinants influencing species distribution patterns. The center of species richness for the subgenus Camellia was located in the Nanling Mountains and eastern Guangxi Zhuang Autonomous Region. The projections indicate an overall expansion of suitable habitats for the subgenus under future climate conditions, with notable scenario-dependent variations: distribution hotspots are predicted to increase by 8.86% under the SSP126 scenario but experience a 2.53% reduction under the SSP585 scenario. Furthermore, a westward shift in the distribution centroid is anticipated. To ensure long-term conservation of Camellia genetic resources, we recommend establishing a germplasm conservation center in the Nanling Mountains region, which represents a critical biodiversity hotspot for this taxon.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yue Xu
- College of Forestry, Central South University of Forestry and Technology, Changsha 410004, China; (Y.X.); (B.-Q.G.); (R.C.)
| | - Bing-Qian Guan
- College of Forestry, Central South University of Forestry and Technology, Changsha 410004, China; (Y.X.); (B.-Q.G.); (R.C.)
| | - Ran Chen
- College of Forestry, Central South University of Forestry and Technology, Changsha 410004, China; (Y.X.); (B.-Q.G.); (R.C.)
| | - Rong Yi
- College of Forestry, Central South University of Forestry and Technology, Changsha 410004, China; (Y.X.); (B.-Q.G.); (R.C.)
| | - Xiao-Long Jiang
- College of Forestry, Central South University of Forestry and Technology, Changsha 410004, China; (Y.X.); (B.-Q.G.); (R.C.)
| | - Kai-Qing Xie
- College of Agriculture and Biological Sciences, Dali University, Dali 671003, China
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7
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Fan W, Luo Y. Conservation methods for Trollius mountain flowers in Xinjiang, China under climate change: Habitat networks construction based on habitat suitability and protected areas optimization response. JOURNAL OF ENVIRONMENTAL MANAGEMENT 2025; 376:124519. [PMID: 39965495 DOI: 10.1016/j.jenvman.2025.124519] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/06/2024] [Revised: 01/26/2025] [Accepted: 02/08/2025] [Indexed: 02/20/2025]
Abstract
Mountain flower species tend to be more climate-sensitive. Trollius is a mountain flower species of ecological and cultural significance in Xinjiang, China, but climate change has caused habitat fragmentation, which is the dominant threat to their survival. However, the precise mechanism of how climate change affects their distribution and the extent of habitat fragmentation remains unclear. Accordingly, Modeling was employed to obtain Trollius's habitat changes and fragmentation indices under different periods and climate scenarios. Based on this, the study identified potential corridors, evaluated habitat network patterns, and performed spatial optimization. The results demonstrated that Trollius species don't have the same climate adaptation ability. T. asiaticus exhibits exceptional climate adaptation with habitat expansion and minimal fragmentation, but the other species' habitat area and connectivity index dropped markedly. The Tien Shan and Altay Mountains represent the primary habitat sources of Trollius, while the Western Junggar Mountains serve as a crucial stepping stone. Habitat clusters are predominantly connected by short but efficient primary corridors, which showed stability when facing climatic fluctuation. Highly centralized "source-corridor" systems require enhanced identifying of pinch points and removing barrier points to ensure high connectivity. Furthermore, the protected areas system is inadequate in its protective function, with less than 7% of habitat areas covered by nature reserves and less than 15% covered by nature parks. The findings can provide scientific basis and methodological support for regional climate strategy making on biodiversity conservation and the optimization of protected areas.
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Affiliation(s)
- Wenhao Fan
- School of Architecture and Environment, Sichuan University, Chengdu, 610065, China.
| | - Yanyun Luo
- School of Architecture and Environment, Sichuan University, Chengdu, 610065, China.
