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Villalobo-Lopez A, Peña CM, Varas-Myrik A, Pillet M, Jahnsen P, Pliscoff P, Goettsch B, Guerrero PC. Effects of trade and poaching pressure on extinction risk for cacti in the Atacama Desert. CONSERVATION BIOLOGY : THE JOURNAL OF THE SOCIETY FOR CONSERVATION BIOLOGY 2024; 38:e14353. [PMID: 39248738 DOI: 10.1111/cobi.14353] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/01/2023] [Revised: 02/19/2024] [Accepted: 02/21/2024] [Indexed: 09/10/2024]
Abstract
In this era of a global biodiversity crisis, vascular plants are facing unprecedented extinction rates. We conducted an assessment of the extinction risk of 32 species and 7 subspecies of Copiapoa, a genus endemic to Chile's fog-dependent coastal Atacama Desert. We applied the International Union for Conservation of Nature Red List Categories and Criteria enhanced by expert insights and knowledge. Our primary aim was to analyze the impact of trade and poaching on their extinction risk. We employed machine learning models, including multinomial logistic regression (MLR), decision tree (DT), and random forest (RF), to analyze the relationships between conservation status and various factors. These factors encompassed trade and poaching activities, landscape condition, human footprint, monthly cloud frequency, and biological traits such as evolutionary distinctiveness and maximum diameter. Seven taxa had an area of occupancy (AOO) of <10 km2, 10 additional taxa had an AOO of <20 km2, and 16 taxa had an AOO of ≤100 km2. This reassessment exposed a critical level of extinction risk for the genus; 92% of the taxa were classified as threatened, 41% as critically endangered, 41% as endangered, and 10% as vulnerable. MLR, DT, and RF exhibited accuracies of 0.784, 0.730, and 0.598, respectively, and identified trade and poaching pressure and landscape condition as the primary drivers of extinction risk. Our assessment of Copiapoa showed trade, poaching, habitat degradation, and their synergic impacts as the main drivers of the genus' extinction risk. Our results highlight the urgent need for nations to develop and enforce strategies to monitor and control trade and poaching pressure because these factors are crucial for the long-term persistence of desert plants.
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Affiliation(s)
- Angelica Villalobo-Lopez
- Departamento de Botánica, Facultad de Ciencias Naturales & Oceanográficas, Universidad de Concepción, Concepción, Chile
- Institute of Ecology and Biodiversity (IEB), Concepción, Chile
| | - Carol M Peña
- Departamento de Ciencias y Tecnología Vegetal, Escuela de Ciencias y Tecnologías, Universidad de Concepción, Los Ángeles, Chile
| | - Antonio Varas-Myrik
- Centro Intihuasi, Instituto de Investigaciones Agropecuarias, La Serena, Chile
| | - Michiel Pillet
- International Union for Conservation of Nature, Species Survival Commission, Cactus and Succulent Plants Specialist Group, Cambridge, UK
- Department of Ecology and Evolutionary Biology, The University of Arizona, Tucson, Arizona, USA
| | - Paulina Jahnsen
- Departamento de Ciencias y Tecnología Vegetal, Escuela de Ciencias y Tecnologías, Universidad de Concepción, Los Ángeles, Chile
| | - Patricio Pliscoff
- Institute of Ecology and Biodiversity (IEB), Concepción, Chile
- Centro de Estudios Territoriales, Universidad de Los Andes, Santiago, Chile
- Millennium Institute Biodiversity of Antarctic and Sub-Antarctic Ecosystems, Santiago, Chile
| | - Bárbara Goettsch
- International Union for Conservation of Nature, Species Survival Commission, Cactus and Succulent Plants Specialist Group, Cambridge, UK
| | - Pablo C Guerrero
- Departamento de Botánica, Facultad de Ciencias Naturales & Oceanográficas, Universidad de Concepción, Concepción, Chile
- Institute of Ecology and Biodiversity (IEB), Concepción, Chile
- International Union for Conservation of Nature, Species Survival Commission, Cactus and Succulent Plants Specialist Group, Cambridge, UK
- Millennium Institute Biodiversity of Antarctic and Sub-Antarctic Ecosystems, Santiago, Chile
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Pipins S, Baillie JEM, Bowmer A, Pollock LJ, Owen N, Gumbs R. Advancing EDGE Zones to identify spatial conservation priorities of tetrapod evolutionary history. Nat Commun 2024; 15:7672. [PMID: 39237497 PMCID: PMC11377708 DOI: 10.1038/s41467-024-51992-5] [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: 11/03/2023] [Accepted: 08/22/2024] [Indexed: 09/07/2024] Open
Abstract
The biodiversity crisis is pruning the Tree of Life in a way that threatens billions of years of evolutionary history and there is a need to understand where the greatest losses are predicted to occur. We therefore present threatened evolutionary history mapped for all tetrapod groups and describe patterns of Evolutionarily Distinct and Globally Endangered (EDGE) species. Using a complementarity procedure with uncertainty incorporated for 33,628 species, we identify 25 priority tetrapod EDGE Zones, which are insufficiently protected and disproportionately exposed to high human pressure. Tetrapod EDGE Zones are spread over five continents, 33 countries, and 117 ecoregions. Together, they occupy 0.723% of the world's surface but harbour one-third of the world's threatened evolutionary history and EDGE tetrapod species, half of which is endemic. These EDGE Zones highlight areas of immediate concern for researchers, practitioners, policymakers, and communicators looking to safeguard the tetrapod Tree of Life.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sebastian Pipins
- On the Edge, London, UK.
- Royal Botanic Gardens, Kew, London, UK.
- Department of Life Sciences, Imperial College London, Ascot, Berkshire, UK.
- Science and Solutions for a Changing Planet DTP, Grantham Institute, Imperial College London, London, UK.
| | | | - Alex Bowmer
- On the Edge, London, UK
- Department of Global Health & Development, London School of Hygiene and Tropical Medicine, London, UK
| | - Laura J Pollock
- Department of Biology, McGill University, Montreal, Quebec, Canada
- Quebec Centre for Biodiversity Sciences, Montreal, Quebec, Canada
| | | | - Rikki Gumbs
- Department of Life Sciences, Imperial College London, Ascot, Berkshire, UK
- EDGE of Existence Programme, Zoological Society of London, London, UK
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Soto Gomez M, Brown MJM, Pironon S, Bureš P, Verde Arregoitia LD, Veselý P, Elliott TL, Zedek F, Pellicer J, Forest F, Nic Lughadha E, Leitch IJ. Genome size is positively correlated with extinction risk in herbaceous angiosperms. THE NEW PHYTOLOGIST 2024; 243:2470-2485. [PMID: 39080986 DOI: 10.1111/nph.19947] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/13/2023] [Accepted: 06/02/2024] [Indexed: 08/23/2024]
Abstract
Angiosperms with large genomes experience nuclear-, cellular-, and organism-level constraints that may limit their phenotypic plasticity and ecological niche, which could increase their risk of extinction. Therefore, we test the hypotheses that large-genomed species are more likely to be threatened with extinction than those with small genomes, and that the effect of genome size varies across three selected covariates: life form, endemism, and climatic zone. We collated genome size and extinction risk information for a representative sample of angiosperms comprising 3250 species, which we analyzed alongside life form, endemism, and climatic zone variables using a phylogenetic framework. Genome size is positively correlated with extinction risk, a pattern driven by a signal in herbaceous but not woody species, regardless of climate and endemism. The influence of genome size is stronger in endemic herbaceous species, but is relatively homogenous across different climates. Beyond its indirect link via endemism and climate, genome size is associated with extinction risk directly and significantly. Genome size may serve as a proxy for difficult-to-measure parameters associated with resilience and vulnerability in herbaceous angiosperms. Therefore, it merits further exploration as a useful biological attribute for understanding intrinsic extinction risk and augmenting plant conservation efforts.
