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Mutombo CS, Moke PM, Ntumba FN, Bakari SA, Mavungu GN, Numbi DM, Kolela AM, Kibwe CM, Ntabaza VN, Okombe VE, Nachtergael A, Lumbu JBS, Duez P, Kahumba JB. Inventory of the best-selling medicinal plants on the Lubumbashi markets (DR Congo) and authentication of samples from the 3 most popular species. JOURNAL OF ETHNOPHARMACOLOGY 2025; 338:119029. [PMID: 39489362 DOI: 10.1016/j.jep.2024.119029] [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: 05/20/2024] [Revised: 10/30/2024] [Accepted: 11/01/2024] [Indexed: 11/05/2024]
Abstract
ETHNOPHARMACOLOGICAL RELEVANCE Knowledge of the high-sale medicinal plants and their authentication are essential parameters to ensure the safety of people using herbal medicine and to plan the safeguarding of medicinal species threatened with extinction. AIMS The present study, carried out in Lubumbashi, Democratic Republic of Congo, aimed to geolocate medicinal plant sales points, list the best-selling species, and authenticate samples of the most popular species on the market. METHODS A survey was conducted among the medicinal plant sellers in Lubumbashi's markets and other public spaces, to identify the best-selling species. Samples of the species reported as the most sold were purchased for sales unit weight measurement, and authentication. For the 3 most popular plant species, the identity of 92 samples, purchased from some 25 herbalists, was assessed by combining the microscopic characteristics of powdered drugs with the HPTLC fingerprints of methanolic extracts; for each species, these samples were compared with 1 or 2 botanically authenticated reference samples. As abundant starch granules were detected by microscopy, some samples were suspected of heavy flour contamination, which was confirmed by an enzymatic determination of their starch content. RESULTS A total of 108 herbalists (48.1 % women) with a median age of 37 years (range, 20-67 years), and a median seniority of 5 years (0.7-30) were interviewed. From a total of 514 purchased samples, 396 (77.0 %) corresponded to 56 species that could be identified, including 92 samples representing the 3 most frequently sold plant species. The identities of 118 samples (having 82 different vernacular names), could not be determined, due to the lack of voucher specimen. Roots were the most sold organ (56.0 %; n = 514), mainly in powder form (78.7 %), and the median price was 21 USD/kg, at the time of the survey (January to May 2021). The identified specimens were, predominantly, the roots of Terminalia mollis M.A.Lawson (33.3 %), Securidaca longepedunculata Fresen (28.7 %), and stem barks of Nauclea pobeguinii Hua ex Pobég. (23.1 %); from the recorded sales figures, the amounts of material annually sold for these 3 species are estimated at about 5.7, 6.0, and 3.1 tons, respectively. Some sellers reported problems in identifying and/or preserving S. longepedonculata and T. mollis. Among the 92 samples analyzed for the three species, 18.5 % raised problems, including species substitutions (14/17), dilution with flour (1/17), dilution with flour and species substitution (1/17), and detection of a phytochemical variant (1/17), that could arise either from contamination by another species, a particular plant growth environment, or poor storage conditions. CONCLUSION The confusion/adulteration rate measured here for highly popular species is quite alarming (18.5 %); but, indeed, roots, especially as powders, are often difficult to differentiate based on the coarse organoleptic examination practiced by herbal traders. Microscopic and phytochemical characteristics reported in this study, quite easy to obtain with basic laboratory equipment, should be systematically applied by the health products regulatory authorities to control the quality of herbals and ensure that patients get the drug desired for their treatment.
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Affiliation(s)
- Cedrick S Mutombo
- Laboratory of Pharmacognosy, Department of Pharmacology, Faculty of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Université de Lubumbashi (UNILU), 1825, Lubumbashi, the Democratic Republic of the Congo; Unit of Therapeutic Chemistry and Pharmacognosy, Faculty of Medicine and Pharmacy, University of Mons (UMONS), 7000, Mons, Belgium.
| | - Papy M Moke
- Laboratory of Pharmacognosy, Department of Pharmacology, Faculty of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Université de Lubumbashi (UNILU), 1825, Lubumbashi, the Democratic Republic of the Congo; Unit of Therapeutic Chemistry and Pharmacognosy, Faculty of Medicine and Pharmacy, University of Mons (UMONS), 7000, Mons, Belgium
| | - François N Ntumba
- Unit of Therapeutic Chemistry and Pharmacognosy, Faculty of Medicine and Pharmacy, University of Mons (UMONS), 7000, Mons, Belgium; Département d'économie agricole, Faculté des Sciences Agronomiques, Université de Lubumbashi (UNILU), 1825, Lubumbashi, the Democratic Republic of the Congo
| | - Salvius A Bakari
- Laboratory of Pharmacognosy, Department of Pharmacology, Faculty of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Université de Lubumbashi (UNILU), 1825, Lubumbashi, the Democratic Republic of the Congo
| | - Gaël N Mavungu
- Unit of Therapeutic Chemistry and Pharmacognosy, Faculty of Medicine and Pharmacy, University of Mons (UMONS), 7000, Mons, Belgium; Unit of Pharmacology and Therapeutic, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Université de Lubumbashi (UNILU), 1825, Lubumbashi, the Democratic Republic of the Congo
| | - Desiré M Numbi
- Laboratoire d'écologie et restauration écologique du paysage, Faculté des Sciences Agronomiques, Université de Lubumbashi (UNILU), 1825, Lubumbashi, the Democratic Republic of the Congo
| | - Alex M Kolela
- Laboratory of Pharmacognosy, Department of Pharmacology, Faculty of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Université de Lubumbashi (UNILU), 1825, Lubumbashi, the Democratic Republic of the Congo
| | - Cynthia M Kibwe
- Laboratory of Pharmacognosy, Department of Pharmacology, Faculty of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Université de Lubumbashi (UNILU), 1825, Lubumbashi, the Democratic Republic of the Congo
| | - Vianney N Ntabaza
- Laboratory of Pharmacognosy, Department of Pharmacology, Faculty of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Université de Lubumbashi (UNILU), 1825, Lubumbashi, the Democratic Republic of the Congo
| | - Victor E Okombe
- Unit of Pharmacology and Therapeutic, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Université de Lubumbashi (UNILU), 1825, Lubumbashi, the Democratic Republic of the Congo
| | - Amandine Nachtergael
- Unit of Therapeutic Chemistry and Pharmacognosy, Faculty of Medicine and Pharmacy, University of Mons (UMONS), 7000, Mons, Belgium
| | - Jean-Baptiste S Lumbu
- Service de Chimie Organique, Département de Chimie, Faculté des Sciences, Université de Lubumbashi (UNILU), 1825, Lubumbashi, the Democratic Republic of the Congo
| | - Pierre Duez
- Unit of Therapeutic Chemistry and Pharmacognosy, Faculty of Medicine and Pharmacy, University of Mons (UMONS), 7000, Mons, Belgium
| | - Joh B Kahumba
- Laboratory of Pharmacognosy, Department of Pharmacology, Faculty of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Université de Lubumbashi (UNILU), 1825, Lubumbashi, the Democratic Republic of the Congo
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Kassa GM, Teka AL, Melese GT. Plant community and structural pattern analyses of Abraham Sacred Forest in Amhara Regional State, northwest Ethiopia. PLoS One 2025; 20:e0317245. [PMID: 39808602 PMCID: PMC11731766 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0317245] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/07/2023] [Accepted: 12/24/2024] [Indexed: 01/16/2025] Open
Abstract
Owing to its topographic variations, Ethiopia is a biodiversity-rich country. However, the long-term degradation of resources has resulted in isolated forest patches largely around sacred places. Thus, this work was aimed to evaluate the plant community formation and structural dynamics of the Abraham Sacred Forest patch. Data were collected from 60 plots located on transect lines. Five subplots (4 m2), four at each corner and center, were set to collect juveniles' data. Individuals of each species and cover abundance were recorded, and adults' stem girth was measured. Hierarchical cluster analysis was used to identify plant communities. A Kruskal-Wallis followed by Tukey's honestly significant difference test was performed to check the statistical significance among the plant communities. Shannon-Wiener diversity index, equitability index, and non-parametric species richness estimators were used to quantify species diversity, evenness, and richness, respectively. Structural parameters and size class ratios were used to analyze the vegetation structure and regeneration status. Seventy wood species, distributed in 62 genera and 38 families, were recorded. Fabaceae was the most species-rich (10 species) family. Three plant communities were identified. A Kruskal-Wallis test indicated that the community types showed significant differences (P < 0.05) with respect to altitude and slope. The density and basal area of the forest were 4580.4 ha-1 and 35.18 m2ha-1 respectively. The inverted J-shaped pattern in DBH classes implies a good reproduction status. However, importance value index and regeneration status analyses revealed that certain species, like Astropanax abyssinicum (Hochst. ex. A. Rich) Seem, Myrica salicifolia Hochst. ex. A. Rich and Dombeya torrida (G.F.Gmel) Bamps, require conservation priority.
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Cheng Z, Zhang Y, Liu W, ZhenyuZhong, Bai J, Cheng K, Feng C, Wang L, Zhang Y, Yi H, Guo Q, Zhang Q, Zhang P. Population dynamics and the role of protected areas in China's milu deer (Elaphurus davidianus) rewilding. Sci Rep 2025; 15:188. [PMID: 39747309 PMCID: PMC11697174 DOI: 10.1038/s41598-024-84456-3] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/28/2024] [Accepted: 12/23/2024] [Indexed: 01/04/2025] Open
Abstract
Protected areas are refugia for wildlife and play a crucial role in biodiversity conservation, especially in the restoration of rare and endangered species. However, little attention has been paid to the long-term contribution of protected areas to rare species population rejuvenation. To identify the population growth of milu deer (Elaphurus davidianus)in protected areas and unprotected areas, we fitted the population dynamics curve of reintroduced free-ranging and wild populations based on long-term monitoring data in four protected areas: Jiangsu Dafeng Milu National Nature Reserve, Hubei Shishou Milu National Nature Reserve, Hunan East Dongting Lake National Nature Reserve, and Jiangxi Poyang Lake area. We also examined population dynamics in two unprotected areas: Yangbotan wetland and Sanheyuan wetland in Shishou County, Hubei province. We analyzed the habitat characteristics (coastal marshy wetland, riverine wetlands, and lake wetlands)in all these areas. The results showed that: (1) population growth in Dafeng, Shishou, Dongting, Sanheyuan and Yangbotan all followed an S-curve (p < 0.001); while population growth around Poyang Lake was linear (p < 0.001); (2) the population growth rate of Yangbotan wetland was significantly higher than that of Dongting Nature Reserve (p < 0.05); and (3) the two unprotected areas, Yangbotan and Sanheyuan wetlands, are important for the conservation of milu, as they have been facing the threats of urbanization and fragmentation in recent years. Our studies indicate that long-term conservation in protected areas has played an irreplaceable role in the reconstruction and rejuvenation of wild populations of milu deer over the past 30 years, and multiple reintroductions are an effective way to quickly restore wild milu populations in China.
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Affiliation(s)
- Zhibin Cheng
- College of Wildlife and Protected Areas, Northeast Forestry University, Harbin, 150040, China
- Beijing Milu Ecological Research Center, Beijing, 100076, China
- Beijing Biodiversity Conservation Research Center, Beijing, 100076, China
| | - Yuanyuan Zhang
- Beijing Milu Ecological Research Center, Beijing, 100076, China
- Beijing Biodiversity Conservation Research Center, Beijing, 100076, China
| | - Wei Liu
- College of Wildlife and Protected Areas, Northeast Forestry University, Harbin, 150040, China
| | - ZhenyuZhong
- Beijing Milu Ecological Research Center, Beijing, 100076, China
- Beijing Biodiversity Conservation Research Center, Beijing, 100076, China
| | - Jiade Bai
- Beijing Milu Ecological Research Center, Beijing, 100076, China.
- Beijing Biodiversity Conservation Research Center, Beijing, 100076, China.
| | - Kun Cheng
- College of Wildlife and Protected Areas, Northeast Forestry University, Harbin, 150040, China.
| | - Chengmiao Feng
- Beijing Milu Ecological Research Center, Beijing, 100076, China
- Beijing Biodiversity Conservation Research Center, Beijing, 100076, China
| | - Libo Wang
- Jiangsu Dafeng Milu National Nature Reserve, Yancheng, 224136, China
| | - Yuming Zhang
- Hubei Shishou Milu National Nature Reserve, Shishou434407, China
| | - Hongxin Yi
- Hubei Shishou Milu National Nature Reserve, Shishou434407, China
| | - Qingyun Guo
- Beijing Milu Ecological Research Center, Beijing, 100076, China
- Beijing Biodiversity Conservation Research Center, Beijing, 100076, China
| | - Qingxun Zhang
- Beijing Milu Ecological Research Center, Beijing, 100076, China
- Beijing Biodiversity Conservation Research Center, Beijing, 100076, China
| | - Pan Zhang
- Beijing Milu Ecological Research Center, Beijing, 100076, China
- Beijing Biodiversity Conservation Research Center, Beijing, 100076, China
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Huang K, Brandt M, Hiernaux P, Tucker CJ, Rasmussen LV, Reiner F, Li S, Kariryaa A, Mugabowindekwe M, den Braber B, Small J, Sino S, Fensholt R. Mapping every adult baobab (Adansonia digitata L.) across the Sahel and relationships to rural livelihoods. Nat Ecol Evol 2024; 8:1632-1640. [PMID: 39054350 DOI: 10.1038/s41559-024-02483-9] [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: 08/07/2023] [Accepted: 05/24/2024] [Indexed: 07/27/2024]
Abstract
The baobab tree (Adansonia digitata L.) is an integral part of rural livelihoods throughout the African continent. However, the combined effects of climate change and increasing global demand for baobab products are currently exerting pressure on the sustainable utilization of these resources. Here we use sub-metre-resolution satellite imagery to identify the presence of nearly 2.8 million (underestimation bias 27.1%) baobab trees in the Sahel, a dryland region of 2.4 million km2. This achievement is considered an essential step towards an improved management and monitoring system of valuable woody species. Using Senegal as a case country, we find that 94% of rural buildings have at least one baobab tree in their immediate surroundings and that the abundance of baobabs is associated with a higher likelihood of people consuming a highly nutritious food group: dark green leafy vegetables. The generated database showcases the feasibility of mapping the location of single tree species at a sub-continental scale, providing vital information in times when deforestation and climate change cause the extinction of numerous tree species.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ke Huang
- Department of Geosciences and Natural Resource Management, University of Copenhagen, Copenhagen, Denmark.
- Department of Food and Resource Economics, University of Copenhagen, Copenhagen, Denmark.
| | - Martin Brandt
- Department of Geosciences and Natural Resource Management, University of Copenhagen, Copenhagen, Denmark.