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8
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Mykhailenko O, Jalil B, McGaw LJ, Echeverría J, Takubessi M, Heinrich M. Climate change and the sustainable use of medicinal plants: a call for "new" research strategies. Front Pharmacol 2025; 15:1496792. [PMID: 39963365 PMCID: PMC11830725 DOI: 10.3389/fphar.2024.1496792] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/15/2024] [Accepted: 12/24/2024] [Indexed: 02/20/2025] Open
Abstract
Climate change and human activities severely impact the viability of plants and ecosystems, threatening the environment, biodiversity, and the sustainable development of plant-based products. Biotic and abiotic (ecosystem) determinants affect species distribution and long-term survival, which in turn influence the quality of plants used as herbal medicines and other high-value products. In recent decades, diverse anthropogenic impacts have significantly affected these quality aspects. Climate change, excessive plant exploitation, habitat loss, species vulnerability, and other factors have adversely affected the growth, reproduction, and adaptation of species populations, as well as the quality and volume of primary plant materials supplied to pharmaceutical markets. Despite these growing challenges, there is limited knowledge of potential strategies to prevent or mitigate these impacts, particularly for vulnerable species collected from the wild or harvested from traditional production systems. Hence, effective strategies for preserving and increasing plant populations are urgently needed. In this study, we propose a new framework including the main sustainability factors to better understand and address the vulnerability of a species, hence mitigate the impact of climate change. We assess the applicability of our proposed framework via seven case studies of vulnerable species (i.e., Aquilaria malaccensis Lam., Boswellia sacra Flück., Crocus sativus L., Panax quinquefolius L., Pilocarpus microphyllus Stapf ex Wardlew., Rhodiola rosea L., and Warburgia salutaris (G.Bertol.) Chiov.) from main biogeographic realms, all widely used as medicinal plants. These species present various challenges related to the sustainability of their use, impacting their current and future status locally and globally. Their economic importance, combined with rising demands and specific risks of overexploitation, are also key factors considered here. The suggested framework for the sustainability of medicinal and other high-value plant-based products in the phytopharmaceutical industry emphasises strategies that promote conservation and sustainable resource use. It can also be adapted for other vulnerable species requiring urgent attention.
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Affiliation(s)
- Olha Mykhailenko
- Pharmacognosy and Phytotherapy, UCL School of Pharmacy, London, United Kingdom
- Pharmaceutical Chemistry Department, National University of Pharmacy, Kharkiv, Ukraine
| | - Banaz Jalil
- Pharmacognosy and Phytotherapy, UCL School of Pharmacy, London, United Kingdom
| | - Lyndy J. McGaw
- Phytomedicine Programme, Department of Paraclinical Sciences, Faculty of Veterinary Science, University of Pretoria, Pretoria, Gauteng, South Africa
| | - Javier Echeverría
- Departamento de Ciencias del Ambiente, Facultad de Química y Biología, Universidad de Santiago de Chile, Santiago, Chile
| | - Marce Takubessi
- Pharmacognosy and Phytotherapy, UCL School of Pharmacy, London, United Kingdom
- Pharmacy Department, Health Polytechnic of the Ministry of Health Kupang, Kupang, Indonesia
| | - Michael Heinrich
- Pharmacognosy and Phytotherapy, UCL School of Pharmacy, London, United Kingdom
- Department of Pharmaceutical Sciences and Chinese Medicine Resources, Chinese Medicine Research Center, College of Chinese Medicine, China Medical University, Taichung, Taiwan
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9
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Lahlou RA, Gonçalves AC, Bounechada M, Nunes AR, Soeiro P, Alves G, Moreno DA, Garcia-Viguera C, Raposo C, Silvestre S, Rodilla JM, Ismael MI, Silva LR. Antioxidant, Phytochemical, and Pharmacological Properties of Algerian Mentha aquatica Extracts. Antioxidants (Basel) 2024; 13:1512. [PMID: 39765840 PMCID: PMC11673699 DOI: 10.3390/antiox13121512] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/01/2024] [Revised: 12/03/2024] [Accepted: 12/09/2024] [Indexed: 01/11/2025] Open
Abstract
Water mint (Mentha aquatica) is used in many formulations worldwide as a functional food and natural remedy to treat gastrointestinal disorders, lung diseases, and certain mental disorders such as epilepsy and depression. This study assessed the bioactivity of its infusion extract (INF) and hydroethanolic extract (HE) to highlight its health benefits. These extracts were analyzed for their chemical composition by HPLC-DAD-ESI-MSn, their antioxidant and antidiabetic properties, and their capacities to protect human erythrocytes against induced hemoglobin oxidation and lipid peroxidation. The effect on normal human dermal fibroblast (NHDF) cells and on the N27 rat dopaminergic neuron cell line was also assessed. The chromatographic analysis identified 57 compounds belonging to hydroxycinnamic acids, flavanones, flavone, and isoflavonoids. In respect to the biological potential, the Mentha aquatica extracts revealed a notable capacity for 2,2-diphenyl-1-picrylhydrazyl, nitric oxide, and superoxide radicals, as well as for the inhibition of α-glucosidase action and the protection of human erythrocytes against oxidative damage. Quantification revealed noteworthy phenolic content in both extracts. Additionally, the extracts demonstrated less cytotoxic effects regarding the NHDF and N27 cell lines. Overall, Mentha aquatica presents promising antioxidant activity and a spectrum of potential biological activities, underscoring its significance as a novel antioxidant candidate for applications in animal nutrition, human medicine, and natural product research in the pharmaceutical and nutraceutical industries.