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Affiliation(s)
| | | | - Samuel Pironon
- Royal Botanic Gardens, Kew, Richmond, Surrey, TW9 3AE, UK
- UN Environment Programme World Conservation Monitoring Centre (UNEP-WCMC), Cambridge, CB3 0DL, UK
- School of Biological and Behavioral Sciences, Queen Mary University of London, London, E1 4NS, UK
| | - Petr Bureš
- Faculty of Science, Department of Botany and Zoology, Masaryk University, Brno, 61137, Czech Republic
| | | | - Pavel Veselý
- Faculty of Science, Department of Botany and Zoology, Masaryk University, Brno, 61137, Czech Republic
| | - Tammy L Elliott
- Faculty of Science, Department of Botany and Zoology, Masaryk University, Brno, 61137, Czech Republic
- Department of Biological Sciences, University of Cape Town, Cape Town, 7700, South Africa
| | - František Zedek
- Faculty of Science, Department of Botany and Zoology, Masaryk University, Brno, 61137, Czech Republic
| | - Jaume Pellicer
- Royal Botanic Gardens, Kew, Richmond, Surrey, TW9 3AE, UK
- Institut Botanic de Barcelona (IBB), CSIC-CMCNB, Barcelona, 08038, Spain
| | - Félix Forest
- Royal Botanic Gardens, Kew, Richmond, Surrey, TW9 3AE, UK
| | | | - Ilia J Leitch
- Royal Botanic Gardens, Kew, Richmond, Surrey, TW9 3AE, UK
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Zalesky T, Bradshaw AJ, Bair ZJ, Meyer KW, Stamets P. Fungal cryopreservation across 61 genera: Practical application and method evaluation. Mycologia 2024; 116:865-876. [PMID: 38949868 DOI: 10.1080/00275514.2024.2363135] [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: 06/02/2023] [Accepted: 05/30/2024] [Indexed: 07/03/2024]
Abstract
Fungi occupy important environmental, cultural, and socioeconomic roles. However, biological research of this diverse kingdom has lagged behind that of other phylogenetic groups. This is partially the result of the notorious difficulty in culturing a diverse array of filamentous fungal species due to their (i) often unpredictable growth, (ii) unknown preferences for culturing conditions, and (iii) long incubation times compared with other microorganisms such as bacteria and yeasts. Given the complexity associated with concurrently culturing diverse fungal species, developing practical methods for preserving as many species as possible for future research is vital. The widely accepted best practice for preserving fungal tissue is the use of cryogenic biobanking at -165 C, allowing for the preservation and documentation of stable genetic lineages, thus enabling long-term diversity-centered research. Despite the extensive literature on fungal cryopreservation, substantial barriers remain for implementation of cryogenic biobanks in smaller mycological laboratories. In this work, we present practical considerations for the establishment of a fungal culture biobank, as well as provide evidence for the viability of 61 fungal genera in cryogenic storage. By providing a pragmatic methodology for cryogenically preserving and managing many filamentous fungi, we show that creating a biobank can be economical for independently owned and operated mycology laboratories, which can serve as a long-term resource for biodiversity, conservation, and strain maintenance.
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Affiliation(s)
- Travis Zalesky
- School of Geography, Development and Environment, University of Arizona, 1200 E University Boulevard, Tucson, Arizona 85721
| | - Alexander J Bradshaw
- School of Biological Sciences, University of Utah, 201 Presidents Circle, Salt Lake City, Utah 84112
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Ondo I, Dhanjal-Adams KL, Pironon S, Silvestro D, Colli-Silva M, Deklerck V, Grace OM, Monro AK, Nicolson N, Walker B, Antonelli A. Plant diversity darkspots for global collection priorities. THE NEW PHYTOLOGIST 2024. [PMID: 39152543 DOI: 10.1111/nph.20024] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/12/2023] [Accepted: 07/07/2024] [Indexed: 08/19/2024]
Abstract
More than 15% of all vascular plant species may remain scientifically undescribed, and many of the > 350 000 described species have no or few geographic records documenting their distribution. Identifying and understanding taxonomic and geographic knowledge shortfalls is key to prioritising future collection and conservation efforts. Using extensive data for 343 523 vascular plant species and time-to-event analyses, we conducted multiple tests related to plant taxonomic and geographic data shortfalls, and identified 33 global diversity darkspots (those 'botanical countries' predicted to contain most undescribed and not yet recorded species). We defined priority regions for future collection according to several socio-economic and environmental scenarios. Most plant diversity darkspots are found within global biodiversity hotspots, with the exception of New Guinea. We identify Colombia, Myanmar, New Guinea, Peru, Philippines and Turkey as global collection priorities under all environmental and socio-economic conditions considered. Our study provides a flexible framework to help accelerate the documentation of global plant diversity for the implementation of conservation actions. As digitisation of the world's herbaria progresses, collection and conservation priorities may soon be identifiable at finer scales.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ian Ondo
- Royal Botanic Gardens, Kew, Richmond, TW9 3AE, UK
- UN Environment Programme World Conservation Monitoring Centre (UNEP-WCMC), Cambridge, CB3 0DL, UK
| | | | - Samuel Pironon
- Royal Botanic Gardens, Kew, Richmond, TW9 3AE, UK
- UN Environment Programme World Conservation Monitoring Centre (UNEP-WCMC), Cambridge, CB3 0DL, UK
- School of Biological and Behavioural Sciences, Queen Mary University of London, London, E1 4DQ, UK
| | - Daniele Silvestro
- Department of Biology, University of Fribourg, Fribourg, 1700, Switzerland
- Department of Biological and Environmental Sciences, Gothenburg Global Biodiversity Centre, University of Gothenburg, Gothenburg, 41319, Sweden
| | | | - Victor Deklerck
- Royal Botanic Gardens, Kew, Richmond, TW9 3AE, UK
- Meise Botanic Garden, Meise, 1860, Belgium
| | - Olwen M Grace
- Royal Botanic Gardens, Kew, Richmond, TW9 3AE, UK
- Royal Botanic Garden Edinburgh, Edinburgh, EH3 5LR, UK
| | | | | | | | - Alexandre Antonelli
- Royal Botanic Gardens, Kew, Richmond, TW9 3AE, UK
- Department of Biological and Environmental Sciences, Gothenburg Global Biodiversity Centre, University of Gothenburg, Gothenburg, 41319, Sweden
- Department of Biology, University of Oxford, Oxford, OX1 3RB, UK