- Science Systems and Applications, Inc., NASA Goddard Space Flight Center, Greenbelt, MD, USA.
| | - Pierre Hiernaux
- Science Systems and Applications, Inc., NASA Goddard Space Flight Center, Greenbelt, MD, USA
- Pastoralisme Conseil, Caylus, France
| | - Compton J Tucker
- Earth Science Division, NASA Goddard Space Flight Center, Greenbelt, MD, USA
| | - Laura Vang Rasmussen
- Department of Geosciences and Natural Resource Management, University of Copenhagen, Copenhagen, Denmark
| | - Florian Reiner
- Department of Geosciences and Natural Resource Management, University of Copenhagen, Copenhagen, Denmark
| | - Sizhuo Li
- Department of Geosciences and Natural Resource Management, University of Copenhagen, Copenhagen, Denmark
- Département Sciences de la terre et de l'univers, espace, Université Paris-Saclay, Paris, France
| | - Ankit Kariryaa
- Department of Geosciences and Natural Resource Management, University of Copenhagen, Copenhagen, Denmark
- Science Systems and Applications, Inc., NASA Goddard Space Flight Center, Greenbelt, MD, USA
- Department of Computer Science, University of Copenhagen, Copenhagen, Denmark
| | - Maurice Mugabowindekwe
- Department of Geosciences and Natural Resource Management, University of Copenhagen, Copenhagen, Denmark
| | - Bowy den Braber
- Department of Geosciences and Natural Resource Management, University of Copenhagen, Copenhagen, Denmark
| | - Jennifer Small
- Science Systems and Applications, Inc., NASA Goddard Space Flight Center, Greenbelt, MD, USA
- Earth Science Division, NASA Goddard Space Flight Center, Greenbelt, MD, USA
| | - Scott Sino
- Science Systems and Applications, Inc., NASA Goddard Space Flight Center, Greenbelt, MD, USA
- Earth Science Division, NASA Goddard Space Flight Center, Greenbelt, MD, USA
| | - Rasmus Fensholt
- Department of Geosciences and Natural Resource Management, University of Copenhagen, Copenhagen, Denmark
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Bangay G, Brauning FZ, Rosatella A, Díaz-Lanza AM, Domínguez-Martín EM, Goncalves B, Hussein AA, Efferth T, Rijo P. Anticancer diterpenes of African natural products: Mechanistic pathways and preclinical developments. PHYTOMEDICINE : INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF PHYTOTHERAPY AND PHYTOPHARMACOLOGY 2024; 129:155634. [PMID: 38718637 DOI: 10.1016/j.phymed.2024.155634] [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: 01/04/2024] [Revised: 03/07/2024] [Accepted: 04/11/2024] [Indexed: 05/30/2024]
Abstract
BACKGROUND The African continent is home to five biodiversity hotspots, boasting an immense wealth of medicinal flora, fungi and marine life. Diterpenes extracted from such natural products have compelling cytotoxic activities that warrant further exploration for the drug market, particularly in cancer therapy, where mortality rates remain elevated worldwide. PURPOSE To demonstrate the potential of African natural products on the global stage for cancer therapy development and provide an in-depth analysis of the current literature on the activity of cancer cytotoxic diterpenes from African natural sources (to our knowledge, the first of its kind); not only to reveal the most promising candidates for clinical development, but to demonstrate the importance of preserving the threatened ecosystems of Africa. METHODS A comprehensive search by means of the PRISMA strategy was conducted using electronic databases, namely Web of Science, PubMed, Google Scholar and ScienceDirect. The search terms employed were 'diterpene & mechanism & cancer' and 'diterpene & clinical & cancer'. The selection process involved assessing titles in English, Portuguese and Spanish, adhering to predefined eligibility criteria. The timeframe for inclusion spanned from 2010 to 2023, resulting in 218 relevant papers. Chemical structures were visualized using ChemDraw 21.0, PubChem was utilized to search for CID numbers. RESULTS Despite being one of the richest biodiverse zones in the world, African natural products are proportionally underreported compared to Asian countries or otherwise. The diterpenes andrographolide (Andrographis paniculata), forskolin (Coleus forskohlii), ent-kauranes from Isodon spp., euphosorophane A (Euphorbia sororia), cafestol & kahweol (Coffea spp.), macrocylic jolkinol D derivatives (Euphorbia piscatoria) and cyathane erinacine A (Hericium erinaceus) illustrated the most encouraging data for further cancer therapy exploration and development. CONCLUSIONS Diterpenes from African natural products have the potential to be economically significant active pharmaceutical and medicinal ingredients, specifically focussed on anticancer therapeutics.
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Affiliation(s)
- Gabrielle Bangay
- Center for Research in Biosciences & Health Technologies (CBIOS), Universidade Lusófona de Humanidades e Tecnologias, Campo Grande 376, 1749-024 Lisboa, Portugal; Universidad de Alcalá de Henares. Facultad de Farmacia, Departamento de Ciencias Biomédicas (Área de Farmacología; Nuevos agentes antitumorales, Acción tóxica sobre células leucémicas). Ctra. Madrid-Barcelona km. 33,600 28805 Alcalá de Henares, Madrid, España
| | - Florencia Z Brauning
- Center for Research in Biosciences & Health Technologies (CBIOS), Universidade Lusófona de Humanidades e Tecnologias, Campo Grande 376, 1749-024 Lisboa, Portugal
| | - Andreia Rosatella
- Center for Research in Biosciences & Health Technologies (CBIOS), Universidade Lusófona de Humanidades e Tecnologias, Campo Grande 376, 1749-024 Lisboa, Portugal
| | - Ana María Díaz-Lanza
- Universidad de Alcalá de Henares. Facultad de Farmacia, Departamento de Ciencias Biomédicas (Área de Farmacología; Nuevos agentes antitumorales, Acción tóxica sobre células leucémicas). Ctra. Madrid-Barcelona km. 33,600 28805 Alcalá de Henares, Madrid, España
| | - Eva María Domínguez-Martín
- Center for Research in Biosciences & Health Technologies (CBIOS), Universidade Lusófona de Humanidades e Tecnologias, Campo Grande 376, 1749-024 Lisboa, Portugal; Universidad de Alcalá de Henares. Facultad de Farmacia, Departamento de Ciencias Biomédicas (Área de Farmacología; Nuevos agentes antitumorales, Acción tóxica sobre células leucémicas). Ctra. Madrid-Barcelona km. 33,600 28805 Alcalá de Henares, Madrid, España
| | - Bruno Goncalves
- Instituto de Investigação do Medicamento (iMed.ULisboa), Faculdade de Farmácia, Universidade de Lisboa, 1649-003 Lisboa, Portugal
| | - Ahmed A Hussein
- Chemistry Department, Cape Peninsula University of Technology, Symphony Rd., Bellville 7535, South Africa
| | - Thomas Efferth
- Department of Pharmaceutical Biology, Institute of Pharmaceutical and Biomedical Sciences, Johannes Gutenberg University, Mainz, Germany
| | - Patricia Rijo
- Center for Research in Biosciences & Health Technologies (CBIOS), Universidade Lusófona de Humanidades e Tecnologias, Campo Grande 376, 1749-024 Lisboa, Portugal; Instituto de Investigação do Medicamento (iMed.ULisboa), Faculdade de Farmácia, Universidade de Lisboa, 1649-003 Lisboa, Portugal.
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Wan Q, Du S, Chen Y, Li F, Salah R, Njenga MN, Li J, Wang S. Ecological Niche Differentiation and Response to Climate Change of the African Endemic Family Myrothamnaceae. PLANTS (BASEL, SWITZERLAND) 2024; 13:1544. [PMID: 38891352 PMCID: PMC11174921 DOI: 10.3390/plants13111544] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/22/2024] [Revised: 05/29/2024] [Accepted: 05/29/2024] [Indexed: 06/21/2024]
Abstract
Studying the ecological niches of species and their responses to climate change can provide better conservation strategies for these species. Myrothamnaceae is endemic to Africa, comprising only two species that belong to Myrothamnus (M. flabellifolius and M. moschatus). These closely related species exhibit allopatric distributions, positioning them as ideal materials for studying the species ecological adaptation. This study explores the ecological niche differentiation between M. flabellifolius and M. moschatus and their response capabilities to future climate change. The results indicate that M. flabellifolius and M. moschatus have undergone niche differentiation. The main drivers of niche differences are the minimum temperature of the coldest month (Bio6) for M. flabellifolius, precipitation of the driest month (Bio14), and precipitation of the coldest quarter (Bio19) for M. moschatus. M. flabellifolius demonstrated a stronger adaptation to environments characterized by lower precipitation, relatively lower temperatures, and greater annual temperature variations compared to M. moschatus. Under future climate scenarios (SSP5-8.5, 2081-2100 years), the results show that approximately 85% of the total suitable habitat for M. flabellifolius will be lost, with an 85% reduction in high-suitability areas and almost complete loss of the original mid-low suitability areas. Concurrently, about 29% of the total suitable habitat for M. moschatus will be lost, with a 34% reduction in high suitability areas and roughly 60% of the original mid-low suitability areas becoming unsuitable. This suggests that M. flabellifolius will face greater threats under future climate change. This study contributes novel insight into niche differentiation in Myrothamnaceae and provides useful information for the conservation of this distinctive African lineage.
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Affiliation(s)
- Qisong Wan
- Hubei Key Laboratory of Biologic Resources Protection and Utilization, Hubei Minzu University, Enshi 445000, China; (Q.W.); (Y.C.)
| | - Shenglan Du
- Key Laboratory of Plant Germplasm Enhancement and Specialty Agriculture, Wuhan Botanical Garden, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Wuhan 430074, China; (S.D.); (F.L.); (R.S.); (M.N.N.)
- Center of Conservation Biology, Core Botanical Gardens, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Wuhan 430074, China
- School of Ecology and Environment, Tibet University, Lhasa 850000, China
| | - Yu Chen
- Hubei Key Laboratory of Biologic Resources Protection and Utilization, Hubei Minzu University, Enshi 445000, China; (Q.W.); (Y.C.)
| | - Feng Li
- Key Laboratory of Plant Germplasm Enhancement and Specialty Agriculture, Wuhan Botanical Garden, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Wuhan 430074, China; (S.D.); (F.L.); (R.S.); (M.N.N.)
- Center of Conservation Biology, Core Botanical Gardens, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Wuhan 430074, China
- University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing 100049, China
| | - Radwa Salah
- Key Laboratory of Plant Germplasm Enhancement and Specialty Agriculture, Wuhan Botanical Garden, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Wuhan 430074, China; (S.D.); (F.L.); (R.S.); (M.N.N.)
- Center of Conservation Biology, Core Botanical Gardens, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Wuhan 430074, China
- University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing 100049, China
| | - Maxwell Njoroge Njenga
- Key Laboratory of Plant Germplasm Enhancement and Specialty Agriculture, Wuhan Botanical Garden, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Wuhan 430074, China; (S.D.); (F.L.); (R.S.); (M.N.N.)
- Center of Conservation Biology, Core Botanical Gardens, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Wuhan 430074, China
- University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing 100049, China
| | - Jitao Li
- Hubei Key Laboratory of Biologic Resources Protection and Utilization, Hubei Minzu University, Enshi 445000, China; (Q.W.); (Y.C.)
| | - Shengwei Wang
- Key Laboratory of Plant Germplasm Enhancement and Specialty Agriculture, Wuhan Botanical Garden, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Wuhan 430074, China; (S.D.); (F.L.); (R.S.); (M.N.N.)
- Center of Conservation Biology, Core Botanical Gardens, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Wuhan 430074, China
- Sino-Africa Joint Research Center, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Wuhan 430074, China
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Keith DA, Ghoraba SMM, Kaly E, Jones KR, Oosthuizen A, Obura D, Costa HM, Daniels F, Duarte E, Grantham H, Gudka M, Norman J, Shannon LJ, Skowno A, Ferrer-Paris JR. Contributions of the IUCN Red List of Ecosystems to risk-based design and management of protected and conserved areas in Africa. CONSERVATION BIOLOGY : THE JOURNAL OF THE SOCIETY FOR CONSERVATION BIOLOGY 2024; 38:e14169. [PMID: 37650432 DOI: 10.1111/cobi.14169] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/07/2023] [Revised: 07/26/2023] [Accepted: 08/08/2023] [Indexed: 09/01/2023]
Abstract
Protected and conserved areas (PCAs) are key ecosystem management tools for conserving biodiversity and sustaining ecosystem services and social cobenefits. As countries adopt a 30% target for protection of land and sea under the Global Biodiversity Framework of the United Nations Convention on Biological Diversity, a critical question emerging is, which 30%? A risk-based answer to this question is that the 30% that returns the greatest reductions in risks of species extinction and ecosystem collapse should be protected. The International Union for Conservation of Nature (IUCN) Red List protocols provide practical methods for assessing these risks. All species, including humans, depend on the integrity of ecosystems for their well-being and survival. Africa is strategically important for ecosystem management due to convergence of high ecosystem diversity, intense pressures, and high levels of human dependency on nature. We reviewed the outcomes (e.g., applications of ecosystem red-list assessments to protected-area design, conservation planning, and management) of a symposium at the inaugural African Protected Areas Congress convened to discuss roles of the IUCN Red List of Ecosystems in the design and management of PCAs. Recent progress was made in ecosystem assessment, with 920 ecosystem types assessed against the IUCN Red List criteria across 21 countries. Although these ecosystems spanned a diversity of environments across the continent, the greatest thematic gaps were for freshwater, marine, and subterranean realms, and large geographic gaps existed in North Africa and parts of West and East Africa. Assessment projects were implemented by a diverse community of government agencies, nongovernmental organizations, and researchers. The assessments have influenced policy and management by informing extensions to and management of formal protected area networks supporting decision-making for sustainable development, and informing ecosystem conservation and threat abatement within boundaries of PCAs and in surrounding landscapes and seascapes. We recommend further integration of risk assessments in environmental policy and enhanced investment in ecosystem red-list assessment to fill current gaps.
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Affiliation(s)
- David A Keith
- Centre for Ecosystem Science, University of New South Wales, Sydney, New South Wales, Australia
- IUCN Commission on Ecosystem Management, Gland, Switzerland
| | | | - Eric Kaly
- Laboratory of Plant Ecology and Eco-hydrology, Department of Plant Biology, Cheikh Anta Diop University, Dakar, Senegal
| | - Kendall R Jones
- Global Conservation Program, Wildlife Conservation Society, Bronx, New York, USA
| | - Ané Oosthuizen
- South African National Parks, Cape Town, South Africa
- The Nature Conservancy, Cape Town, South Africa
| | - David Obura
- CORDIO, Coastal Oceans Research and Development - Indian Ocean, Mombasa, Kenya
| | - Hugo M Costa
- Global Conservation Program, Wildlife Conservation Society, Bronx, New York, USA
| | | | - Eleutério Duarte
- Global Conservation Program, Wildlife Conservation Society, Bronx, New York, USA
| | - Hedley Grantham
- Centre for Ecosystem Science, University of New South Wales, Sydney, New South Wales, Australia
- Global Conservation Program, Wildlife Conservation Society, Bronx, New York, USA
| | - Mishal Gudka
- CORDIO, Coastal Oceans Research and Development - Indian Ocean, Mombasa, Kenya
- Centre for Integrative Ecology, Deakin University, Melbourne, Victoria, Australia
| | - Juliet Norman
- Centre for Environmental Policy, Imperial Collage London, London, UK
| | - Lynne J Shannon
- Department of Biological Sciences, University of Cape Town, Cape Town, South Africa
| | - Andrew Skowno
- Department of Biological Sciences, University of Cape Town, Cape Town, South Africa
- South African National Biodiversity Institute, Cape Town, South Africa
| | - José R Ferrer-Paris
- Centre for Ecosystem Science, University of New South Wales, Sydney, New South Wales, Australia
- IUCN Commission on Ecosystem Management, Gland, Switzerland
- UNSW Data Science Hub, University of New South Wales, Sydney, New South Wales, Australia
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8
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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.
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Affiliation(s)
| | | | - Maria Panitsa
- Laboratory of Botany, Department of Biology, University of Patras, 26504 Patras, Greece; (K.K.); (I.C.)