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Affiliation(s)
- Radhia Aitfella Lahlou
- Chemistry Department, University of Beira Interior, 6201-001 Covilhã, Portugal; (S.S.); (J.M.R.)
- Fiber Materials and Environmental Technologies (FibEnTech), University of Beira Interior, 6201-001 Covilhã, Portugal
- RISE-Health, Faculdade de Ciências da Saúde, Universidade da Beira Interior, Av. Infante D. Henrique, 6200-506 Covilhã, Portugal; (A.C.G.); (P.S.); (G.A.); (L.R.S.)
- SPRINT Sport Physical Activity and Health Research & Innovation Center, Instituto Politécnico da Guarda, 6300-559 Guarda, Portugal
| | - Ana Carolina Gonçalves
- RISE-Health, Faculdade de Ciências da Saúde, Universidade da Beira Interior, Av. Infante D. Henrique, 6200-506 Covilhã, Portugal; (A.C.G.); (P.S.); (G.A.); (L.R.S.)
| | - Mustapha Bounechada
- University Ferhat Abbes Sétif1, Faculty of Natural Sciences and Life, 19000, Algeria;
| | - Ana R. Nunes
- RISE-Health, Faculdade de Ciências da Saúde, Universidade da Beira Interior, Av. Infante D. Henrique, 6200-506 Covilhã, Portugal; (A.C.G.); (P.S.); (G.A.); (L.R.S.)
| | - Pedro Soeiro
- RISE-Health, Faculdade de Ciências da Saúde, Universidade da Beira Interior, Av. Infante D. Henrique, 6200-506 Covilhã, Portugal; (A.C.G.); (P.S.); (G.A.); (L.R.S.)
| | - Gilberto Alves
- RISE-Health, Faculdade de Ciências da Saúde, Universidade da Beira Interior, Av. Infante D. Henrique, 6200-506 Covilhã, Portugal; (A.C.G.); (P.S.); (G.A.); (L.R.S.)
| | - Diego A. Moreno
- Laboratorio de Fitoquímica y Alimentos Saludables” (LabFAS), CSIC, CEBAS, Campus Universitario de Espinardo-25, E-30100 Murcia, Spain; (D.A.M.); (C.G.-V.)
| | - Cristina Garcia-Viguera
- Laboratorio de Fitoquímica y Alimentos Saludables” (LabFAS), CSIC, CEBAS, Campus Universitario de Espinardo-25, E-30100 Murcia, Spain; (D.A.M.); (C.G.-V.)
| | - Cesar Raposo
- Mass Spectrometry Service, University of Salamanca, 37007 Salamanca, Spain
| | - Samuel Silvestre
- Chemistry Department, University of Beira Interior, 6201-001 Covilhã, Portugal; (S.S.); (J.M.R.)
- RISE-Health, Faculdade de Ciências da Saúde, Universidade da Beira Interior, Av. Infante D. Henrique, 6200-506 Covilhã, Portugal; (A.C.G.); (P.S.); (G.A.); (L.R.S.)
| | - Jesus M. Rodilla
- Chemistry Department, University of Beira Interior, 6201-001 Covilhã, Portugal; (S.S.); (J.M.R.)
- Fiber Materials and Environmental Technologies (FibEnTech), University of Beira Interior, 6201-001 Covilhã, Portugal
| | - Maria Isabel Ismael
- Chemistry Department, University of Beira Interior, 6201-001 Covilhã, Portugal; (S.S.); (J.M.R.)