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Pirie MD, Bellstedt DU, Bouman RW, Fagúndez J, Gehrke B, Kandziora M, Le Maitre NC, Musker SD, Newman E, Nürk NM, Oliver EGH, Pipins S, van der Niet T, Forest F. Spatial decoupling of taxon richness, phylogenetic diversity and threat status in the megagenus Erica (Ericaceae). PHYTOKEYS 2024; 244:127-150. [PMID: 39027483 PMCID: PMC11255470 DOI: 10.3897/phytokeys.244.124565] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/02/2024] [Accepted: 05/19/2024] [Indexed: 07/20/2024]
Abstract
Estimates of the number of vascular plant species currently under threat of extinction are shockingly high, with the highest extinction rates reported for narrow-range, woody plants, especially in biodiversity hotspots with Mediterranean and tropical climates. The large genus Erica is a prime example, as a large proportion of its 851 species, all shrubs or small trees, are endemic to the Cape Floristic Region (CFR) of South Africa. Almost two hundred are known to be threatened and a further hundred are 'Data Deficient'. We need to target conservation efforts and research to fill the most problematic knowledge gaps. This can be especially challenging in large genera, such as Erica, with numerous threatened species that are closely related. One approach involves combining knowledge of phylogenetic diversity with that of IUCN threat status to identify the most Evolutionarily Distinct and Globally Endangered (EDGE) species. We present an expanded and improved phylogenetic hypothesis for Erica (representing 65% of described species diversity) and combine this with available threat and distribution data to identify species and geographic areas that could be targeted for conservation effort to maximise preservation of phylogenetic diversity (PD). The resulting 39 EDGE taxa include 35 from the CFR. A further 32 high PD, data deficient taxa are mostly from outside the CFR, reflecting the low proportion of assessed taxa outside South Africa. The most taxon-rich areas are found in the south-western CFR. They are not the most phylogenetically diverse, but do include the most threatened PD. These results can be cross-referenced to existing living and seed-banked ex situ collections and used to target new and updated threat assessments and conservation action.
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Affiliation(s)
- Michael D. Pirie
- University Museum, University of Bergen, Postboks 7800, N-5020 Bergen, Norway
| | - Dirk U. Bellstedt
- Department of Biochemistry, University of Stellenbosch, Private Bag X1, Matieland 7602, South Africa
| | - Roderick W. Bouman
- Hortus botanicus Leiden, Leiden University, P.O. Box 9500, 2300 RA, Leiden, Netherlands
- Naturalis Biodiversity Center, P.O. Box 9517, 2300 RA, Leiden, Netherlands
| | - Jaime Fagúndez
- Institute of Biology Leiden, Leiden University, PO Box 9505, 2300 RA Leiden, Netherlands
| | - Berit Gehrke
- University Museum, University of Bergen, Postboks 7800, N-5020 Bergen, Norway
| | - Martha Kandziora
- Universidade da Coruña, BIOCOST research group, Centro Interdisciplinar de Química e Bioloxía (CICA), Rúa As Carballeiras, 15071, A Coruña, Spain
- Universidade da Coruña, Departamento de Bioloxía, Facultade de Ciencias, 15071, A Coruña, Spain
| | - Nicholas C. Le Maitre
- Department of Biochemistry, University of Stellenbosch, Private Bag X1, Matieland 7602, South Africa
| | - Seth D. Musker
- Department of Botany, Faculty of Science, Charles University, 128 00 Prague, Czech Republic
| | - Ethan Newman
- Senckenberg Biodiversity and Climate Research Centre, Senckenberg Gesellschaft für Naturforschung, 60325 Frankfurt am Main, Germany
| | - Nicolai M. Nürk
- Department of Genetics, University of Stellenbosch, Private Bag X1, Matieland 7602, South Africa
| | - E. G. H. Oliver
- Department of Biological Sciences, University of Cape Town, Private Bag, Rondebosch 7701, South Africa
| | - Sebastian Pipins
- Centre for Functional Biodiversity, School of Life Sciences, University of KwaZulu-Natal, Scottsville, Pietermaritzburg 3209, South Africa
- Department of Plant Systematics, Bayreuth Centre of Ecology and Environmental Research (BayCEER), University of Bayreuth, Universitätsstraße 30, 95447 Bayreuth, Germany
- Department of Botany and Zoology, University of Stellenbosch, Private Bag X1, Matieland 7602, South Africa
| | - Timotheus van der Niet
- Senckenberg Biodiversity and Climate Research Centre, Senckenberg Gesellschaft für Naturforschung, 60325 Frankfurt am Main, Germany
| | - Félix Forest
- Centre for Functional Biodiversity, School of Life Sciences, University of KwaZulu-Natal, Scottsville, Pietermaritzburg 3209, South Africa
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Clarke SH, Lawrence ER, Matte JM, Gallagher BK, Salisbury SJ, Michaelides SN, Koumrouyan R, Ruzzante DE, Grant JWA, Fraser DJ. Global assessment of effective population sizes: Consistent taxonomic differences in meeting the 50/500 rule. Mol Ecol 2024; 33:e17353. [PMID: 38613250 DOI: 10.1111/mec.17353] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/01/2023] [Revised: 04/01/2024] [Accepted: 04/03/2024] [Indexed: 04/14/2024]
Abstract
Effective population size (Ne) is a particularly useful metric for conservation as it affects genetic drift, inbreeding and adaptive potential within populations. Current guidelines recommend a minimum Ne of 50 and 500 to avoid short-term inbreeding and to preserve long-term adaptive potential respectively. However, the extent to which wild populations reach these thresholds globally has not been investigated, nor has the relationship between Ne and human activities. Through a quantitative review, we generated a dataset with 4610 georeferenced Ne estimates from 3829 populations, extracted from 723 articles. These data show that certain taxonomic groups are less likely to meet 50/500 thresholds and are disproportionately impacted by human activities; plant, mammal and amphibian populations had a <54% probability of reachingN ̂ e = 50 and a <9% probability of reachingN ̂ e = 500. Populations listed as being of conservation concern according to the IUCN Red List had a smaller medianN ̂ e than unlisted populations, and this was consistent across all taxonomic groups.N ̂ e was reduced in areas with a greater Global Human Footprint, especially for amphibians, birds and mammals, however relationships varied between taxa. We also highlight several considerations for future works, including the role that gene flow and subpopulation structure plays in the estimation ofN ̂ e in wild populations, and the need for finer-scale taxonomic analyses. Our findings provide guidance for more specific thresholds based on Ne and help prioritise assessment of populations from taxa most at risk of failing to meet conservation thresholds.