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9
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de Lima RAF, Dauby G, de Gasper AL, Fernandez EP, Vibrans AC, Oliveira AAD, Prado PI, Souza VC, F de Siqueira M, Ter Steege H. Comprehensive conservation assessments reveal high extinction risks across Atlantic Forest trees. Science 2024; 383:219-225. [PMID: 38207046 DOI: 10.1126/science.abq5099] [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: 04/12/2022] [Accepted: 12/05/2023] [Indexed: 01/13/2024]
Abstract
Biodiversity is declining globally, yet many biodiversity hotspots still lack comprehensive species conservation assessments. Using multiple International Union for Conservation of Nature (IUCN) Red List criteria to evaluate extinction risks and millions of herbarium and forest inventory records, we present automated conservation assessments for all tree species of the Atlantic Forest biodiversity hotspot, including ~1100 heretofore unassessed species. About 65% of all species and 82% of endemic species are classified as threatened. We rediscovered five species classified as Extinct on the IUCN Red List and identified 13 endemics as possibly extinct. Uncertainties in species information had little influence on the assessments, but using fewer Red List criteria severely underestimated threat levels. We suggest that the conservation status of tropical forests worldwide is worse than previously reported.
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Affiliation(s)
- Renato A F de Lima
- Tropical Botany, Naturalis Biodiversity Center, Darwinweg 2, 2333 CR Leiden, Netherlands
- Departamento de Ciências Biológicas, ESALQ, Universidade de São Paulo, Avenida Pádua Dias, 11, 13418-900 Piracicaba, Brazil
| | - Gilles Dauby
- Botanique et Modélisation de l'Architecture des Plantes et des Végétations (AMAP), Université de Montpellier, IRD, CNRS, INRAE, CIRAD, Montpellier, France
| | - André L de Gasper
- Departamento de Ciências Naturais, Universidade Regional de Blumenau, Rua Antônio da Veiga, 140, 89030-903 Blumenau, Brazil
| | - Eduardo P Fernandez
- Centro Nacional de Conservação da Flora (IUCN SSC Brazil Plant Red List Authority), Instituto de Pesquisas Jardim Botânico do Rio de Janeiro, Rua Pacheco Leão, 915, 22460-030 Rio de Janeiro, Brazil
| | - Alexander C Vibrans
- Departamento de Engenharia Florestal, Universidade Regional de Blumenau, Rua São Paulo, 3250, 89030-000 Blumenau, Brazil
| | - Alexandre A de Oliveira
- Departamento de Ecologia, Instituto de Biociências, Universidade de São Paulo, Rua do Matão, trav. 14, 321, 05508-090 São Paulo, Brazil
| | - Paulo I Prado
- Departamento de Ecologia, Instituto de Biociências, Universidade de São Paulo, Rua do Matão, trav. 14, 321, 05508-090 São Paulo, Brazil
| | - Vinícius C Souza
- Departamento de Ciências Biológicas, ESALQ, Universidade de São Paulo, Avenida Pádua Dias, 11, 13418-900 Piracicaba, Brazil
| | - Marinez F de Siqueira
- Centro Nacional de Conservação da Flora (IUCN SSC Brazil Plant Red List Authority), Instituto de Pesquisas Jardim Botânico do Rio de Janeiro, Rua Pacheco Leão, 915, 22460-030 Rio de Janeiro, Brazil
- Departamento de Biologia, Pontifícia Universidade Católica do Rio de Janeiro, Rua Marquês de São Vicente 225, 22451-900 Rio de Janeiro, Brazil
| | - Hans Ter Steege
- Tropical Botany, Naturalis Biodiversity Center, Darwinweg 2, 2333 CR Leiden, Netherlands
- Quantitative Biodiversity Dynamics, Department of Biology, Utrecht University, 3584 CS Utrecht, Netherlands
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10
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Lyra ML, Kirchhof S, Goutte S, Kassie A, Boissinot S. Crossing the Rift valley: using complete mitogenomes to infer the diversification and biogeographic history of ethiopian highlands Ptychadena (anura: Ptychadenidae). Front Genet 2023; 14:1215715. [PMID: 37600664 PMCID: PMC10434514 DOI: 10.3389/fgene.2023.1215715] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/02/2023] [Accepted: 07/03/2023] [Indexed: 08/22/2023] Open
Abstract
The Ethiopian Highlands are considered a biodiversity hotspot, harboring a high number of endemic species. Some of the endemic species probably diversified in situ; this is, for example, the case of a monophyletic clade containing 12 known species of grass frogs of the genus Ptychadena. The different species occur at elevations ranging from 1,500 to above 3,400 m and constitute excellent models to study the process of diversification in the highlands as well as adaptations to high elevations. In this study, we sampled 294 specimens across the distribution of this clade and used complete mitogenomes and genome-wide SNP data to better understand how landscape features influenced the population structure and dispersal of these grass frogs across time and space. Using phylogenetic inference, population structure analyses, and biogeographic reconstructions, we found that the species complex probably first diversified on the south-east side of the Great Rift Valley. Later on, species dispersed to the north-west side, where more recent diversification occurred. We further demonstrate that Ptychadena species have dispersed across the Great Rift Valley at different times. Our analyses allowed for a more complete understanding of the contribution of geological events, biogeographic barriers and climatic changes as drivers of species diversification and adaptation in this important biogeographic region.
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Affiliation(s)
- M. L. Lyra
- New York University Abu Dhabi, Abu Dhabi, United Arab Emirates
| | - S. Kirchhof
- New York University Abu Dhabi, Abu Dhabi, United Arab Emirates
| | - S. Goutte
- New York University Abu Dhabi, Abu Dhabi, United Arab Emirates
| | - A. Kassie
- Animal Biodiversity Directorate, Ethiopian Biodiversity Institute, Addis Ababa, Ethiopia
- Department of Zoological Sciences, College of Natural and Computational Sciences, Addis Ababa University, Addis Ababa, Ethiopia
| | - S. Boissinot
- New York University Abu Dhabi, Abu Dhabi, United Arab Emirates
- Center for Genomics and Systems Biology, New York University Abu Dhabi, Abu Dhabi, United Arab Emirates
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11
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Casas-Gallego M, Hahn K, Neumann K, Demissew S, Schmidt M, Bodin SC, Bruch AA. Cooling-induced expansions of Afromontane forests in the Horn of Africa since the Last Glacial Maximum. Sci Rep 2023; 13:10323. [PMID: 37365263 DOI: 10.1038/s41598-023-37135-8] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/04/2022] [Accepted: 06/16/2023] [Indexed: 06/28/2023] Open
Abstract
Understanding the changing plant ecosystems that existed in East Africa over the past millennia is crucial for identifying links between habitats and past human adaptation and dispersal across the region. In the Horn of Africa, this task is hampered by the scarcity of fossil botanical data. Here we present modelled past vegetation distributions in Ethiopia from the Last Glacial Maximum (LGM) to present at high spatial and temporal resolution. The simulations show that, contrary to long-standing hypotheses, the area covered by Afromontane forests during the Late Glacial was significantly larger than at present. The combined effect of low temperatures and the relative rainfall contribution sourced from the Congo Basin and Indian Ocean, emerges as the mechanism that controlled the migration of Afromontane forests to lower elevations. This process may have enabled the development of continuous forest corridors connecting populations that are currently isolated in mountainous areas over the African continent. Starting with the Holocene, the expansion of forests began to reverse. This decline intensified over the second half of the Holocene leading to a retreat of the forests to higher elevations where they are restricted today. The simulations are consistent with proxy data derived from regional pollen records and provide a key environmental and conceptual framework for human environmental adaptation research.
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Affiliation(s)
- Manuel Casas-Gallego
- Institute of Ecology, Diversity and Evolution, Goethe University Frankfurt, Frankfurt am Main, Germany.
- Department of Geodynamics, Stratigraphy and Paleontology, Complutense University of Madrid, Madrid, Spain.
| | - Karen Hahn
- Institute of Ecology, Diversity and Evolution, Goethe University Frankfurt, Frankfurt am Main, Germany
| | - Katharina Neumann
- Department of Paleoanthropology, Senckenberg Research Institute, Frankfurt am Main, Germany
| | - Sebsebe Demissew
- National Herbarium of Ethiopia, Addis Ababa University, Addis Ababa, Ethiopia
| | - Marco Schmidt
- Palmengarten der Stadt Frankfurt am Main, Frankfurt am Main, Germany
| | - Stéphanie C Bodin
- Department of Geodynamics, Stratigraphy and Paleontology, Complutense University of Madrid, Madrid, Spain
| | - Angela A Bruch
- Research Centre "The role of culture in early expansions of humans" of the Heidelberg Academy of Sciences and Humanities, Senckenberg Research Institute, Frankfurt am Main, Germany
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12
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Tafesse B, Bekele T, Demissew S, Dullo BW, Nemomissa S, Chala D. Conservation implications of mapping the potential distribution of an Ethiopian endemic versatile medicinal plant, Echinops kebericho Mesfin. Ecol Evol 2023; 13:e10061. [PMID: 37168986 PMCID: PMC10164648 DOI: 10.1002/ece3.10061] [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: 03/05/2023] [Revised: 04/08/2023] [Accepted: 04/22/2023] [Indexed: 05/13/2023] Open
Abstract
Echinops kebericho is a narrow-range multipurpose medicinal plant confined to Ethiopia. Intense land use change and overharvesting for traditional medicine have resulted in narrow distributions of its populations. It is a threatened species with a decreasing population trend. This study aims to map its potential distribution, which is key to guide conservation efforts and sustainable use. We modeled the potential distribution of E. kebercho using the maximum entropy model (MaxEnt) employing 11 less correlated predictor variables by calibrating the model at two complexity levels and replicating each model 10 times using a cross validation technique. We projected the models into the whole of Ethiopia and produced binary presence-absence maps by classifying the average map from both complexity levels applying three threshold criteria and ensembling the resulting maps into one for the final result. We mapped suitable habitat predicted with high certainty and identified local districts where E. kebericho can be cultivated or introduced to enhance its conservation. We estimated that E.kebercho has about 137,925 km2 of suitable habitat, mainly concentrated in the western highlands of the Ethiopian mountains. Our models at both complexity levels had high average performances, AUC values of 0.925 for the complex model and 0.907 for the simpler model. The variations in performance among the 10 model replicates were not remarkable, an AUC standard deviation of 0.040 for complex and 0.046 for simple model. Although E. kebericho is locally confined, our models predicted that it has a remarkably wider potential distribution area. We recommend introducing E. kebericho to these areas to improve its conservation status and tap its multiple benefits on a sustainable basis. Locally confined threatened plants and animals likely have wider potential distributions than their actual distributions and thus similar methodology can be applied for their conservation.
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Affiliation(s)
- Bedilu Tafesse
- Department of Plant Biology and Biodiversity Management, College of Natural SciencesAddis Ababa UniversityAddis AbabaEthiopia
| | - Tamrat Bekele
- Department of Plant Biology and Biodiversity Management, College of Natural SciencesAddis Ababa UniversityAddis AbabaEthiopia
| | - Sebsebe Demissew
- Department of Plant Biology and Biodiversity Management, College of Natural SciencesAddis Ababa UniversityAddis AbabaEthiopia
| | - Bikila Warkineh Dullo
- Department of Plant Biology and Biodiversity Management, College of Natural SciencesAddis Ababa UniversityAddis AbabaEthiopia
| | - Sileshi Nemomissa
- Department of Plant Biology and Biodiversity Management, College of Natural SciencesAddis Ababa UniversityAddis AbabaEthiopia
| | - Desalegn Chala
- Natural History MuseumUniversity of OsloOsloNorway
- Center for Biodiversity Dynamics in a Changing World (BIOCHANGE), Department of BiologyAarhus UniversityAarhus CDenmark
- Section for Ecoinformatics and Biodiversity, Department of BiologyAarhus UniversityAarhus CDenmark
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13
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Cheptoo Rono P, Munyao Mutie F, Kathambi V, Wei N, Muema Watuma B, Nanjala C, Wagutu GK, Kirika PM, Malombe I, Hu GW, Wang QF. An annotated plant checklist of the transboundary volcanic Mt Elgon, East Africa. PHYTOKEYS 2023; 223:1-174. [PMID: 37252062 PMCID: PMC10209612 DOI: 10.3897/phytokeys.223.97401] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/10/2022] [Accepted: 03/02/2023] [Indexed: 05/31/2023]
Abstract
Mt Elgon is an ancient transboundary volcanic mountain found at the Kenya-Uganda boarder possessing high plant diversity. This study documents an updated checklist of the mountain's vascular plants obtained through random-walk field excursions and retrieval of herbarium specimen tracing back to 1900. We compiled 1709 species from 673 genera in 131 families. One new species of the family Cucurbitaceae was also reported. This checklist records respective habitat, habits, elevation ranges, voucher numbers and global distribution ranges of each species. Native and exotic species were also distinguished, where 8.4% of the total species in 49 families were exotic species. There were 103 endemic species, while 14 species were found to be both rare and endemic. IUCN conservation status revealed 2 Critically Endangered, 4 Endangered, 9 Vulnerable and 2 Near Threatened species. This study presents the first and most comprehensive plant inventory of Mt Elgon that will facilitate further ecological and phylogenetic studies.