- Fiber Materials and Environmental Technologies (FibEnTech), University of Beira Interior, 6201-001 Covilhã, Portugal
- Centro de Química Estrutural, Institute of Molecular Sciences, Faculdade de Ciências, Universidade de Lisboa, Campo Grande, 1749-016 Lisboa, Portugal
| | - Luís R. Silva
- RISE-Health, Faculdade de Ciências da Saúde, Universidade da Beira Interior, Av. Infante D. Henrique, 6200-506 Covilhã, Portugal; (A.C.G.); (P.S.); (G.A.); (L.R.S.)
- SPRINT Sport Physical Activity and Health Research & Innovation Center, Instituto Politécnico da Guarda, 6300-559 Guarda, Portugal
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10
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Shang X, Qin W, Yang B, Dai Q, Pan H, Yang X, Gu X, Yang Z, Zhang Z, Zhang L. Integrated framework for dynamic conservation of bamboo forest in giant panda habitat under climate change. JOURNAL OF ENVIRONMENTAL MANAGEMENT 2024; 368:122052. [PMID: 39128359 DOI: 10.1016/j.jenvman.2024.122052] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/29/2024] [Revised: 07/28/2024] [Accepted: 07/29/2024] [Indexed: 08/13/2024]
Abstract
Climate change presents formidable challenges to forest biodiversity and carbon storage. Bamboo forests will be affected particularly in Southwest China's mountainous regions. Bamboo serves as not only a key food resource and habitat for giant panda Ailuropoda melanoleuca but also a potential carbon sink due to its rapid energy-to-matter conversion capability. We employ the MaxEnt model to project the distribution shifts of 20 giant panda foraged bamboo species in Sichuan Province under future climate scenarios, utilizing climate data of 30m resolution. Based on the changes in the diversity and distribution area of bamboo communities caused by climate change, the changing of giant pandas' food resources and the carbon storage of bamboo forests were calculated. The results indicated that the area of bamboo communities is projected to expand by 17.94%-60.88% more than now by the end of the 21st century. We analyzed the energy balance between the dietary needs of giant pandas and the energy provided by bamboo. We predicted that bamboo communities from 2000 to 2150 could support the continuous growth of the giant panda population (6533 wild individuals by 2140-2150 in an ideal state in Sichuan province). However, the species diversity and carbon storage of bamboo forests face out-of-sync fluctuations, both temporally and spatially. This is a critical issue for subalpine forest ecosystem management under climate change. Therefore, we propose a dynamic conservation management framework for giant panda habitats across spatial and temporal scales. This framework aims to facilitate the adaptation of subalpine forest ecosystems to climate change. This innovative approach, which integrates climate change into the conservation strategy for endangered species, contributes a conservation perspective to global climate action, highlighting the interconnectedness of biodiversity preservation and climate mitigation.
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Affiliation(s)
- Xiaotong Shang
- Key Laboratory of Biodiversity and Ecological Engineering, School of Life Sciences, Ministry of Education, Beijing Normal University, Beijing, 100875, China
| | - Weirui Qin
- School of Life Science (School of Giant Panda), China West Normal University, Nanchong, 637009, China; Daxiangling Nature Reserve Management and Protection Center of Yingjing County, Ya'an, Sichuan, 625000, China
| | - Biao Yang
- School of Life Science (School of Giant Panda), China West Normal University, Nanchong, 637009, China; Society of Entrepreneurs and Ecology (SEE) Foundation, Beijing, 100020, China.
| | - Qiang Dai
- Chengdu Institute of Biology, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Chengdu, 610041, China; University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing, China
| | - Han Pan
- Society of Entrepreneurs and Ecology (SEE) Foundation, Beijing, 100020, China
| | - Xuyu Yang
- Sichuan Station of Wildlife Survey and Management, Chengdu, 610081, China
| | - Xiaodong Gu
- Giant Panda National Park Administration, Chengdu, 610081, China
| | - Zhisong Yang
- Sichuan Academy of Giant Panda, Chengdu, 610081, China
| | - Zejun Zhang
- School of Life Science (School of Giant Panda), China West Normal University, Nanchong, 637009, China
| | - Li Zhang
- Key Laboratory of Biodiversity and Ecological Engineering, School of Life Sciences, Ministry of Education, Beijing Normal University, Beijing, 100875, China.
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