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Affiliation(s)
- Shannon H Clarke
- Department of Biology, Concordia University, Montreal, Quebec, Canada
| | | | - Jean-Michel Matte
- Department of Biology, Concordia University, Montreal, Quebec, Canada
| | - Brian K Gallagher
- Department of Biology, Concordia University, Montreal, Quebec, Canada
| | - Sarah J Salisbury
- Department of Biology, Dalhousie University, Halifax, Nova Scotia, Canada
| | | | - Ramela Koumrouyan
- Department of Biology, Concordia University, Montreal, Quebec, Canada
| | - Daniel E Ruzzante
- Department of Biology, Dalhousie University, Halifax, Nova Scotia, Canada
| | - James W A Grant
- Department of Biology, Concordia University, Montreal, Quebec, Canada
| | - Dylan J Fraser
- Department of Biology, Concordia University, Montreal, Quebec, Canada
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Waterhouse RM, Adam-Blondon AF, Balech B, Barta E, Ying Shi Chua P, Di Cola V, Heil KF, Hughes GM, Jermiin LS, Kalaš M, Lanfear J, Pafilis E, Palagi PM, Papageorgiou AC, Paupério J, Psomopoulos F, Raes N, Burgin J, Gabaldón T. The ELIXIR Biodiversity Community: Understanding short- and long-term changes in biodiversity. F1000Res 2024; 12:ELIXIR-499. [PMID: 38882711 PMCID: PMC11179050 DOI: 10.12688/f1000research.133724.2] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 05/09/2024] [Indexed: 06/18/2024] Open
Abstract
Biodiversity loss is now recognised as one of the major challenges for humankind to address over the next few decades. Unless major actions are taken, the sixth mass extinction will lead to catastrophic effects on the Earth's biosphere and human health and well-being. ELIXIR can help address the technical challenges of biodiversity science, through leveraging its suite of services and expertise to enable data management and analysis activities that enhance our understanding of life on Earth and facilitate biodiversity preservation and restoration. This white paper, prepared by the ELIXIR Biodiversity Community, summarises the current status and responses, and presents a set of plans, both technical and community-oriented, that should both enhance how ELIXIR Services are applied in the biodiversity field and how ELIXIR builds connections across the many other infrastructures active in this area. We discuss the areas of highest priority, how they can be implemented in cooperation with the ELIXIR Platforms, and their connections to existing ELIXIR Communities and international consortia. The article provides a preliminary blueprint for a Biodiversity Community in ELIXIR and is an appeal to identify and involve new stakeholders.
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Affiliation(s)
- Robert M. Waterhouse
- Department of Ecology and Evolution, SIB Swiss Institute of Bioinformatics, Universite de Lausanne, Lausanne, Vaud, 1015, Switzerland
| | - Anne-Françoise Adam-Blondon
- INRAE, BioinfOmics, Plant Bioinformatics Facility, Universite Paris-Saclay, Gif-sur-Yvette, Île-de-France, 78026, France
| | - Bachir Balech
- Istituto di Biomembrane, Bioenergetica e Biotecnologie Molecolari, Bari, 70126, Italy
| | - Endre Barta
- Institute of Genetics and Biotechnology, Magyar Agrar- es Elettudomanyi Egyetem, Gödöllő, Pest County, Hungary
| | | | - Valeria Di Cola
- SIB Swiss Institute of Bioinformatics, Lausanne, Vaud, 1015, Switzerland
| | | | - Graham M. Hughes
- School of Biology and Environmental Science, University College Dublin, Dublin, Leinster, Ireland
| | - Lars S. Jermiin
- Systems Biology Ireland, School of Medicine, University College Dublin, Dublin, Leinster, Ireland
- School of Mathematical and Statistical Sciences, University of Galway, Galway, Ireland
| | - Matúš Kalaš
- Department of Informatics, Universitetet i Bergen, Bergen, Hordaland, Norway
| | - Jerry Lanfear
- ELIXIR, Wellcome Genome Campus, Hinxton, England, CB10 1SD, UK
| | - Evangelos Pafilis
- Institute of Marine Biology, Biotechnology and Aquaculture, Hellenic Centre for Marine Research, Heraklion, 71003, Greece
| | - Patricia M. Palagi
- SIB Swiss Institute of Bioinformatics, Lausanne, Vaud, 1015, Switzerland
| | | | - Joana Paupério
- EMBL-EBI, Wellcome Genome Campus, Hinxton, England, CB10 1SD, UK
| | - Fotis Psomopoulos
- Institute of Applied Biosciences, Centre for Research and Technology Hellas, Thessaloniki, Greece
| | - Niels Raes
- Naturalis Biodiversity Center, Leiden, South Holland, The Netherlands
| | - Josephine Burgin
- EMBL-EBI, Wellcome Genome Campus, Hinxton, England, CB10 1SD, UK
| | - Toni Gabaldón
- Institut de Recerca Biomedica, Barcelona, Catalonia, Spain
- Centro Nacional de Supercomputacion, Barcelona, Catalonia, Spain
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Linan AG, Gereau RE, Sucher R, Mashimba FH, Bassuner B, Wyatt A, Edwards CE. Capturing and managing genetic diversity in ex situ collections of threatened tropical trees: A case study in Karomia gigas. APPLICATIONS IN PLANT SCIENCES 2024; 12:e11589. [PMID: 38912126 PMCID: PMC11192163 DOI: 10.1002/aps3.11589] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/13/2023] [Revised: 02/12/2024] [Accepted: 02/23/2024] [Indexed: 06/25/2024]
Abstract
Premise Although ex situ collections of threatened plants are most useful when they contain maximal genetic variation, the conservation and maintenance of genetic diversity in collections are often poorly known. We present a case study using population genomic analyses of an ex situ collection of Karomia gigas, a critically endangered tropical tree from Tanzania. Only ~43 individuals are known in two wild populations, and ex situ collections containing 34 individuals were established in two sites from wild-collected seed. The study aimed to understand how much diversity is represented in the collection, analyze the parentage of ex situ individuals, and identify efficient strategies to capture and maintain genetic diversity. Methods We genotyped all known individuals using a 2b-RADseq approach, compared genetic diversity in wild populations and ex situ collections, and conducted parentage analysis of the collections. Results Wild populations were found to have greater levels of genetic diversity than ex situ populations as measured by number of private alleles, number of polymorphic sites, observed and expected heterozygosity, nucleotide diversity, and allelic richness. In addition, only 32.6% of wild individuals are represented ex situ and many individuals were found to be the product of selfing by a single wild individual. Discussion Population genomic analyses provided important insights into the conservation of genetic diversity in K. gigas, identifying gaps and inefficiencies, but also highlighting strategies to conserve genetic diversity ex situ. Genomic analyses provide essential information to ensure that collections effectively conserve genetic diversity in threatened tropical trees.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Roy E. Gereau
- Missouri Botanical Garden4344 Shaw Blvd.St. Louis63110MissouriUSA
| | - Rebecca Sucher
- Missouri Botanical Garden4344 Shaw Blvd.St. Louis63110MissouriUSA
| | - Fandey H. Mashimba
- Tanzania Forest Service Agency, Directorate of Tree Seed ProductionBox 40832, Nyerere Road, Mpingo HouseDar es SalaamTanzania
| | - Burgund Bassuner
- Missouri Botanical Garden4344 Shaw Blvd.St. Louis63110MissouriUSA
| | - Andrew Wyatt
- Missouri Botanical Garden4344 Shaw Blvd.St. Louis63110MissouriUSA