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Affiliation(s)
- Peninah Cheptoo Rono
- CAS Key Laboratory of Plant Germplasm Enhancement and Specialty Agriculture, Wuhan Botanical Garden, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Wuhan 430074, Hubei, ChinaUniversity of Chinese Academy of SciencesBeijingChina
- University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing 100049, ChinaCAS Key Laboratory of Plant Germplasm Enhancement and Specialty Agriculture, Wuhan Botanical Garden, Chinese Academy of SciencesWuhanChina
- Sino-Africa Joint Research Center, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Wuhan 430074, Hubei, ChinaSino-Africa Joint Research Center, Chinese Academy of SciencesWuhanChina
| | - Fredrick Munyao Mutie
- CAS Key Laboratory of Plant Germplasm Enhancement and Specialty Agriculture, Wuhan Botanical Garden, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Wuhan 430074, Hubei, ChinaUniversity of Chinese Academy of SciencesBeijingChina
- University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing 100049, ChinaCAS Key Laboratory of Plant Germplasm Enhancement and Specialty Agriculture, Wuhan Botanical Garden, Chinese Academy of SciencesWuhanChina
- Sino-Africa Joint Research Center, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Wuhan 430074, Hubei, ChinaSino-Africa Joint Research Center, Chinese Academy of SciencesWuhanChina
| | - Vivian Kathambi
- East African Herbarium, National Museums of Kenya, P.O. Box 45166 00100, Nairobi, KenyaEast African Herbarium, National Museums of KenyaNairobiKenya
| | - Neng Wei
- CAS Key Laboratory of Plant Germplasm Enhancement and Specialty Agriculture, Wuhan Botanical Garden, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Wuhan 430074, Hubei, ChinaUniversity of Chinese Academy of SciencesBeijingChina
- University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing 100049, ChinaCAS Key Laboratory of Plant Germplasm Enhancement and Specialty Agriculture, Wuhan Botanical Garden, Chinese Academy of SciencesWuhanChina
- Sino-Africa Joint Research Center, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Wuhan 430074, Hubei, ChinaSino-Africa Joint Research Center, Chinese Academy of SciencesWuhanChina
| | - Benjamin Muema Watuma
- CAS Key Laboratory of Plant Germplasm Enhancement and Specialty Agriculture, Wuhan Botanical Garden, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Wuhan 430074, Hubei, ChinaUniversity of Chinese Academy of SciencesBeijingChina
- University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing 100049, ChinaCAS Key Laboratory of Plant Germplasm Enhancement and Specialty Agriculture, Wuhan Botanical Garden, Chinese Academy of SciencesWuhanChina
- Sino-Africa Joint Research Center, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Wuhan 430074, Hubei, ChinaSino-Africa Joint Research Center, Chinese Academy of SciencesWuhanChina
| | - Consolata Nanjala
- CAS Key Laboratory of Plant Germplasm Enhancement and Specialty Agriculture, Wuhan Botanical Garden, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Wuhan 430074, Hubei, ChinaUniversity of Chinese Academy of SciencesBeijingChina
- University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing 100049, ChinaCAS Key Laboratory of Plant Germplasm Enhancement and Specialty Agriculture, Wuhan Botanical Garden, Chinese Academy of SciencesWuhanChina
- Sino-Africa Joint Research Center, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Wuhan 430074, Hubei, ChinaSino-Africa Joint Research Center, Chinese Academy of SciencesWuhanChina
| | - Godfrey Kinyori Wagutu
- University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing 100049, ChinaCAS Key Laboratory of Plant Germplasm Enhancement and Specialty Agriculture, Wuhan Botanical Garden, Chinese Academy of SciencesWuhanChina
- Sino-Africa Joint Research Center, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Wuhan 430074, Hubei, ChinaSino-Africa Joint Research Center, Chinese Academy of SciencesWuhanChina
- Key Laboratory of Aquatic Botany and Watershed Ecology, Wuhan Botanical Garden, ChineseAcademy of Sciences, Wuhan, ChinaKey Laboratory of Aquatic Botany and Watershed Ecology, Wuhan Botanical Garden, ChineseAcademy of SciencesWuhanChina
| | - Paul M. Kirika
- East African Herbarium, National Museums of Kenya, P.O. Box 45166 00100, Nairobi, KenyaEast African Herbarium, National Museums of KenyaNairobiKenya
| | - Itambo Malombe
- East African Herbarium, National Museums of Kenya, P.O. Box 45166 00100, Nairobi, KenyaEast African Herbarium, National Museums of KenyaNairobiKenya
| | - Guang-Wan Hu
- CAS Key Laboratory of Plant Germplasm Enhancement and Specialty Agriculture, Wuhan Botanical Garden, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Wuhan 430074, Hubei, ChinaUniversity of Chinese Academy of SciencesBeijingChina
- University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing 100049, ChinaCAS Key Laboratory of Plant Germplasm Enhancement and Specialty Agriculture, Wuhan Botanical Garden, Chinese Academy of SciencesWuhanChina
- Sino-Africa Joint Research Center, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Wuhan 430074, Hubei, ChinaSino-Africa Joint Research Center, Chinese Academy of SciencesWuhanChina
| | - Qing-Feng Wang
- CAS Key Laboratory of Plant Germplasm Enhancement and Specialty Agriculture, Wuhan Botanical Garden, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Wuhan 430074, Hubei, ChinaUniversity of Chinese Academy of SciencesBeijingChina
- University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing 100049, ChinaCAS Key Laboratory of Plant Germplasm Enhancement and Specialty Agriculture, Wuhan Botanical Garden, Chinese Academy of SciencesWuhanChina
- Sino-Africa Joint Research Center, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Wuhan 430074, Hubei, ChinaSino-Africa Joint Research Center, Chinese Academy of SciencesWuhanChina
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14
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Kumeh EM, Ramcilovic-Suominen S. Is the EU shirking responsibility for its deforestation footprint in tropical countries? Power, material, and epistemic inequalities in the EU's global environmental governance. SUSTAINABILITY SCIENCE 2023; 18:599-616. [PMID: 36845358 PMCID: PMC9938692 DOI: 10.1007/s11625-023-01302-7] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/15/2021] [Accepted: 01/31/2023] [Indexed: 06/18/2023]
Abstract
This paper critically examines the European Union's (EU) role in tropical deforestation and the bloc's actions to mitigate it. We focus on two EU policy communications aimed at the challenge: stepping up EU action to protect and restore the world's forests and the EU updated bioeconomy strategy. In addition, we refer to the European Green Deal, which articulates the bloc's overarching vision for sustainability and transformations. We find that by casting deforestation as a production problem and a governance challenge on the supply side, these policies deflect attention from some of the key drivers of tropical deforestation-the EU's overconsumption of deforestation-related commodities and asymmetric market and trade power relations. The diversion allows the EU unfettered access to agro-commodities and biofuels, which are important inputs to the EU's green transition and bio-based economy. Upholding a 'sustainability image' within the EU, an overly business-as-usual approach has taken precedence over transformative policies, enabling multinational corporations to run an ecocide treadmill, rapidly obliterating tropical forests. Whereas the EU's plan to nurture a bioeconomy and promote responsible agro-commodities production in the global South are relevant, the bloc is evasive in setting firm targets and policy measures to overcome the inequalities that spring from and enable its overconsumption of deforestation-related commodities. Drawing on degrowth and decolonial theories, we problematise the EU's anti-deforestation policies and highlight alternative ideas that could lead to more just, equitable and effective measures for confronting the tropical deforestation conundrum.
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Affiliation(s)
- Eric Mensah Kumeh
- Bioeconomy and Environment Unit, Natural Resources Institute Finland, Itäinen Pitkäkatu 4 A, 20520 Turku, Finland
- Leverhulme Centre for Nature Recovery, Environmental Change Institute, School of Geography and Environment, University of Oxford, Oxford, UK
| | - Sabaheta Ramcilovic-Suominen
- Bioeconomy and Environment Unit, Natural Resources Institute Finland, Itäinen Pitkäkatu 4 A, 20520 Turku, Finland
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15
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Walker BE, Leão TCC, Bachman SP, Lucas E, Nic Lughadha E. Evidence-based guidelines for automated conservation assessments of plant species. CONSERVATION BIOLOGY : THE JOURNAL OF THE SOCIETY FOR CONSERVATION BIOLOGY 2023; 37:e13992. [PMID: 36047690 PMCID: PMC10092660 DOI: 10.1111/cobi.13992] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/23/2021] [Revised: 06/30/2022] [Accepted: 08/01/2022] [Indexed: 05/22/2023]
Abstract
Assessing species' extinction risk is vital to setting conservation priorities. However, assessment endeavors, such as those used to produce the IUCN Red List of Threatened Species, have significant gaps in taxonomic coverage. Automated assessment (AA) methods are gaining popularity to fill these gaps. Choices made in developing, using, and reporting results of AA methods could hinder their successful adoption or lead to poor allocation of conservation resources. We explored how choice of data cleaning type and level, taxonomic group, training sample, and automation method affect performance of threat status predictions for plant species. We used occurrences from the Global Biodiversity Information Facility (GBIF) to generate assessments for species in 3 taxonomic groups based on 6 different occurrence-based AA methods. We measured each method's performance and coverage following increasingly stringent occurrence cleaning. Automatically cleaned data from GBIF performed comparably to occurrence records cleaned manually by experts. However, all types of data cleaning limited the coverage of AAs. Overall, machine-learning-based methods performed well across taxa, even with minimal data cleaning. Results suggest a machine-learning-based method applied to minimally cleaned data offers the best compromise between performance and species coverage. However, optimal data cleaning, training sample, and automation methods depend on the study group, intended applications, and expertise.
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Affiliation(s)
| | | | | | - Eve Lucas
- Royal Botanic GardensKewRichmond, Surrey, TW9 3AEUK
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16
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Yilangai RM, Onoja JD, Saha S, Elisha EB, Manu SA, Barshep Y, Molokwu‐Odozi M. Diversity, abundance, and conservation status of woody species in a West African dry forest. CONSERVATION SCIENCE AND PRACTICE 2023. [DOI: 10.1111/csp2.12888] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/25/2023] Open
Affiliation(s)
- Rahila M. Yilangai
- Department of Crop Production University of Jos Jos Nigeria
- A. P. Leventis Ornithological Research Institute University of Jos Biological Conservatory Jos Nigeria
| | - Joseph Daniel Onoja
- A. P. Leventis Ornithological Research Institute University of Jos Biological Conservatory Jos Nigeria
- Nigerian Conservation Foundation Lagos Nigeria
| | - Sonali Saha
- Miami Dade College North and West Campus Doral Florida USA
| | - Emmanuel Barde Elisha
- A. P. Leventis Ornithological Research Institute University of Jos Biological Conservatory Jos Nigeria
| | - Shiiwua A. Manu
- A. P. Leventis Ornithological Research Institute University of Jos Biological Conservatory Jos Nigeria
| | - Yahkat Barshep
- A. P. Leventis Ornithological Research Institute University of Jos Biological Conservatory Jos Nigeria
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17
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Marshall CAM, Dabo J, Mensah M, Ekpe P, Hawthorne WD. Implications for conservation assessment from flux in the botanical record over 20 years in southwest Ghana. Ecol Evol 2023; 13:e9775. [PMID: 36713481 PMCID: PMC9873867 DOI: 10.1002/ece3.9775] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/19/2022] [Revised: 01/05/2023] [Accepted: 01/11/2023] [Indexed: 01/26/2023] Open
Abstract
At best, conservation decisions can only be made using the data available at the time. For plants and especially in the tropics, natural history collections remain the best available baseline information upon which to base conservation assessments, in spite of well-documented limitations in their taxonomic, geographic, and temporal coverage. We explore the extent to which changes to the plant biological record over 20 years have changed our conception of the conservation importance of 931 plant taxa, and 114 vegetation samples, recorded in forest reserves of the southwest Ghana biodiversity hotspot. 36% of species-level assessments changed as a result of new distribution data. 12% of species accepted in 2016 had no assessment in 1996: of those, 20% are new species publications, 60% are new records for SW Ghana, and 20% are taxonomic resolutions. Apparent species ranges have increased over time as new records are made, but new species publications are overwhelmingly of globally rare species, keeping the balance of perceived rarity in the flora constant over 20 years. Thus, in spite of considerable flux at the species record level, range size rarity scores calculated for 114 vegetation samples of the reserves in 1996 and 2016 are highly correlated with each other: r(112) = 0.84, p < .0005, and showed no difference in mean score over 20 years: paired t(113) = -0.482, p = .631. This consistency in results at the area level allows for worthwhile conservation priority setting over time, and we argue is the better course of action than taking no action at all.
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Affiliation(s)
| | | | | | - Patrick Ekpe
- Ghana Herbarium, Department of Plant & Environmental BiologyUniversity of GhanaLegonGhana
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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.
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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
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McClinton JD, Kulpa SM, Grames EM, Leger EA. Field observations and remote assessment identify climate change, recreation, invasive species, and livestock as top threats to critically imperiled rare plants in Nevada. FRONTIERS IN CONSERVATION SCIENCE 2022. [DOI: 10.3389/fcosc.2022.1070490] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/05/2022] Open
Abstract
IntroductionRare plant species comprise >36.5% of the world’s flora and disproportionately support ecosystem function and resilience. However, rare species also lead global plant extinctions, and unique ecological characteristics can make them vulnerable to anthropogenic pressure. Despite their vulnerability, many rare plants receive less monitoring than is needed to inform conservation efforts due to limited capacity for field surveys.MethodsWe used field observations and geospatial data to summarize how 128 imperiled, rare vascular plant species in Nevada are affected by various threats. We assessed correlations between threats predicted by geospatial data and threats observed on the ground and asked how historic and current threats compare.ResultsThe most commonly observed threats were from recreation, invasive and non-native/alien species, and livestock farming and ranching. Threat prevalence varied by elevation (e.g., a greater variety of threats at lower elevations, greater threat from climate change observed at higher elevations) and land management. There was a 28.1% overall correlation between predicted and observed threats, which was stronger for some threats (e.g., development of housing and urban areas, livestock farming and ranching) than others. All species experienced extreme climatic differences during 1990-2020 compared to baseline conditions, with the most extreme change in southern Nevada. The average number of threats observed per occurrence increased by 0.024 each decade.DiscussionWhile geospatial data did not perfectly predict observed threats, many of these occurrences have not been visited in over 30 years, and correlations may be stronger than we were able to detect here. Our approach can be used to help guide proactive monitoring, conservation, and research efforts for vulnerable species.
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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]
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Piloting development of species conservation action plans in Guinea. ORYX 2022. [DOI: 10.1017/s0030605322000138] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/06/2022] Open
Abstract
Abstract
Conservation action plans need to be devised and implemented if we are to reduce the extinction risk faced by globally threatened plants. However, most plant species categorized as threatened globally on the IUCN Red List lack conservation action plans. In West Africa, Guinea is one of the most diverse countries in terms of botanical species. In total, 273 plant species in Guinea have been assessed as being threatened globally, reflecting increasing pressure from the extractive industry and a growing population requiring food and fuel. In parallel with the implementation of an Important Plant Area programme in Guinea, we developed conservation action plans for 20 threatened plant species through a pilot study. We outline the methods we used and demonstrate the importance of adopting a collaborative approach and having up-to-date field information. The need for such plans is urgent, with recent estimates suggesting that one-third of African plants are threatened with extinction. Based on our experience with the first 20 conservation action plans for Guinea species, we suggest that the preparation of multi-species conservation action plans would be an efficient use of the limited resources available for species conservation.
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The likely extinction of hundreds of palm species threatens their contributions to people and ecosystems. Nat Ecol Evol 2022; 6:1710-1722. [PMID: 36163257 DOI: 10.1038/s41559-022-01858-0] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/15/2021] [Accepted: 07/24/2022] [Indexed: 02/07/2023]
Abstract
Protecting nature's contributions to people requires accelerating extinction risk assessment and better integrating evolutionary, functional and used diversity with conservation planning. Here, we report machine learning extinction risk predictions for 1,381 palm species (Arecaceae), a plant family of high socio-economic and ecological importance. We integrate these predictions with published assessments for 508 species (covering 75% of all palm species) and we identify top-priority regions for palm conservation on the basis of their proportion of threatened evolutionarily distinct, functionally distinct and used species. Finally, we explore palm use resilience to identify non-threatened species that could potentially serve as substitutes for threatened used species by providing similar products. We estimate that over a thousand palms (56%) are probably threatened, including 185 species with documented uses. Some regions (New Guinea, Vanuatu and Vietnam) emerge as top ten priorities for conservation only after incorporating machine learning extinction risk predictions. Potential substitutes are identified for 91% of the threatened used species and regional use resilience increases with total palm richness. However, 16 threatened used species lack potential substitutes and 30 regions lack substitutes for at least one of their threatened used palm species. Overall, we show that hundreds of species of this keystone family face extinction, some of them probably irreplaceable, at least locally. This highlights the need for urgent actions to avoid major repercussions on palm-associated ecosystem processes and human livelihoods in the coming decades.
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Couvreur TLP, Dagallier LPMJ, Crozier F, Ghogue JP, Hoekstra PH, Kamdem NG, Johnson DM, Murray NA, Sonké B. Flora of Cameroon - Annonaceae Vol 45. PHYTOKEYS 2022; 207:1-532. [PMID: 36760862 PMCID: PMC9849070 DOI: 10.3897/phytokeys.207.61432] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/28/2020] [Accepted: 06/23/2022] [Indexed: 06/18/2023]
Abstract
Annonaceae is a major pantropical family with 113 genera and about 2550 species. Cameroon is one of the most biodiverse countries in Africa but its flora remains incompletely known. In this volume of the Flora of Cameroon, we describe 166 native taxa representing 163 species in 28 native genera within the family Annonaceae. A total of 22 species (about 13%) are endemic to the country. We provide keys to all native genera, species, and infraspecific taxa. For each species a detailed morphological description and a map of its distribution in Cameroon are provided. Distribution maps and diversity analyses are based on a taxonomically verified database of 2073 collections. Across Africa, Cameroon is a center of diversity for Annonaceae harboring one of the highest numbers of species and genera. For example, Cameroon harbors the highest number of African species for the only pantropical genus of Annonaceae, Xylopia. Annonaceae are found across all 10 administrative regions of Cameroon but diversity is concentrated within the tropical rain forest areas situated in the south and South-West. The areas around Bipindi and Mount Cameroon show the highest levels of diversity, but this is correlated with collection effort. Line drawings and/or photographs accompany most species. One species new to science Uvariopsisetugeana Dagallier & Couvreur sp. nov. is described. We also undertake a number of nomenclatural changes such as lectotypifications, six new synonymies and two new combinations (Uvariaanisotricha (Le Thomas) Couvreur, comb. nov.; Uvariodendronfuscumvar.giganteum (Engl.) Dagallier & Couvreur, comb. nov.).
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Affiliation(s)
- Thomas L. P. Couvreur
- IRD, DIADE, Univ Montpellier, Montpellier, FranceNaturalis Biodiversity CenterLeidenNetherlands
- Université de Yaoundé I, Ecole Normale Supérieure, Département des Sciences Biologiques, Laboratoire de Botanique systématique et d’Ecologie, B.P. 047, Yaoundé, CameroonUniv MontpellierMontpellierFrance
- Naturalis Biodiversity Center, Botany Section, Darwinweg 2, 2333 CR Leiden, NetherlandsUniversité de Yaoundé IYaoundéCameroon
| | | | - Francoise Crozier
- IRD, DIADE, Univ Montpellier, Montpellier, FranceNaturalis Biodiversity CenterLeidenNetherlands
| | - Jean-Paul Ghogue
- Université de Yaoundé I, Ecole Normale Supérieure, Département des Sciences Biologiques, Laboratoire de Botanique systématique et d’Ecologie, B.P. 047, Yaoundé, CameroonUniv MontpellierMontpellierFrance
- Green Connexion, Environmental Group, siège face GP Mélen, à côté de l’immeuble Palais des verres. Yaoundé, CamerounGreen ConnexionYaoundéCameroon
| | - Paul H. Hoekstra
- Naturalis Biodiversity Center, Botany Section, Darwinweg 2, 2333 CR Leiden, NetherlandsUniversité de Yaoundé IYaoundéCameroon
| | - Narcisse G. Kamdem
- Université de Yaoundé I, Ecole Normale Supérieure, Département des Sciences Biologiques, Laboratoire de Botanique systématique et d’Ecologie, B.P. 047, Yaoundé, CameroonUniv MontpellierMontpellierFrance
| | - David M. Johnson
- Department of Botany-Microbiology, Ohio Wesleyan University, Delaware, OH, 43015, USAOhio Wesleyan UniversityDelawareUnited States of America
| | - Nancy A. Murray
- Department of Botany-Microbiology, Ohio Wesleyan University, Delaware, OH, 43015, USAOhio Wesleyan UniversityDelawareUnited States of America
| | - Bonaventure Sonké
- Université de Yaoundé I, Ecole Normale Supérieure, Département des Sciences Biologiques, Laboratoire de Botanique systématique et d’Ecologie, B.P. 047, Yaoundé, CameroonUniv MontpellierMontpellierFrance
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Tack W, Engledow H, Veríssimo Pereira N, Amani C, Bachman SP, Barberá P, Beentje HJ, Bouka GUD, Cheek M, Cosiaux A, Dauby G, De Block P, Ewango CEN, Fischer E, Gereau RE, Hargreaves S, Harvey-Brown Y, Ikabanga DU, Ilunga wa Ilunga E, Kalema J, Kamau P, Lachenaud O, Luke Q, Mwanga Mwanga I, Ndolo Ebika ST, Nkengurutse J, Nsanzurwimo A, Ntore S, Richards SL, Shutsha Ehata R, Simo-Droissart M, Stévart T, Sosef MSM. The ECAT dataset: expert-validated distribution data of endemic and sub-endemic trees of Central Africa (Dem. Rep. Congo, Rwanda, Burundi). PHYTOKEYS 2022; 206:137-151. [PMID: 36761267 PMCID: PMC9849015 DOI: 10.3897/phytokeys.206.77379] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/01/2021] [Accepted: 08/15/2022] [Indexed: 06/18/2023]
Abstract
In this data paper, we present a specimen-based occurrence dataset compiled in the framework of the Conservation of Endemic Central African Trees (ECAT) project with the aim of producing global conservation assessments for the IUCN Red List. The project targets all tree species endemic or sub-endemic to the Central African region comprising the Democratic Republic of the Congo (DR Congo), Rwanda, and Burundi. The dataset contains 6361 plant collection records with occurrences of 8910 specimens from 337 taxa belonging to 153 genera in 52 families. Many of these tree taxa have restricted geographic ranges and are only known from a small number of herbarium specimens. As assessments for such taxa can be compromised by inadequate data, we transcribed and geo-referenced specimen label information to obtain a more accurate and complete locality dataset. All specimen data were manually cleaned and verified by botanical experts, resulting in improved data quality and consistency.
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Affiliation(s)
- Wesley Tack
- Meise Botanic Garden, Nieuwelaan 38, 1860 Meise, BelgiumMeise Botanic GardenMeiseBelgium
| | - Henry Engledow
- Meise Botanic Garden, Nieuwelaan 38, 1860 Meise, BelgiumMeise Botanic GardenMeiseBelgium
| | - Nuno Veríssimo Pereira
- Meise Botanic Garden, Nieuwelaan 38, 1860 Meise, BelgiumMeise Botanic GardenMeiseBelgium
| | - Christian Amani
- Université Officielle de Bukavu, Bukavu, Democratic Republic of the CongoIUCN SSC Eastern African Plant Red List Authority (EAPRLA)GlandSwitzerland
- IUCN SSC Eastern African Plant Red List Authority (EAPRLA), Gland, SwitzerlandUniversité Officielle de BukavuBukavuDemocratic Republic of the Congo
| | - Steven P. Bachman
- Royal Botanic Gardens, Kew, Richmond, Surrey, UKRoyal Botanic GardensRichmondUnited Kingdom
| | - Patricia Barberá
- Missouri Botanical Garden, Africa & Madagascar Department, St. Louis, MO 63110, USAMissouri Botanical Garden, Africa & Madagascar DepartmentSt. LouisUnited States of America
| | - Henk J. Beentje
- IUCN SSC Eastern African Plant Red List Authority (EAPRLA), Gland, SwitzerlandUniversité Officielle de BukavuBukavuDemocratic Republic of the Congo
- Royal Botanic Gardens, Kew, Richmond, Surrey, UKRoyal Botanic GardensRichmondUnited Kingdom
| | - Gaël U. D. Bouka
- Laboratoire de Biodiversité, de Gestion des Ecosystèmes et de l’Environnement, Faculté des Sciences et Techniques, Université Marien Ngouabi, BP 69, Brazzaville, Democratic Republic of the CongoUniversité Marien NgouabiBrazzavilleDemocratic Republic of the Congo
| | - Martin Cheek
- IUCN SSC Eastern African Plant Red List Authority (EAPRLA), Gland, SwitzerlandUniversité Officielle de BukavuBukavuDemocratic Republic of the Congo
- Royal Botanic Gardens, Kew, Richmond, Surrey, UKRoyal Botanic GardensRichmondUnited Kingdom
| | - Ariane Cosiaux
- Plant Systematics and Ecology Laboratory, University of Yaoundé I, P.O. Box 047, Yaoundé, CameroonUniversity of Yaoundé IYaoundéCameroon
- Institut de Recherche pour le Développement, Université de Montpellier, Montpellier, FranceUniversité de MontpellierMontpellierFrance
| | - Gilles Dauby
- Institut de Recherche pour le Développement, Université de Montpellier, Montpellier, FranceUniversité de MontpellierMontpellierFrance
| | - Petra De Block
- Meise Botanic Garden, Nieuwelaan 38, 1860 Meise, BelgiumMeise Botanic GardenMeiseBelgium
| | - Corneille E. N. Ewango
- IUCN SSC Eastern African Plant Red List Authority (EAPRLA), Gland, SwitzerlandUniversité Officielle de BukavuBukavuDemocratic Republic of the Congo
- AMAP, Université de Montpellier, CIRAD, CNRS, INRAE, IRD, Montpellier, FranceUniversité de KisanganiKisanganiDemocratic Republic of the Congo
| | - Eberhard Fischer
- Centre de Surveillance de la Biodiversité, Université de Kisangani, Kisangani, Democratic Republic of the CongoUniversity of Koblenz and LandauKoblenzGermany
- University of Koblenz-Landau, Universitätsstraße 1, Koblenz, 56070, GermanyIUCN SSC Central Africa Plant Red List Authority (CARLA)GlandSwitzerland
| | - Roy E. Gereau
- Missouri Botanical Garden, Africa & Madagascar Department, St. Louis, MO 63110, USAMissouri Botanical Garden, Africa & Madagascar DepartmentSt. LouisUnited States of America
- University of Koblenz-Landau, Universitätsstraße 1, Koblenz, 56070, GermanyIUCN SSC Central Africa Plant Red List Authority (CARLA)GlandSwitzerland
| | - Serene Hargreaves
- Royal Botanic Gardens, Kew, Richmond, Surrey, UKRoyal Botanic GardensRichmondUnited Kingdom
| | - Yvette Harvey-Brown
- IUCN SSC Central Africa Plant Red List Authority (CARLA), Gland, SwitzerlandBotanic Gardens Conservation InternationalRichmondUnited Kingdom
| | - Davy U. Ikabanga
- Botanic Gardens Conservation International, Richmond, Surrey, UKUniversity of Sciences and Techniques of MasukuFrancevilleGabon
| | - Edouard Ilunga wa Ilunga
- Department of Biology, Faculty of Sciences, University of Sciences and Techniques of Masuku, BP: 941, Franceville, GabonUniversité de LubumbashiLubumbashiDemocratic Republic of the Congo
| | - James Kalema
- IUCN SSC Eastern African Plant Red List Authority (EAPRLA), Gland, SwitzerlandUniversité Officielle de BukavuBukavuDemocratic Republic of the Congo
- Herbarium de Lubumbashi, Université de Lubumbashi, 1825, Route Kasapa, Lubumbashi, Democratic Republic of the CongoMakerere University Herbarium, Department of Plant Sciences Microbiology and BiotechnologyKampalaUganda
| | - Peris Kamau
- IUCN SSC Eastern African Plant Red List Authority (EAPRLA), Gland, SwitzerlandUniversité Officielle de BukavuBukavuDemocratic Republic of the Congo
- Makerere University Herbarium, Department of Plant Sciences Microbiology and Biotechnology, P.O. Box 7062, Kampala, UgandaEast African Herbarium, National Museums of KenyaNairobiKenya
| | - Olivier Lachenaud
- Meise Botanic Garden, Nieuwelaan 38, 1860 Meise, BelgiumMeise Botanic GardenMeiseBelgium
- East African Herbarium, National Museums of Kenya, P.O. Box 45166-00100, Nairobi, KenyaUniversité Libre de BruxellesBrusselsBelgium
| | - Quentin Luke
- IUCN SSC Eastern African Plant Red List Authority (EAPRLA), Gland, SwitzerlandUniversité Officielle de BukavuBukavuDemocratic Republic of the Congo
- Makerere University Herbarium, Department of Plant Sciences Microbiology and Biotechnology, P.O. Box 7062, Kampala, UgandaEast African Herbarium, National Museums of KenyaNairobiKenya
| | - Ithe Mwanga Mwanga
- Herbarium et Bibliothèque de Botanique africaine, C.P. 265, Université Libre de Bruxelles, Campus de la Plaine, Boulevard du Triomphe 1050, Brussels, BelgiumCentre de Recherche en Sciences Naturelles CRSN/Lwiro, Laboratoire de Systématiquement et Taxonomie végétaleBukavuDemocratic Republic of the Congo
| | - Sydney T. Ndolo Ebika
- Laboratoire de Biodiversité, de Gestion des Ecosystèmes et de l’Environnement, Faculté des Sciences et Techniques, Université Marien Ngouabi, BP 69, Brazzaville, Democratic Republic of the CongoUniversité Marien NgouabiBrazzavilleDemocratic Republic of the Congo
| | - Jacques Nkengurutse
- Centre de Recherche en Sciences Naturelles CRSN/Lwiro, Laboratoire de Systématiquement et Taxonomie végétale, D.S. Bukavu, Democratic Republic of the CongoUniversity of BurundiBujumburaBurundi
| | - Aimable Nsanzurwimo
- Department of Biology, Faculty of Science, University of Burundi, P.O. Box 2700, Bujumbura, BurundiDepartment of Biotechnologies, Faculty of Applied Sciences, INES-RuhengeriRuhengeriRwanda
| | - Salvator Ntore
- Meise Botanic Garden, Nieuwelaan 38, 1860 Meise, BelgiumMeise Botanic GardenMeiseBelgium
- IUCN SSC Eastern African Plant Red List Authority (EAPRLA), Gland, SwitzerlandUniversité Officielle de BukavuBukavuDemocratic Republic of the Congo
- University of Koblenz-Landau, Universitätsstraße 1, Koblenz, 56070, GermanyIUCN SSC Central Africa Plant Red List Authority (CARLA)GlandSwitzerland
| | - Sophie L. Richards
- Royal Botanic Gardens, Kew, Richmond, Surrey, UKRoyal Botanic GardensRichmondUnited Kingdom
| | - Reddy Shutsha Ehata
- AMAP, Université de Montpellier, CIRAD, CNRS, INRAE, IRD, Montpellier, FranceUniversité de KisanganiKisanganiDemocratic Republic of the Congo
| | - Murielle Simo-Droissart
- Plant Systematics and Ecology Laboratory, University of Yaoundé I, P.O. Box 047, Yaoundé, CameroonUniversity of Yaoundé IYaoundéCameroon
- Department of Biotechnologies, Faculty of Applied Sciences, INES-Ruhengeri, B.P.155 Ruhengeri, RwandaUCN SSC Central Africa Plant Red List Authority (CARLA)GlandSwaziland
| | - Tariq Stévart
- Meise Botanic Garden, Nieuwelaan 38, 1860 Meise, BelgiumMeise Botanic GardenMeiseBelgium
- Missouri Botanical Garden, Africa & Madagascar Department, St. Louis, MO 63110, USAMissouri Botanical Garden, Africa & Madagascar DepartmentSt. LouisUnited States of America
- University of Koblenz-Landau, Universitätsstraße 1, Koblenz, 56070, GermanyIUCN SSC Central Africa Plant Red List Authority (CARLA)GlandSwitzerland
- East African Herbarium, National Museums of Kenya, P.O. Box 45166-00100, Nairobi, KenyaUniversité Libre de BruxellesBrusselsBelgium
| | - Marc S. M. Sosef
- Meise Botanic Garden, Nieuwelaan 38, 1860 Meise, BelgiumMeise Botanic GardenMeiseBelgium
- University of Koblenz-Landau, Universitätsstraße 1, Koblenz, 56070, GermanyIUCN SSC Central Africa Plant Red List Authority (CARLA)GlandSwitzerland
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Steger C, Boone RB, Dullo BW, Evangelista P, Alemu S, Gebrehiwot K, Klein JA. Collaborative agent-based modeling for managing shrub encroachment in an Afroalpine grassland. JOURNAL OF ENVIRONMENTAL MANAGEMENT 2022; 316:115040. [PMID: 35594826 DOI: 10.1016/j.jenvman.2022.115040] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/15/2021] [Revised: 03/18/2022] [Accepted: 04/06/2022] [Indexed: 06/15/2023]
Abstract
We co-designed an agent-based model of an Afroalpine grassland in Ethiopia that is experiencing unwanted shrub encroachment. The goal was to enable managers of a community conservation area to better understand the drivers of shrub encroachment and to test possible management actions for controlling shrubs. Due to limited site-specific data, we parameterized this model using insights from published literature, remote sensing, and expert opinion from scientists and local managers. We therefore sought to explore potential future scenarios rather than make highly accurate predictions, focusing on facilitating discussions and learning among the diverse co-management team. We evaluated three social-ecological scenarios with our model, examining: (1) the impact of changing precipitation regimes on vegetation, (2) whether changing the frequency of guassa grass harvests would improve the long-term sustainability of the grassland, and (3) whether the combination of grass harvest and shrub removal would affect shrub encroachment. We found that the model was highly sensitive to the amount of grass harvested each year for local use. Our results indicate that the guassa grass was more resilient than shrubs during persistent dry climatic conditions, whereas a reduction in only the early spring rains (known as the "belg") resulted in considerable loss of grass biomass. While our modeling results lacked the quantitative specificity desired by managers, participants in the collaborative modeling process learned new approaches to planning and management of the conservation area and expanded their knowledge of the ecological complexity of the system. Several participants used the model as a boundary object, interpreting it in ways that reinforced their cultural values and goals for the conservation area. Our work highlights the lack of detailed scientific knowledge of Afroalpine ecosystems, and urges managers to reconnect with traditional ecological management of the conservation area in their pursuit of shrub encroachment solutions. The decline or absence of the belg rains is becoming increasingly common in the Ethiopian highlands, and our results underscore the need for more widespread understanding of how this changing climatic regime impacts local environmental management. This work lays a foundation for social-ecological research to improve both understanding and management of these highly threatened ecosystems.