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Pizzardo RC, Nic Lughadha E, Rando JG, Forest F, Nogueira A, Prochazka LS, Walker BE, Vasconcelos T. An assessment of methods to combine evolutionary history and conservation: A case study in the Brazilian campo rupestre. APPLICATIONS IN PLANT SCIENCES 2024; 12:e11587. [PMID: 38912125 PMCID: PMC11192159 DOI: 10.1002/aps3.11587] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/16/2023] [Revised: 02/16/2024] [Accepted: 02/21/2024] [Indexed: 06/25/2024]
Abstract
Premise Conservation policies typically focus on biodiversity hotspots. An alternative approach involves analyzing the evolutionary history of lineages in geographic areas along with their threat levels to guide conservation efforts. Mountains exhibit high levels of plant species richness and micro-endemism, and biogeographic studies commonly point to recent and rapid evolutionary radiations in these areas. Using a nearly endemic clade of legumes, our study evaluates conservation prioritization approaches in the campo rupestre, a Neotropical ecosystem associated with mountaintops that is located between two biodiversity hotspots. Methods We compared the EDGE and EDGE2 metrics, which combine the evolutionary distinctiveness and the extinction risk of a species in a single value. These metrics are compared with traditional metrics used to assess conservation priority, such as phylogenetic diversity. Results The EDGE values reported are lower than those of other studies using this metric, mostly due to the prevalence of threatened species with short phylogenetic branch lengths (low values of evolutionary distinctiveness). Certain areas of campo rupestre with relatively high phylogenetic diversity and EDGE values do not correspond to areas with high species richness, agreeing with previous studies on biodiversity hotspots. Discussion Our study highlights the necessity of conservation of the campo rupestres as well as advantages and disadvantages of using EDGE, EDGE2, and phylogenetic diversity for appropriate selection of conservation areas with rapid evolutionary radiations. The selection of the metrics will depend primarily on the life history of the focus group and the data availability, as well as the conservation approach.
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Affiliation(s)
- Raquel C. Pizzardo
- Laboratório de Sistemática Vegetal, Departamento de BotânicaUniversidade de São PauloSão PauloSão PauloBrazil
- Department of Ecology and Evolutionary BiologyUniversity of MichiganAnn ArborMichiganUSA
| | | | - Juliana Gastaldello Rando
- Programa de Pós‐Gradução em Ciências Ambientais, Centro das Ciências Biológicas e da SaúdeUniversidade Federal do Oeste da BahiaBarreirasBahiaBrazil
| | - Félix Forest
- Royal Botanic Gardens, KewRichmondTW9 3AEUnited Kingdom
| | - Anselmo Nogueira
- Laboratório de Interações Planta‐Animal (LIPA), Centro de Ciências Naturais e HumanasUniversidade Federal do ABCSão Bernardo do CampoSão PauloBrazil
| | - Luana S. Prochazka
- Laboratório de Interações Planta‐Animal (LIPA), Centro de Ciências Naturais e HumanasUniversidade Federal do ABCSão Bernardo do CampoSão PauloBrazil
- Programa de Pós‐graduação em Biodiversidade Vegetal e Meio AmbienteInstituto de Pesquisas AmbientaisSão PauloSão PauloBrazil
| | | | - Thais Vasconcelos
- Department of Ecology and Evolutionary BiologyUniversity of MichiganAnn ArborMichiganUSA
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Bellis J, Albrecht MA, Maschinski J, Osazuwa‐Peters O, Stanley T, Heineman KD. Advancing the science and practice of rare plant conservation with the Center for Plant Conservation Reintroduction Database. APPLICATIONS IN PLANT SCIENCES 2024; 12:e11583. [PMID: 38912124 PMCID: PMC11192157 DOI: 10.1002/aps3.11583] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/01/2023] [Revised: 01/22/2024] [Accepted: 01/29/2024] [Indexed: 06/25/2024]
Abstract
Premise Reintroductions or translocations are an increasingly important activity to recover and conserve at-risk plant species. Yet because many are not published in the scientific literature, learning from previous attempts may often require considerable time and effort. The Center for Plant Conservation Reintroduction Database (CPCRD; https://saveplants.org/reintroduction-database/), a new centralized and standardized repository of U.S.-based plant reintroductions, aims to improve the efficiency and effectiveness of accessing data on rare plant reintroductions. Methods The CPCRD is the product of multiple efforts to assemble information on rare plant reintroductions in the United States. The database comprises a wealth of standardized data on the key stages of a reintroduction, from the planning and implementation phases, to monitoring and management techniques. Results The CPCRD is a dynamic resource, allowing data contributors to continually update their entries as projects progress. While contributions are ongoing, the CPCRD currently includes 460 projects involving 201 plant taxa, spanning diverse growth forms, ecosystems, and regions. Discussion The CPCRD and its well-documented and monitored projects provide a valuable practical resource for conservation practitioners, and have supported multiple scientific studies and contributed to the internationally recognized Center for Plant Conservation Best Practices Guidelines.
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Affiliation(s)
- Joe Bellis
- Center for Plant Conservation15600 San Pasqual Valley RoadEscondido92027CaliforniaUSA
| | - Matthew A. Albrecht
- Center for Conservation and Sustainable DevelopmentMissouri Botanical GardenSt. Louis63110MissouriUSA
| | - Joyce Maschinski
- Center for Plant Conservation15600 San Pasqual Valley RoadEscondido92027CaliforniaUSA
| | - Oyomoare Osazuwa‐Peters
- Department of Population Health SciencesDuke University School of MedicineDurham27701North CarolinaUSA
| | - Tina Stanley
- Center for Plant Conservation15600 San Pasqual Valley RoadEscondido92027CaliforniaUSA
| | - Katherine D. Heineman
- Center for Plant Conservation15600 San Pasqual Valley RoadEscondido92027CaliforniaUSA
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12
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Bachman SP, Brown MJM, Leão TCC, Nic Lughadha E, Walker BE. Extinction risk predictions for the world's flowering plants to support their conservation. THE NEW PHYTOLOGIST 2024; 242:797-808. [PMID: 38437880 DOI: 10.1111/nph.19592] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/21/2022] [Accepted: 01/23/2024] [Indexed: 03/06/2024]
Abstract
More than 70% of all vascular plants lack conservation status assessments. We aimed to address this shortfall in knowledge of species extinction risk by using the World Checklist of Vascular Plants to generate the first comprehensive set of predictions for a large clade: angiosperms (flowering plants, c. 330 000 species). We used Bayesian Additive Regression Trees (BART) to predict the extinction risk of all angiosperms using predictors relating to range size, human footprint, climate, and evolutionary history and applied a novel approach to estimate uncertainty of individual species-level predictions. From our model predictions, we estimate 45.1% of angiosperm species are potentially threatened with a lower bound of 44.5% and upper bound of 45.7%. Our species-level predictions, with associated uncertainty estimates, do not replace full global, or regional Red List assessments, but can be used to prioritise predicted threatened species for full Red List assessment and fast-track predicted non-threatened species for Least Concern assessments. Our predictions and uncertainty estimates can also guide fieldwork, inform systematic conservation planning and support global plant conservation efforts and targets.
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13
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Vabuolė E, Juzėnas S, Kutorga E. Habitat Diversity, Environmental Conditions, and Distribution of Endangered Fungus Sarcosoma globosum (Ascomycota) in Lithuania. J Fungi (Basel) 2024; 10:263. [PMID: 38667934 PMCID: PMC11051098 DOI: 10.3390/jof10040263] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/29/2024] [Revised: 03/25/2024] [Accepted: 03/28/2024] [Indexed: 04/28/2024] Open
Abstract
Sarcosoma globosum (Pezizales, Ascomycota) is a rare and endangered fungus, and it is believed to be extinct in most central European countries. Known records of S. globosum in Lithuania reveal that it is situated on the south-western edge of a shrinking geographical distribution range in Europe. An assessment of the species' current habitat conditions and threats could enhance and provide new knowledge and guidelines to facilitate the efficient conservation of this threatened fungus and its habitats. The main aim of this study was to analyse the habitats and environmental conditions of S. globosum in Lithuania. We examined the diversity of habitats, various soil and tree stand characteristics, forest management activities, and natural disturbances in all 28 known fungus localities. S. globosum habitats in Lithuania are restricted to coniferous forests with the presence of Picea abies; the species was observed in boreo-nemoral bilberry western spruce taiga (the European Nature Information System habitat type T3F14), continental tall-herb western spruce taiga (T3F44), and native fir, spruce, larch, and cedar plantations (T3N1). An analysis of forest stand age structures in Lithuanian S. globosum localities revealed a rather large proportion of young Norway spruce stands of cultural origin (25.6% of study plots were assigned to age classes from 21 to 50 years); nevertheless, the majority of fungus growth sites were situated in older forests. Various natural and anthropogenic disturbances that threaten S. globosum habitats were assessed.
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Affiliation(s)
- Eglė Vabuolė
- Department of Botany and Genetics, Institute of Biosciences, Life Sciences Center, Vilnius University, Saulėtekio Ave. 7, LT-10257 Vilnius, Lithuania; (S.J.); (E.K.)
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14
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de Melo PHA, Bystriakova N, Lucas E, Monro AK. A new R package to parse plant species occurrence records into unique collection events efficiently reduces data redundancy. Sci Rep 2024; 14:5450. [PMID: 38443673 PMCID: PMC10914741 DOI: 10.1038/s41598-024-56158-3] [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: 11/08/2023] [Accepted: 03/02/2024] [Indexed: 03/07/2024] Open
Abstract
Biodiversity data aggregators, such as Global Biodiversity Information Facility (GBIF) suffer from inflation of the number of occurrence records when data from different databases are merged but not fully reconciled. The ParseGBIF workflow is designed to parse duplicate GBIF species occurrence records into unique collection events (gatherings) and to optimise the quality of the spatial data associated with them. ParseGBIF provides tools to verify and standardize species scientific names according to the World Checklist of Vascular Plants taxonomic backbone, and to parse duplicate records into unique 'collection events', in the process compiling the most informative spatial data, where more than one duplicate is available, and providing crude estimates of taxonomic and spatial data quality. When GBIF occurrence records for a medium-sized vascular plant family, the Myrtaceae, were processed by ParseGBIF, the average number of records useful for spatial analysis increased by 180%. ParseGBIF could therefore be valuable in the evaluation of species' occurrences at the national scale in support for national biodiversity plans, identification of plant areas important for biodiversity, sample bias estimation to inform future sampling efforts, and to forecast species range shifts in response to global climate change.
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Affiliation(s)
- Pablo Hendrigo Alves de Melo
- IFMG - Instituto Federal de Educação, Ciência e Tecnologia de Minas Gerais, Campus Avançado Piumhi, Rua Severo Veloso, 1880 - Bairro Bela Vista, Piumhi, Minas Gerais, 37925-000, Brazil
| | | | - Eve Lucas
- Royal Botanic Gardens, Kew, Richmond, London, TW9 3AE, UK
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Gumbs R, Scott O, Bates R, Böhm M, Forest F, Gray CL, Hoffmann M, Kane D, Low C, Pearse WD, Pipins S, Tapley B, Turvey ST, Jetz W, Owen NR, Rosindell J. Global conservation status of the jawed vertebrate Tree of Life. Nat Commun 2024; 15:1101. [PMID: 38424441 PMCID: PMC10904806 DOI: 10.1038/s41467-024-45119-z] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/19/2023] [Accepted: 01/16/2024] [Indexed: 03/02/2024] Open
Abstract
Human-driven extinction threatens entire lineages across the Tree of Life. Here we assess the conservation status of jawed vertebrate evolutionary history, using three policy-relevant approaches. First, we calculate an index of threat to overall evolutionary history, showing that we expect to lose 86-150 billion years (11-19%) of jawed vertebrate evolutionary history over the next 50-500 years. Second, we rank jawed vertebrate species by their EDGE scores to identify the highest priorities for species-focused conservation of evolutionary history, finding that chondrichthyans, ray-finned fish and testudines rank highest of all jawed vertebrates. Third, we assess the conservation status of jawed vertebrate families. We found that species within monotypic families are more likely to be threatened and more likely to be in decline than other species. We provide a baseline for the status of families at risk of extinction to catalyse conservation action. This work continues a trend of highlighting neglected groups-such as testudines, crocodylians, amphibians and chondrichthyans-as conservation priorities from a phylogenetic perspective.
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Affiliation(s)
- Rikki Gumbs
- Zoological Society of London, London, NW1 4RY, UK.
- Science and Solutions for a Changing Planet DTP, Grantham Institute, Imperial College London, London, SW7 2AZ, UK.