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Affiliation(s)
- Cara Steger
- Department of Natural Resources and the Environment, Cornell University, Ithaca, NY, 14850, USA.
| | - Randall B Boone
- Department of Ecosystem Science and Sustainability, Colorado State University, Fort Collins, 80523, USA
| | - Bikila Warkineh Dullo
- Department of Plant Biology and Biodiversity Management, Addis Ababa University, Ethiopia
| | - Paul Evangelista
- Natural Resource Ecology Laboratory, Colorado State University, Fort Collins, CO, 80523, USA
| | - Shambel Alemu
- Department of Plant Biology and Biodiversity Management, Addis Ababa University, Ethiopia
| | | | - Julia A Klein
- Department of Ecosystem Science and Sustainability, Colorado State University, Fort Collins, 80523, USA
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More than half of data deficient species predicted to be threatened by extinction. Commun Biol 2022; 5:679. [PMID: 35927327 PMCID: PMC9352662 DOI: 10.1038/s42003-022-03638-9] [Citation(s) in RCA: 41] [Impact Index Per Article: 13.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/12/2022] [Accepted: 06/24/2022] [Indexed: 11/08/2022] Open
Abstract
The IUCN Red List of Threatened Species is essential for practical and theoretical efforts to protect biodiversity. However, species classified as “Data Deficient” (DD) regularly mislead practitioners due to their uncertain extinction risk. Here we present machine learning-derived probabilities of being threatened by extinction for 7699 DD species, comprising 17% of the entire IUCN spatial datasets. Our predictions suggest that DD species as a group may in fact be more threatened than data-sufficient species. We found that 85% of DD amphibians are likely to be threatened by extinction, as well as more than half of DD species in many other taxonomic groups, such as mammals and reptiles. Consequently, our predictions indicate that, amongst others, the conservation relevance of biodiversity hotspots in South America may be boosted by up to 20% if DD species were acknowledged. The predicted probabilities for DD species are highly variable across taxa and regions, implying current Red List-derived indices and priorities may be biased. Data Deficient species are more likely to be at extinction risk than previously thought across multiple taxonomic groups.
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27
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Karichu MJ, Ngarega BK, Onjalalaina GE, Kamau P, Sessa EB. The potential distributions of African
Azolla
species and their implications for African wetland ecosystems for the future. Ecol Evol 2022. [DOI: 10.1002/ece3.9210] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/12/2022] Open
Affiliation(s)
| | - Boniface K. Ngarega
- Centre for Integrative Conservation, Xishuangbanna Tropical Botanical Garden Chinese Academy of Sciences Menglun China
- University of Chinese Academy of Sciences Beijing China
| | - Guy E. Onjalalaina
- University of Chinese Academy of Sciences Beijing China
- Faculty of Sciences University of Antananarivo Antananarivo Madagascar
- CAS Key Laboratory of Plant Germplasm Enhancement and Specialty Agriculture, Wuhan Botanical Garden Chinese Academy of Sciences Wuhan China
| | - Peris Kamau
- Botany Department National Museums of Kenya Nairobi Kenya
| | - Emily B. Sessa
- Department of Biology University of Florida Gainesville Florida USA
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28
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Amoussou BEN, Idohou R, Glèlè Kakaï R, Dauby G, Couvreur TLP. Impact of end‐of‐century climate change on priority non‐timber forest product species across tropical Africa. Afr J Ecol 2022. [DOI: 10.1111/aje.13034] [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]
Affiliation(s)
- Biowa Eldys N. Amoussou
- Laboratoire de Biomathématiques et d'Estimations Forestières (LABEF) Université d'Abomey‐Calavi Abomey‐Calavi Benin
- DIADE, Univ Montpellier, CIRAD, IRD Montpellier France
| | - Rodrigue Idohou
- Laboratoire de Biomathématiques et d'Estimations Forestières (LABEF) Université d'Abomey‐Calavi Abomey‐Calavi Benin
- Ecole de Gestion et de Production Végétale et Semencière Université Nationale d'Agriculture Kétou Benin
| | - Romain Glèlè Kakaï
- Laboratoire de Biomathématiques et d'Estimations Forestières (LABEF) Université d'Abomey‐Calavi Abomey‐Calavi Benin
| | - Gilles Dauby
- AMAP, Univ Montpellier, CIRAD, CNRS, INRAE, IRD Montpellier France
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29
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Silva SV, Andermann T, Zizka A, Kozlowski G, Silvestro D. Global Estimation and Mapping of the Conservation Status of Tree Species Using Artificial Intelligence. FRONTIERS IN PLANT SCIENCE 2022; 13:839792. [PMID: 35574125 PMCID: PMC9100559 DOI: 10.3389/fpls.2022.839792] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/20/2021] [Accepted: 03/07/2022] [Indexed: 05/03/2023]
Abstract
Trees are fundamental for Earth's biodiversity as primary producers and ecosystem engineers and are responsible for many of nature's contributions to people. Yet, many tree species at present are threatened with extinction by human activities. Accurate identification of threatened tree species is necessary to quantify the current biodiversity crisis and to prioritize conservation efforts. However, the most comprehensive dataset of tree species extinction risk-the Red List of the International Union for the Conservation of Nature (IUCN RL)-lacks assessments for a substantial number of known tree species. The RL is based on a time-consuming expert-based assessment process, which hampers the inclusion of less-known species and the continued updating of extinction risk assessments. In this study, we used a computational pipeline to approximate RL extinction risk assessments for more than 21,000 tree species (leading to an overall assessment of 89% of all known tree species) using a supervised learning approach trained based on available IUCN RL assessments. We harvested the occurrence data for tree species worldwide from online databases, which we used with other publicly available data to design features characterizing the species' geographic range, biome and climatic affinities, and exposure to human footprint. We trained deep neural network models to predict their conservation status, based on these features. We estimated 43% of the assessed tree species to be threatened with extinction and found taxonomic and geographic heterogeneities in the distribution of threatened species. The results are consistent with the recent estimates by the Global Tree Assessment initiative, indicating that our approach provides robust and time-efficient approximations of species' IUCN RL extinction risk assessments.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sandro Valerio Silva
- Department of Biology, University of Fribourg, Fribourg, Switzerland
- Interfaculty Bioinformatics Unit, University of Bern, Bern, Switzerland
| | - Tobias Andermann
- Department of Biology, University of Fribourg, Fribourg, Switzerland
- Global Gothenburg Biodiversity Centre, Department of Biological and Environmental Sciences, Sweden, University of Gothenburg, Gothenburg, Sweden
| | - Alexander Zizka
- Department of Biology, Philipps-University Marburg, Marburg, Germany
| | - Gregor Kozlowski
- Department of Biology, University of Fribourg, Fribourg, Switzerland
| | - Daniele Silvestro
- Department of Biology, University of Fribourg, Fribourg, Switzerland
- Global Gothenburg Biodiversity Centre, Department of Biological and Environmental Sciences, Sweden, University of Gothenburg, Gothenburg, Sweden
- Swiss Institute of Bioinformatics, Fribourg, Switzerland
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30
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Climate Change Impacts and Extinction Risk Assessment of Nepeta Representatives (Lamiaceae) in Greece. SUSTAINABILITY 2022. [DOI: 10.3390/su14074269] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/10/2022]
Abstract
The ongoing climate change has already left its imprint on species distributions, with rare, endemic species being more threatened. These changes are more prominent in regional biodiversity hotspots, such as Greece, which is already facing the short term impacts of human induced climate change. Greek flora hosts numerous endemic medicinal and aromatic plant taxa (MAPs), which are economically important and provide integral ecosystem services. The genus Nepeta is one of the largest Lamiaceae genera, containing several MAPs, yet, despite its taxonomical and economical significance, it remains vastly understudied in Greece. We explore the effects of climate change on the range of the Greek endemic Nepeta MAPs, via a species distribution models (SDMs) approach in an ensemble modeling framework, using soil, topographical and bioclimatic variables as predictors in three different time steps. By doing so, we attempt to estimate the current and future extinction risk of these taxa and to locate their current and future species richness hotspots in Greece. The taxa analyzed are expected to experience severe range retractions, with minor intraspecific variation across all time steps (p > 0.05), driven mainly by soil- and aridity-related variables. The extinction risk status of only one taxon is predicted to worsen in the future, while all other taxa will remain threatened. Current species richness hotspots are mainly located in southern Greece and are projected to shift both altitudinally and latitudinally over time (p < 0.01).
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31
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Aydagnehum SG, Ugo Y, Shibru S, Honnay O, Muys B. Composition and structure of woody plant communities as a function of altitude and human degradation in Afromontane moist evergreen forests SW Ethiopia. Afr J Ecol 2022. [DOI: 10.1111/aje.12996] [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]
Affiliation(s)
- Seyoum Getaneh Aydagnehum
- Division Forest, Landscape and Nature KU Leuven Leuven Belgium
- Department of Biology College of Natural Sciences Arba Minch University Arba Minch Ethiopia
| | - Yonas Ugo
- Department of Biology KU Leuven Leuven Belgium
- Department of Forestry College of Agriculture Arba Minch University Arba Minch Ethiopia
| | - Simon Shibru
- Department of Biology College of Natural Sciences Arba Minch University Arba Minch Ethiopia
| | | | - Bart Muys
- Division Forest, Landscape and Nature KU Leuven Leuven Belgium
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32
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Florentín JE, Salas RM, Jarvie S, Svenning JC, Gomez JMD. Areas of endemism and conservation status of Galianthe species (Spermacoceae, Rubiaceae) in the Neotropics. SYST BIODIVERS 2022. [DOI: 10.1080/14772000.2022.2025946] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/19/2022]
Affiliation(s)
- Javier Elías Florentín
- Instituto de Botánica del Nordeste, IBONE, CONICET, Sargento Cabral 2131, cc 209, Corrientes, CP 3400, Argentina
| | - Roberto Manuel Salas
- Instituto de Botánica del Nordeste, IBONE, CONICET, Sargento Cabral 2131, cc 209, Corrientes, CP 3400, Argentina
| | - Scott Jarvie
- Department of Biology, Center for Biodiversity Dynamics in a Changing World (BIOCHANGE), Aarhus University, Ny Munkegade 114, Aarhus C, 8000, Denmark
- Department of Biology, Section for Ecoinformatics & Biodiversity, Aarhus University, Ny Munkegade 114, Aarhus C, 8000, Denmark
| | - Jens-Christian Svenning
- Department of Biology, Center for Biodiversity Dynamics in a Changing World (BIOCHANGE), Aarhus University, Ny Munkegade 114, Aarhus C, 8000, Denmark
- Department of Biology, Section for Ecoinformatics & Biodiversity, Aarhus University, Ny Munkegade 114, Aarhus C, 8000, Denmark
| | - Juan Manuel Díaz Gomez
- Instituto de Bio y Geociencias del Noroeste Argentino (Consejo Nacional de Investigaciones Científicas y Técnicas-Universidad Nacional de Salta), Rosario de Lerma, Salta, Argentina
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33
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Graudal L, Dawson IK, Hale I, Powell W, Hendre P, Jamnadass R. 'Systems approach' plant breeding illustrated by trees. TRENDS IN PLANT SCIENCE 2022; 27:158-165. [PMID: 34688564 DOI: 10.1016/j.tplants.2021.09.009] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/14/2021] [Revised: 08/31/2021] [Accepted: 09/28/2021] [Indexed: 06/13/2023]
Abstract
The linkage in new and creative ways of existing plant breeding methods responsive to different global trends and values provides a 'systems approach' to address a broad set of global production challenges more effectively. Here, we illustrate such an approach through its application to trees, chosen because of their extensive diversity in features, uses, users, production contexts, and domestication pathways. We coin the resulting strategy 'tree diversity breeding' and consider it with reference to trends and values related to participation, environment, biotechnology, and markets as examples. Features of the approach for trees are applicable to plant breeding more widely, as we seek to address complex problems through strategic biodiversity use.
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Affiliation(s)
- Lars Graudal
- World Agroforestry (ICRAF), Headquarters, PO Box 30677, Nairobi, Kenya; Department of Geosciences and Natural Resource Management, University of Copenhagen, Rolighedsvej 23, 1958 Frederiksberg C, Denmark.
| | - Ian K Dawson
- World Agroforestry (ICRAF), Headquarters, PO Box 30677, Nairobi, Kenya; Scotland's Rural College (SRUC), Kings Buildings, West Mains Road, Edinburgh, EH9 3JG, UK
| | - Iago Hale
- Department of Agriculture, Nutrition, and Food Systems, University of New Hampshire, Durham, NH 03824, USA
| | - Wayne Powell
- Scotland's Rural College (SRUC), Kings Buildings, West Mains Road, Edinburgh, EH9 3JG, UK
| | - Prasad Hendre
- World Agroforestry (ICRAF), Headquarters, PO Box 30677, Nairobi, Kenya
| | - Ramni Jamnadass
- World Agroforestry (ICRAF), Headquarters, PO Box 30677, Nairobi, Kenya
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34
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Levin MO, Meek JB, Boom B, Kross SM, Eskew EA. Using publicly available data to conduct rapid assessments of extinction risk. CONSERVATION SCIENCE AND PRACTICE 2022. [DOI: 10.1111/csp2.12628] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/30/2022] Open
Affiliation(s)
- Michael O. Levin
- Ecology, Evolution, and Environmental Biology Columbia University New York New York USA
| | - Jared B. Meek
- Ecology, Evolution, and Environmental Biology Columbia University New York New York USA
| | - Brian Boom
- New York Botanical Garden Bronx New York USA
| | - Sara M. Kross
- Ecology, Evolution, and Environmental Biology Columbia University New York New York USA
| | - Evan A. Eskew
- Department of Biology Pacific Lutheran University Tacoma Washington USA
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35
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Neira-Salamea K, Doumbia J, Hillers A, Sandberger-Loua L, Kouamé NG, Brede C, Schäfer M, Blackburn DC, Barej MF, Rödel MO. A new slippery frog (Amphibia, Conrauidae, Conraua Nieden, 1908) from the Fouta Djallon Highlands, west-central Guinea. ZOOSYST EVOL 2022. [DOI: 10.3897/zse.98.76692] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/12/2022] Open
Abstract
We describe a new species of the genus Conraua from the Fouta Djallon Highlands in Guinea. The species is recognised as distinct from nominotypical C. alleni, based on morphological evidence and is supported by a recent species delimitation analysis, based on DNA sequence data. The new species is distinguished from its congeners by the unique combination of the following characters: medium body size, robust limbs, only one instead of two palmar tubercles, the first finger webbed to below the first subarticular tubercle, presence of a lateral line system, indistinct tympanum, two subarticular tubercles on fingers III and IV, venter in adults white with dark brown spots or dark brown with grey or whitish spots. The new species differs from all congeners by more than 6% in the DNA sequence of mitochondrial ribosomal 16S. We discuss isolation in Pliocene and Pleistocene forest refugia as a potential driver of speciation in the C. alleni complex. We also emphasise the importance of conserving the remaining forest fragments in the Fouta Djallon Region for the preservation of both its unique biodiversity and its valuable water sources for local people.