- Department of Life Sciences, Silwood Park Campus, Imperial College London, Ascot, Berkshire, SL5 7PY, UK.
| | - Oenone Scott
- Department of Life Sciences, Silwood Park Campus, Imperial College London, Ascot, Berkshire, SL5 7PY, UK
- School of Life Sciences, University of Essex, Colchester, CO4 3SQ, UK
| | - Ryan Bates
- Zoological Society of London, London, NW1 4RY, UK
- Department of Life Sciences, Silwood Park Campus, Imperial College London, Ascot, Berkshire, SL5 7PY, UK
| | - Monika Böhm
- Global Center for Species Survival, Indianapolis Zoological Society, Indianapolis, IN, 46222, USA
| | - Félix Forest
- Royal Botanic Gardens, Kew, Richmond, Surrey, TW9 3AE, UK
| | | | | | - Daniel Kane
- Zoological Society of London, London, NW1 4RY, UK
| | - Christopher Low
- Department of Genetics, Evolution and Environment, Centre for Biodiversity and Environment Research, University College London, London, WC1E 6BT, UK
| | - William D Pearse
- Department of Life Sciences, Silwood Park Campus, Imperial College London, Ascot, Berkshire, SL5 7PY, UK
| | - Sebastian Pipins
- Science and Solutions for a Changing Planet DTP, Grantham Institute, Imperial College London, London, SW7 2AZ, UK
- Royal Botanic Gardens, Kew, Richmond, Surrey, TW9 3AE, UK
- On the Edge, London, SW3 2JJ, UK
| | | | - Samuel T Turvey
- Institute of Zoology, Zoological Society of London, London, NW1 4RY, UK
| | - Walter Jetz
- Department of Ecology and Evolutionary Biology, Yale University, New Haven, CT, 06511, USA
- Center for Biodiversity and Global Change, Yale University, New Haven, CT, 06511, USA
| | | | - James Rosindell
- Department of Life Sciences, Silwood Park Campus, Imperial College London, Ascot, Berkshire, SL5 7PY, UK
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16
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Chaudhary A, Hertel T. Recent Developments and Challenges in Projecting the Impact of Crop Productivity Growth on Biodiversity Considering Market-Mediated Effects. ENVIRONMENTAL SCIENCE & TECHNOLOGY 2024; 58:2627-2635. [PMID: 38285505 DOI: 10.1021/acs.est.3c05137] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/31/2024]
Abstract
The effect of an increase in crop productivity (output per unit of inputs) on biodiversity is hitherto poorly understood. This is because increased productivity of a crop in particular regions leads to increased profit that can encourage expansion of its cultivated area causing land use change and ultimately biodiversity loss, a phenomenon also known as "Jevons paradox" or the "rebound effect". Modeling such consequences in an interconnected and globalized world considering such rebound effects is challenging. Here, we discuss the use of computable general equilibrium (CGE) and other economic models in combination with ecological models to project consequences of crop productivity improvements for biodiversity globally. While these economic models have the advantage of taking into account market-mediated responses, resource constraints, endogenous price responses, and dynamic bilateral patterns of trade, there remain a number of important research and data gaps in these models which must be addressed to improve their performance in assessment of the link between local crop productivity changes and global biodiversity. To this end, we call for breaking the silos and building interdisciplinary networks across the globe to facilitate data sharing and knowledge exchange in order to improve global-to-local-to-global analysis of land, biodiversity, and ecosystem sustainability.
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Affiliation(s)
- Abhishek Chaudhary
- Department of Civil Engineering, Indian Institute of Technology (IIT) Kanpur, Kanpur 208016, India
| | - Thomas Hertel
- Department of Agricultural Economics, Purdue University, West Lafayette, Indiana 47906, United States
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17
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Vieira TL, Barbosa-Silva RG, Acosta AL, van den Berg C. Expanding the Distribution of Prosthechea jauana (Orchidaceae) in the Pantepui and Highlighting the Urgent Need for Conservation Strategies in the Region in Face of Climate Change. PLANTS (BASEL, SWITZERLAND) 2024; 13:222. [PMID: 38256775 PMCID: PMC10820582 DOI: 10.3390/plants13020222] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/11/2023] [Revised: 01/08/2024] [Accepted: 01/09/2024] [Indexed: 01/24/2024]
Abstract
Prosthechea jauana has been recognized as an orchid species endemic to the Venezuelan tepui. The first record of P. jauana in Brazil is presented here, also from a tepui in the Southern phytogeographical district of Pantepui in the Serra do Aracá, at the northern border of the Amazonas state. A detailed morphological description and images of the specimen are presented, as well as an updated distribution map, preliminary conservation status assessment, and taxonomic notes about the species. In addition, we provide species' distribution models for P. jauana based on current and future bioclimatic data. Future projections suggest that the geographic distribution of P. jauana will likely be severely affected, with ~79% of its suitable habitat being reduced by 2041-2060 and ~92% by 2061-2080. Prosthechea jauana could represent a flag species and an example of how climate change may affect the endemic Pantepui flora.
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Affiliation(s)
- Tiago L. Vieira
- Harvard University Herbaria, Department of Organismic and Evolutionary Biology, Harvard University, 22 Divinity Avenue, Cambridge, MA 02138, USA
| | - Rafael G. Barbosa-Silva
- Biodiversity and Ecosystem Services, Instituto Tecnológico Vale Desenvolvimento Sustentável, Belém 66055-090, Pará, Brazil; (R.G.B.-S.); (A.L.A.)
- Coordenacão Botânica, Museu Paraense Emílio Goeldi, Belém 66077-830, Pará, Brazil
| | - André L. Acosta
- Biodiversity and Ecosystem Services, Instituto Tecnológico Vale Desenvolvimento Sustentável, Belém 66055-090, Pará, Brazil; (R.G.B.-S.); (A.L.A.)
| | - Cássio van den Berg
- Departamento de Ciências Biológicas, Universidade Estadual de Feira de Santana, Feira de Santana 44036-246, Bahia, Brazil;
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18
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Sanhueza T, Hernández I, Sagredo-Sáez C, Villanueva-Guerrero A, Alvarado R, Mujica MI, Fuentes-Quiroz A, Menendez E, Jorquera-Fontena E, Valadares RBDS, Herrera H. Juvenile Plant-Microbe Interactions Modulate the Adaptation and Response of Forest Seedlings to Rapid Climate Change. PLANTS (BASEL, SWITZERLAND) 2024; 13:175. [PMID: 38256729 PMCID: PMC10819047 DOI: 10.3390/plants13020175] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/02/2023] [Revised: 10/02/2023] [Accepted: 10/13/2023] [Indexed: 01/24/2024]
Abstract
The negative impacts of climate change on native forest ecosystems have created challenging conditions for the sustainability of natural forest regeneration. These challenges arise primarily from abiotic stresses that affect the early stages of forest tree development. While there is extensive evidence on the diversity of juvenile microbial symbioses in agricultural and fruit crops, there is a notable lack of reports on native forest plants. This review aims to summarize the critical studies conducted on the diversity of juvenile plant-microbe interactions in forest plants and to highlight the main benefits of beneficial microorganisms in overcoming environmental stresses such as drought, high and low temperatures, metal(loid) toxicity, nutrient deficiency, and salinity. The reviewed studies have consistently demonstrated the positive effects of juvenile plant-microbiota interactions and have highlighted the potential beneficial attributes to improve plantlet development. In addition, this review discusses the beneficial attributes of managing juvenile plant-microbiota symbiosis in the context of native forest restoration, including its impact on plant responses to phytopathogens, promotion of nutrient uptake, facilitation of seedling adaptation, resource exchange through shared hyphal networks, stimulation of native soil microbial communities, and modulation of gene and protein expression to enhance adaptation to adverse environmental conditions.