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36
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Daru BH, Davies TJ, Willis CG, Meineke EK, Ronk A, Zobel M, Pärtel M, Antonelli A, Davis CC. Widespread homogenization of plant communities in the Anthropocene. Nat Commun 2021; 12:6983. [PMID: 34873159 PMCID: PMC8648934 DOI: 10.1038/s41467-021-27186-8] [Citation(s) in RCA: 52] [Impact Index Per Article: 13.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/04/2021] [Accepted: 11/08/2021] [Indexed: 11/24/2022] Open
Abstract
Native biodiversity decline and non-native species spread are major features of the Anthropocene. Both processes can drive biotic homogenization by reducing trait and phylogenetic differences in species assemblages between regions, thus diminishing the regional distinctiveness of biotas and likely have negative impacts on key ecosystem functions. However, a global assessment of this phenomenon is lacking. Here, using a dataset of >200,000 plant species, we demonstrate widespread and temporal decreases in species and phylogenetic turnover across grain sizes and spatial extents. The extent of homogenization within major biomes is pronounced and is overwhelmingly explained by non-native species naturalizations. Asia and North America are major sources of non-native species; however, the species they export tend to be phylogenetically close to recipient floras. Australia, the Pacific and Europe, in contrast, contribute fewer species to the global pool of non-natives, but represent a disproportionate amount of phylogenetic diversity. The timeline of most naturalisations coincides with widespread human migration within the last ~500 years, and demonstrates the profound influence humans exert on regional biotas beyond changes in species richness. Human-driven movements and extinctions of species have made plant communities across biomes more homogenous. Here the authors quantify plant vascular species and phylogenetic homogenization across the globe, finding that non-native species naturalisations have been a major driver.
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Affiliation(s)
- Barnabas H Daru
- Department of Life Sciences, Texas A&M University-Corpus Christi, Corpus Christi, TX, 78412, USA. .,Department of Organismic and Evolutionary Biology, Harvard University Herbaria, Cambridge, MA, 02138, USA.
| | - T Jonathan Davies
- Departments of Botany, and Forest & Conservation Sciences, University of British Columbia, Vancouver, BC, V6T 1Z4, Canada.
| | - Charles G Willis
- Department of Biology Teaching and Learning, University of Minnesota, Minneapolis, MN, 55455, USA
| | - Emily K Meineke
- Department of Entomology and Nematology, University of California, Davis, CA, 95616, USA
| | - Argo Ronk
- Department of Biology, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, PA, 19104, USA
| | - Martin Zobel
- Institute of Ecology and Earth Sciences, University of Tartu, Lai 40, EE-51005, Tartu, Estonia
| | - Meelis Pärtel
- Institute of Ecology and Earth Sciences, University of Tartu, Lai 40, EE-51005, Tartu, Estonia
| | - Alexandre Antonelli
- Department of Organismic and Evolutionary Biology, Harvard University Herbaria, Cambridge, MA, 02138, USA.,University of Gothenburg and Gothenburg Global Biodiversity Centre, Department of Biological and Environmental Sciences, Carl Skottsbergs gata 22B, SE 405 30, Gothenburg, Sweden.,Department of Plant Sciences, University of Oxford, South Parks Road, Oxford, OX1 3RB, UK.,Royal Botanic Gardens, Kew, Richmond, Surrey, TW9 3AE, UK
| | - Charles C Davis
- Department of Organismic and Evolutionary Biology, Harvard University Herbaria, Cambridge, MA, 02138, USA.
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37
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Geospatial modeling of forest cover dynamics and impact on climate variability in Awi Zone, Ethiopia. Trop Ecol 2021. [DOI: 10.1007/s42965-021-00199-6] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/30/2022]
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38
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Texier N, Dauby G, Bidault E, Lowry PP, Ikabanga DU, Stévart T. An efficient method for defining plant species under High Conservation Value (HCV) criterion 1 based on the IUCN Red List criteria: A case study using species endemic to Gabon. J Nat Conserv 2021. [DOI: 10.1016/j.jnc.2021.126027] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/26/2022]
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39
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Assessment of Vegetation Dynamics and Ecosystem Resilience in the Context of Climate Change and Drought in the Horn of Africa. REMOTE SENSING 2021. [DOI: 10.3390/rs13091668] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/17/2022]
Abstract
Understanding the response of vegetation and ecosystem resilience to climate variability and drought conditions is essential for ecosystem planning and management. In this study, we assessed the vegetation changes and ecosystem resilience in the Horn of Africa (HOA) since 2000 and detected their drivers based mainly on analysis of the Moderate Resolution Imaging Spectroradiometer (MODIS) products. We found that the annual and seasonal trends of NDVI (Normalized Difference Vegetation Index) generally increased during the last two decades over the Horn of Africa particularly in western parts of Ethiopia and Kenya. The weakest annual and seasonal NDVI trends were observed over the grassland cover and tropical arid agroecological zones. The NDVI variation negatively correlated with Land Surface Temperature (LST) and positively correlated with precipitation at a significant level (p < 0.05) account for 683,197 km2 and 533,385 km2 area, respectively. The ecosystem Water Use Efficiency (eWUE) showed overall increasing trends with larger values for the grassland biome. The precipitation had the most significant effect on eWUE variation compared to LST and annual SPEI (Standardized Evapotranspiration Index). There were about 54.9% of HOA resilient to drought disturbance, whereas 32.6% was completely not-resilient. The ecosystems in the humid agroecological zones, the cropland, and wetland were slightly not-resilient to severe drought conditions in the region. This study provides useful information for policy makers regarding ecosystem and dryland management in the context of climate change at both national and regional levels.
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40
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Unveiling African rainforest composition and vulnerability to global change. Nature 2021; 593:90-94. [PMID: 33883743 DOI: 10.1038/s41586-021-03483-6] [Citation(s) in RCA: 21] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/29/2019] [Accepted: 03/22/2021] [Indexed: 11/08/2022]
Abstract
Africa is forecasted to experience large and rapid climate change1 and population growth2 during the twenty-first century, which threatens the world's second largest rainforest. Protecting and sustainably managing these African forests requires an increased understanding of their compositional heterogeneity, the environmental drivers of forest composition and their vulnerability to ongoing changes. Here, using a very large dataset of 6 million trees in more than 180,000 field plots, we jointly model the distribution in abundance of the most dominant tree taxa in central Africa, and produce continuous maps of the floristic and functional composition of central African forests. Our results show that the uncertainty in taxon-specific distributions averages out at the community level, and reveal highly deterministic assemblages. We uncover contrasting floristic and functional compositions across climates, soil types and anthropogenic gradients, with functional convergence among types of forest that are floristically dissimilar. Combining these spatial predictions with scenarios of climatic and anthropogenic global change suggests a high vulnerability of the northern and southern forest margins, the Atlantic forests and most forests in the Democratic Republic of the Congo, where both climate and anthropogenic threats are expected to increase sharply by 2085. These results constitute key quantitative benchmarks for scientists and policymakers to shape transnational conservation and management strategies that aim to provide a sustainable future for central African forests.
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Kougioumoutzis K, Kokkoris IP, Panitsa M, Strid A, Dimopoulos P. Extinction Risk Assessment of the Greek Endemic Flora. BIOLOGY 2021; 10:195. [PMID: 33806693 PMCID: PMC7999807 DOI: 10.3390/biology10030195] [Citation(s) in RCA: 24] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [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
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.
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Affiliation(s)
- Konstantinos Kougioumoutzis
- Laboratory of Botany, Department of Biology, Division of Plant 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
| | - Ioannis P. Kokkoris
- Laboratory of Botany, Department of Biology, Division of Plant Biology, University of Patras, 26504 Patras, Greece; (I.P.K.); (M.P.); (P.D.)
| | - Maria Panitsa
- Laboratory of Botany, Department of Biology, Division of Plant Biology, University of Patras, 26504 Patras, Greece; (I.P.K.); (M.P.); (P.D.)
| | | | - Panayotis Dimopoulos
- Laboratory of Botany, Department of Biology, Division of Plant Biology, University of Patras, 26504 Patras, Greece; (I.P.K.); (M.P.); (P.D.)
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McMullin S, Stadlmayr B, Mausch K, Revoredo-Giha C, Burnett F, Guarino L, Brouwer ID, Jamnadass R, Graudal L, Powell W, Dawson IK. Determining appropriate interventions to mainstream nutritious orphan crops into African food systems. GLOBAL FOOD SECURITY 2021. [DOI: 10.1016/j.gfs.2020.100465] [Citation(s) in RCA: 14] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/30/2022]
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43
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Couvreur TL, Dauby G, Blach‐Overgaard A, Deblauwe V, Dessein S, Droissart V, Hardy OJ, Harris DJ, Janssens SB, Ley AC, Mackinder BA, Sonké B, Sosef MS, Stévart T, Svenning J, Wieringa JJ, Faye A, Missoup AD, Tolley KA, Nicolas V, Ntie S, Fluteau F, Robin C, Guillocheau F, Barboni D, Sepulchre P. Tectonics, climate and the diversification of the tropical African terrestrial flora and fauna. Biol Rev Camb Philos Soc 2021; 96:16-51. [PMID: 32924323 PMCID: PMC7821006 DOI: 10.1111/brv.12644] [Citation(s) in RCA: 76] [Impact Index Per Article: 19.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/20/2020] [Revised: 08/07/2020] [Accepted: 08/13/2020] [Indexed: 12/30/2022]
Abstract
Tropical Africa is home to an astonishing biodiversity occurring in a variety of ecosystems. Past climatic change and geological events have impacted the evolution and diversification of this biodiversity. During the last two decades, around 90 dated molecular phylogenies of different clades across animals and plants have been published leading to an increased understanding of the diversification and speciation processes generating tropical African biodiversity. In parallel, extended geological and palaeoclimatic records together with detailed numerical simulations have refined our understanding of past geological and climatic changes in Africa. To date, these important advances have not been reviewed within a common framework. Here, we critically review and synthesize African climate, tectonics and terrestrial biodiversity evolution throughout the Cenozoic to the mid-Pleistocene, drawing on recent advances in Earth and life sciences. We first review six major geo-climatic periods defining tropical African biodiversity diversification by synthesizing 89 dated molecular phylogeny studies. Two major geo-climatic factors impacting the diversification of the sub-Saharan biota are highlighted. First, Africa underwent numerous climatic fluctuations at ancient and more recent timescales, with tectonic, greenhouse gas, and orbital forcing stimulating diversification. Second, increased aridification since the Late Eocene led to important extinction events, but also provided unique diversification opportunities shaping the current tropical African biodiversity landscape. We then review diversification studies of tropical terrestrial animal and plant clades and discuss three major models of speciation: (i) geographic speciation via vicariance (allopatry); (ii) ecological speciation impacted by climate and geological changes, and (iii) genomic speciation via genome duplication. Geographic speciation has been the most widely documented to date and is a common speciation model across tropical Africa. We conclude with four important challenges faced by tropical African biodiversity research: (i) to increase knowledge by gathering basic and fundamental biodiversity information; (ii) to improve modelling of African geophysical evolution throughout the Cenozoic via better constraints and downscaling approaches; (iii) to increase the precision of phylogenetic reconstruction and molecular dating of tropical African clades by using next generation sequencing approaches together with better fossil calibrations; (iv) finally, as done here, to integrate data better from Earth and life sciences by focusing on the interdisciplinary study of the evolution of tropical African biodiversity in a wider geodiversity context.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Gilles Dauby
- AMAP Lab, IRD, CIRAD, CNRS, INRAUniversity of MontpellierMontpellierFrance
- Laboratoire d'évolution Biologique et Ecologie, Faculté des SciencesUniversité Libre de BruxellesCP160/12, Avenue F.D. Roosevelt 50Brussels1050Belgium
| | - Anne Blach‐Overgaard
- Section for Ecoinformatics & Biodiversity, Department of BiologyAarhus UniversityNy Munkegade 114Aarhus CDK‐8000Denmark
- Center for Biodiversity Dynamics in a Changing World (BIOCHANGE), Department of BiologyAarhus UniversityNy Munkegade 114Aarhus CDK‐8000Denmark
| | - Vincent Deblauwe
- Center for Tropical Research (CTR), Institute of the Environment and SustainabilityUniversity of California, Los Angeles (UCLA)Los AngelesCA90095U.S.A.
- International Institute of Tropical Agriculture (IITA)YaoundéCameroon
| | | | - Vincent Droissart
- AMAP Lab, IRD, CIRAD, CNRS, INRAUniversity of MontpellierMontpellierFrance
- Laboratoire de Botanique Systématique et d'Écologie, École Normale SupérieureUniversité de Yaoundé IPO Box 047YaoundéCameroon
- Herbarium et Bibliothèque de Botanique AfricaineUniversité Libre de BruxellesBoulevard du TriompheBrusselsB‐1050Belgium
- Africa & Madagascar DepartmentMissouri Botanical GardenSt. LouisMOU.S.A.
| | - Oliver J. Hardy
- Laboratoire d'évolution Biologique et Ecologie, Faculté des SciencesUniversité Libre de BruxellesCP160/12, Avenue F.D. Roosevelt 50Brussels1050Belgium
| | - David J. Harris
- Royal Botanic Garden Edinburgh20A Inverleith RowEdinburghU.K.
| | | | - Alexandra C. Ley
- Institut für Geobotanik und Botanischer GartenUniversity Halle‐WittenbergNeuwerk 21Halle06108Germany
| | | | - Bonaventure Sonké
- Laboratoire de Botanique Systématique et d'Écologie, École Normale SupérieureUniversité de Yaoundé IPO Box 047YaoundéCameroon
| | | | - Tariq Stévart
- Herbarium et Bibliothèque de Botanique AfricaineUniversité Libre de BruxellesBoulevard du TriompheBrusselsB‐1050Belgium
- Africa & Madagascar DepartmentMissouri Botanical GardenSt. LouisMOU.S.A.
| | - Jens‐Christian Svenning
- Section for Ecoinformatics & Biodiversity, Department of BiologyAarhus UniversityNy Munkegade 114Aarhus CDK‐8000Denmark
- Center for Biodiversity Dynamics in a Changing World (BIOCHANGE), Department of BiologyAarhus UniversityNy Munkegade 114Aarhus CDK‐8000Denmark
| | - Jan J. Wieringa
- Naturalis Biodiversity CenterDarwinweg 2Leiden2333 CRThe Netherlands
| | - Adama Faye
- Laboratoire National de Recherches sur les Productions Végétales (LNRPV)Institut Sénégalais de Recherches Agricoles (ISRA)Route des Hydrocarbures, Bel Air BP 1386‐ CP18524DakarSenegal
| | - Alain D. Missoup
- Zoology Unit, Laboratory of Biology and Physiology of Animal Organisms, Faculty of ScienceUniversity of DoualaPO Box 24157DoualaCameroon
| | - Krystal A. Tolley
- South African National Biodiversity InstituteKirstenbosch Research CentrePrivate Bag X7, ClaremontCape Town7735South Africa
- School of Animal, Plant and Environmental SciencesUniversity of the WitwatersrandPrivate Bag 3Wits2050South Africa
| | - Violaine Nicolas
- Institut de Systématique, Evolution, Biodiversité (ISYEB), Muséum national d'Histoire naturelle, CNRS, Sorbonne Université, EPHEUniversité des AntillesCP51, 57 rue CuvierParis75005France
| | - Stéphan Ntie
- Département de Biologie, Faculté des SciencesUniversité des Sciences et Techniques de MasukuFrancevilleBP 941Gabon
| | - Frédiéric Fluteau
- Institut de Physique du Globe de Paris, CNRSUniversité de ParisParisF‐75005France
| | - Cécile Robin
- CNRS, Géosciences Rennes, UMR6118University of RennesRennes35042France
| | | | - Doris Barboni
- CEREGE, Aix‐Marseille University, CNRS, IRD, Collège de France, INRA, Technopole Arbois MéditerranéeBP80Aix‐en‐Provence cedex413545France
| | - Pierre Sepulchre
- Laboratoire des Sciences du Climat et de l'Environnement, LSCE/IPSL, CEA‐CNRS‐UVSQUniversité Paris‐SaclayGif‐sur‐YvetteF‐91191France
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Individualistic evolutionary responses of Central African rain forest plants to Pleistocene climatic fluctuations. Proc Natl Acad Sci U S A 2020; 117:32509-32518. [PMID: 33277432 DOI: 10.1073/pnas.2001018117] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/22/2022] Open
Abstract
Understanding the evolutionary dynamics of genetic diversity is fundamental for species conservation in the face of climate change, particularly in hyper-diverse biomes. Species in a region may respond similarly to climate change, leading to comparable evolutionary dynamics, or individualistically, resulting in dissimilar patterns. The second-largest expanse of continuous tropical rain forest (TRF) in the world is found in Central Africa. Here, present-day patterns of genetic structure are thought to be dictated by repeated expansion and contraction of TRFs into and out of refugia during Pleistocene climatic fluctuations. This refugia model implies a common response to past climate change. However, given the unrivalled diversity of TRFs, species could respond differently because of distinct environmental requirements or ecological characteristics. To test this, we generated genome-wide sequence data for >700 individuals of seven codistributed plants from Lower Guinea in Central Africa. We inferred species' evolutionary and demographic histories within a comparative phylogeographic framework. Levels of genetic structure varied among species and emerged primarily during the Pleistocene, but divergence events were rarely concordant. Demographic trends ranged from repeated contraction and expansion to continuous growth. Furthermore, patterns in genetic variation were linked to disparate environmental factors, including climate, soil, and habitat stability. Using a strict refugia model to explain past TRF dynamics is too simplistic. Instead, individualistic evolutionary responses to Pleistocene climatic fluctuations have shaped patterns in genetic diversity. Predicting the future dynamics of TRFs under climate change will be challenging, and more emphasis is needed on species ecology to better conserve TRFs worldwide.
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Zizka A, Antunes Carvalho F, Calvente A, Rocio Baez-Lizarazo M, Cabral A, Coelho JFR, Colli-Silva M, Fantinati MR, Fernandes MF, Ferreira-Araújo T, Gondim Lambert Moreira F, Santos NMC, Santos TAB, Dos Santos-Costa RC, Serrano FC, Alves da Silva AP, de Souza Soares A, Cavalcante de Souza PG, Calisto Tomaz E, Vale VF, Vieira TL, Antonelli A. No one-size-fits-all solution to clean GBIF. PeerJ 2020; 8:e9916. [PMID: 33062422 PMCID: PMC7528811 DOI: 10.7717/peerj.9916] [Citation(s) in RCA: 52] [Impact Index Per Article: 10.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/17/2020] [Accepted: 08/20/2020] [Indexed: 12/05/2022] Open
Abstract
Species occurrence records provide the basis for many biodiversity studies. They derive from georeferenced specimens deposited in natural history collections and visual observations, such as those obtained through various mobile applications. Given the rapid increase in availability of such data, the control of quality and accuracy constitutes a particular concern. Automatic filtering is a scalable and reproducible means to identify potentially problematic records and tailor datasets from public databases such as the Global Biodiversity Information Facility (GBIF; http://www.gbif.org), for biodiversity analyses. However, it is unclear how much data may be lost by filtering, whether the same filters should be applied across all taxonomic groups, and what the effect of filtering is on common downstream analyses. Here, we evaluate the effect of 13 recently proposed filters on the inference of species richness patterns and automated conservation assessments for 18 Neotropical taxa, including terrestrial and marine animals, fungi, and plants downloaded from GBIF. We find that a total of 44.3% of the records are potentially problematic, with large variation across taxonomic groups (25–90%). A small fraction of records was identified as erroneous in the strict sense (4.2%), and a much larger proportion as unfit for most downstream analyses (41.7%). Filters of duplicated information, collection year, and basis of record, as well as coordinates in urban areas, or for terrestrial taxa in the sea or marine taxa on land, have the greatest effect. Automated filtering can help in identifying problematic records, but requires customization of which tests and thresholds should be applied to the taxonomic group and geographic area under focus. Our results stress the importance of thorough recording and exploration of the meta-data associated with species records for biodiversity research.
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Affiliation(s)
- Alexander Zizka
- sDiv, German Centre for Integrative Biodiversity Research Halle-Jena-Leipzig (iDiv), Leipzig, Germany.,Naturalis Biodiversity Center, Leiden, The Netherlands
| | - Fernanda Antunes Carvalho
- Departamento de Genética, Ecologia e Evolução, Universidade Federal de Minas Gerais, Belo Horizonte, Brazil
| | - Alice Calvente
- Departamento de Botânica e Zoologia, Universidade Federal do Rio Grande do Norte, Natal, Brazil
| | | | - Andressa Cabral
- Departamento de Botânica, Universidade de São Paulo, São Paulo, Brazil
| | | | | | - Mariana Ramos Fantinati
- Departamento de Botânica e Zoologia, Universidade Federal do Rio Grande do Norte, Natal, Brazil
| | - Moabe F Fernandes
- Departamento de Ciências Biológicas, Universidade Estadual de Feira de Santana, Feira de Santana, Brazil
| | - Thais Ferreira-Araújo
- Departamento de Botânica e Zoologia, Universidade Federal do Rio Grande do Norte, Natal, Brazil
| | | | | | | | | | - Filipe C Serrano
- Departamento de Ecologia, Universidade de São Paulo, São Paulo, Brazil
| | | | - Arthur de Souza Soares
- Departamento de Botânica e Zoologia, Universidade Federal do Rio Grande do Norte, Natal, Brazil
| | | | - Eduardo Calisto Tomaz
- Departamento de Botânica e Zoologia, Universidade Federal do Rio Grande do Norte, Natal, Brazil
| | - Valéria Fonseca Vale
- Departamento de Botânica e Zoologia, Universidade Federal do Rio Grande do Norte, Natal, Brazil
| | - Tiago Luiz Vieira
- Departamento de Ciências Biológicas, Universidade Estadual de Feira de Santana, Feira de Santana, Brazil
| | - Alexandre Antonelli
- Gothenburg Global Biodiversity Centre, University of Gothenburg, Gothenburg, Sweden.,Department for Biological and Environmental Sciences, University of Gothenburg, Gothenburg, Sweden.,Royal Botanic Gardens Kew, Richmond, United Kingdom
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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: 117] [Impact Index Per Article: 23.4] [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
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Asefa M, Cao M, He Y, Mekonnen E, Song X, Yang J. Ethiopian vegetation types, climate and topography. PLANT DIVERSITY 2020; 42:302-311. [PMID: 33094201 PMCID: PMC7567763 DOI: 10.1016/j.pld.2020.04.004] [Citation(s) in RCA: 48] [Impact Index Per Article: 9.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/14/2019] [Revised: 04/14/2020] [Accepted: 04/14/2020] [Indexed: 06/11/2023]
Abstract
Ethiopia is land of geographical contrasts with elevations that range from 125 m below sea level in the Danakil Depression to 4533 m above sea level in the Semien Mountains, a world heritage site. The diverse climate of various ecological regions of the country has driven the establishment of diverse vegetation, which range from Afroalpine vegetation in the mountains to the arid and semi-arid vegetation type in the lowlands. The formation of Ethiopian vegetation is highly connected to the climate and geological history of the country. Highland uplift and rift formation due to volcanic forces formed novel habitats with different topography and climatic conditions that have ultimately become drivers for vegetation diversification. Due to Ethiopia's connection with the temperate biome in the north and the Arabian Peninsula during the dry glacial period, the biotic assemblage of Ethiopian highlands consists of both Afrotropical and palearctic biota. In general, eight distinct vegetation types have been identified in Ethiopia, based mainly on elevation and climate gradients. These vegetation types host their own unique species, but also share several common species. Some of the vegetation types are identified as centers of endemism and have subsequently been identified globally as the East African Afromontane hotspot. Ethiopia is biologically rich, with more than 6500 vascular plant species. Of these species, 12% are endemic mainly due to geographical isolation and unique climatic conditions. However, researchers have yet to extensively investigate the ecology, phenology, as well as the evolutionary, genetics, and conservation status of Ethiopian vegetations at community and species level over space and time. This lack of research is a barrier to achieving the goal of zero global plant extinctions. Taxa extinction risk assessment has not been extensively carried out for majority of Ethiopian species. Detailed research is needed to explore how vegetation and species respond to rapidly growing environmental change. Currently, human-induced climate change and habitat fragmentation are severely threatening the country's biodiversity, and the consequences of these effects have not been studied at large. Furthermore, we still lack scientific evidence on how micro- and macro-ecological and evolutionary processes have been shaping vegetation structures in this climatically, topographically, and geologically diverse country. These gaps in our knowledge represent an opportunity for ecologists, geneticists, evolutionary biologists, conservation biologists, and other experts to investigate the biodiversity status and the complex ecological processes involved in structuring vegetation dynamics so as to help take effective conservation actions.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mengesha Asefa
- CAS, Key Laboratory of Tropical Forest Ecology, Xishuangbanna Tropical Botanical Garden, Chinese Academy of Sciences, 666303, Yunnan, China
- Department of Biology, College of Natural and Computational Sciences, University of Gondar, 196, Gondar, Ethiopia
| | - Min Cao
- CAS, Key Laboratory of Tropical Forest Ecology, Xishuangbanna Tropical Botanical Garden, Chinese Academy of Sciences, 666303, Yunnan, China
| | - Yunyun He
- CAS, Key Laboratory of Tropical Forest Ecology, Xishuangbanna Tropical Botanical Garden, Chinese Academy of Sciences, 666303, Yunnan, China
| | - Ewuketu Mekonnen
- CAS, Key Laboratory of Tropical Forest Ecology, Xishuangbanna Tropical Botanical Garden, Chinese Academy of Sciences, 666303, Yunnan, China
| | - Xiaoyang Song
- CAS, Key Laboratory of Tropical Forest Ecology, Xishuangbanna Tropical Botanical Garden, Chinese Academy of Sciences, 666303, Yunnan, China
| | - Jie Yang
- CAS, Key Laboratory of Tropical Forest Ecology, Xishuangbanna Tropical Botanical Garden, Chinese Academy of Sciences, 666303, Yunnan, China
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Diversity of Tree Species in Gap Regeneration under Tropical Moist Semi-Deciduous Forest: An Example from Bia Tano Forest Reserve. DIVERSITY 2020. [DOI: 10.3390/d12080301] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/05/2023]
Abstract
In a quest to improve the diversity and conservation of native tree species in tropical African forests, gap regeneration remains all-important nature-promoting silviculture practice and ecosystem-based strategy for attaining these ecological goals. Nine gaps of varying sizes (286–2005 m2) were randomly selected: three each from undisturbed, slightly disturbed and disturbed areas within Bia Tano Forest Reserve of Ghana. Within individual gaps, four transects (North–South–East–West directions) followed by 10 subsampling regions of 1 m2 at 2 m apart were established along each transect. Data showed 63 tree species from 21 families in the study. Although, all estimated diversity indices showed significant biodiversity improvements in all gaps at p < 0.05 level. Yet, there were no significant variations amongst gaps. Additionally, tree species differed between gaps at the undisturbed and the two disturbance-graded areas while no differences were presented between disturbance-graded areas. Balanced conservation between Green Star and Reddish Star species and imbalanced conservation between Least Concern, Near Threatened and Vulnerable species in the International Union for Conservation of Nature (IUCN) Red List were found, showing the reserve’s long-term prospects for economic and ecological benefits of forest management. Thus, there is a need for higher priority for intensive management to regulate various anthropogenic disturbances so as to protect the biological legacies of the reserve.
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Corlett RT. Safeguarding our future by protecting biodiversity. PLANT DIVERSITY 2020; 42:221-228. [PMID: 32837768 PMCID: PMC7239009 DOI: 10.1016/j.pld.2020.04.002] [Citation(s) in RCA: 25] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/25/2020] [Revised: 04/24/2020] [Accepted: 04/26/2020] [Indexed: 06/01/2023]
Abstract
The Anthropocene is marked by twin crises: climate change and biodiversity loss. Climate change has tended to dominate the headlines, reflecting, in part, the greater complexity of the biodiversity crisis. Biodiversity itself is a difficult concept. Land plants dominate the global biomass and terrestrial arthropods probably dominate in terms of numbers of species, but most of the Tree of Life consists of single-celled eukaryotes, bacteria, and archaea. Wild plants provide a huge variety of products and services to people, ranging from those that are species-specific, such as food, medicine, and genetic resources, to many which are partly interchangeable, such as timber and forage for domestic animals, and others which depend on the whole community, but not on individual species, such as regulation of water supply and carbon sequestration. The use of information from remote sensing has encouraged a simplified view of the values of nature's contributions to people, but this does not match the way most people value nature. We can currently estimate the proportion of species threatened by human impacts only for a few well-assessed groups, for which it ranges from 14% (birds) to 63% (cycads). Less than 8% of land plants have been assessed, but it has been estimated that 30-44% are threatened, although there are still few (0.2%) well-documented extinctions. Priorities for improving protection of biodiversity include: improving the inventory, with surveys focused on geographical areas and taxonomic groups which are under-collected; expanding the protected area system and its representativeness; controlling overexploitation; managing invasive species; conserving threatened species ex situ; restoring degraded ecosystems; and controlling climate change. The Convention on Biological Diversity (CBD) COP15 and the United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change (UNFCCC) COP26 meetings, both postponed to 2021, will provide an opportunity to address both crises, but success will require high ambition from all participants.
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Affiliation(s)
- Richard T. Corlett
- Center for Integrative Conservation, Xishuangbanna Tropical Botanical Garden, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Mengla, Yunnan, 666303, China
- Center of Conservation Biology, Core Botanical Gardens, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Mengla, Yunnan, 666303, China
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