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Affiliation(s)
- Tedy Sanhueza
- Laboratorio de Silvicultura, Departamento de Ciencias Forestales, Facultad de Ciencias Agropecuarias y Medioambiente, Universidad de La Frontera, Temuco 4811230, Chile; (T.S.); (C.S.-S.); (A.V.-G.); (R.A.); (A.F.-Q.)
| | - Ionel Hernández
- Plant Physiology and Biochemistry Department, National Institute of Agricultural Science, Carretera a Tapaste Km 3 y ½, San José de las Lajas 32700, Mayabeque, Cuba;
| | - Cristiane Sagredo-Sáez
- Laboratorio de Silvicultura, Departamento de Ciencias Forestales, Facultad de Ciencias Agropecuarias y Medioambiente, Universidad de La Frontera, Temuco 4811230, Chile; (T.S.); (C.S.-S.); (A.V.-G.); (R.A.); (A.F.-Q.)
| | - Angela Villanueva-Guerrero
- Laboratorio de Silvicultura, Departamento de Ciencias Forestales, Facultad de Ciencias Agropecuarias y Medioambiente, Universidad de La Frontera, Temuco 4811230, Chile; (T.S.); (C.S.-S.); (A.V.-G.); (R.A.); (A.F.-Q.)
| | - Roxana Alvarado
- Laboratorio de Silvicultura, Departamento de Ciencias Forestales, Facultad de Ciencias Agropecuarias y Medioambiente, Universidad de La Frontera, Temuco 4811230, Chile; (T.S.); (C.S.-S.); (A.V.-G.); (R.A.); (A.F.-Q.)
| | - Maria Isabel Mujica
- Instituto de Ciencias Ambientales y Evolutivas, Universidad Austral de Chile, Valdivia 5110566, Chile;
| | - Alejandra Fuentes-Quiroz
- Laboratorio de Silvicultura, Departamento de Ciencias Forestales, Facultad de Ciencias Agropecuarias y Medioambiente, Universidad de La Frontera, Temuco 4811230, Chile; (T.S.); (C.S.-S.); (A.V.-G.); (R.A.); (A.F.-Q.)
| | - Esther Menendez
- Departamento de Microbiología y Genética, Instituto de Investigación en Agrobiotecnología (CIALE), Universidad de Salamanca, 37008 Salamanca, Spain;
| | - Emilio Jorquera-Fontena
- Departamento de Ciencias Agropecuarias y Acuícolas, Facultad de Recursos Naturales, Universidad Catolica de Temuco, Temuco P.O. Box 15-D, Chile;
| | | | - Héctor Herrera
- Laboratorio de Silvicultura, Departamento de Ciencias Forestales, Facultad de Ciencias Agropecuarias y Medioambiente, Universidad de La Frontera, Temuco 4811230, Chile; (T.S.); (C.S.-S.); (A.V.-G.); (R.A.); (A.F.-Q.)
- Laboratorio de Ecosistemas y Bosques, Departamento de Ciencias Forestales, Facultad de Ciencias Agropecuarias y Medioambiente, Universidad de La Frontera, Temuco 4811230, Chile
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19
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Wiens JJ, Zelinka J. How many species will Earth lose to climate change? GLOBAL CHANGE BIOLOGY 2024; 30:e17125. [PMID: 38273487 DOI: 10.1111/gcb.17125] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/20/2023] [Revised: 12/03/2023] [Accepted: 12/10/2023] [Indexed: 01/27/2024]
Abstract
Climate change may be an important threat to global biodiversity, potentially leading to the extinction of numerous species. But how many? There have been various attempts to answer this question, sometimes yielding strikingly different estimates. Here, we review these estimates, assess their disagreements and methodology, and explore how we might reach better estimates. Large-scale studies have estimated the extinction of ~1% of sampled species up to ~70%, even when using the same approach (species distribution models; SDMs). Nevertheless, worst-case estimates often converge near 20%-30% species loss, and many differences shrink when using similar assumptions. We perform a new review of recent SDM studies, which show ~17% loss of species to climate change under worst-case scenarios. However, this review shows that many SDM studies are biased by excluding the most vulnerable species (those known from few localities), which may lead to underestimating global species loss. Conversely, our analyses of recent climate change responses show that a fundamental assumption of SDM studies, that species' climatic niches do not change over time, may be frequently violated. For example, we find mean rates of positive thermal niche change across species of ~0.02°C/year. Yet, these rates may still be slower than projected climate change by ~3-4 fold. Finally, we explore how global extinction levels can be estimated by combining group-specific estimates of species loss with recent group-specific projections of global species richness (including cryptic insect species). These preliminary estimates tentatively forecast climate-related extinction of 14%-32% of macroscopic species in the next ~50 years, potentially including 3-6 million (or more) animal and plant species, even under intermediate climate change scenarios.
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Affiliation(s)
- John J Wiens
- Department of Ecology and Evolutionary Biology, University of Arizona, Tucson, Arizona, USA
| | - Joseph Zelinka
- Department of Ecology and Evolutionary Biology, University of Arizona, Tucson, Arizona, USA
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20
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Mabbitt PD. Structural biology in the Anthropocene epoch. Nat Struct Mol Biol 2024; 31:2. [PMID: 38253664 DOI: 10.1038/s41594-024-01222-9] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/24/2024]
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21
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Gumbs R, Chaudhary A, Daru BH, Faith DP, Forest F, Gray CL, Kowalska A, Lee WS, Pellens R, Pipins S, Pollock LJ, Rosindell J, Scherson RA, Owen NR. Indicators to monitor the status of the tree of life. CONSERVATION BIOLOGY : THE JOURNAL OF THE SOCIETY FOR CONSERVATION BIOLOGY 2023; 37:e14138. [PMID: 37377164 DOI: 10.1111/cobi.14138] [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: 10/04/2022] [Revised: 02/21/2023] [Accepted: 06/08/2023] [Indexed: 06/29/2023]
Abstract
Following the failure to fully achieve any of the 20 Aichi biodiversity targets, the future of biodiversity rests in the balance. The Convention on Biological Diversity's Kunming-Montreal Global Biodiversity Framework (GBF) presents the opportunity to preserve nature's contributions to people (NCPs) for current and future generations by conserving biodiversity and averting extinctions. There is a need to safeguard the tree of life-the unique and shared evolutionary history of life on Earth-to maintain the benefits it bestows into the future. Two indicators have been adopted within the GBF to monitor progress toward safeguarding the tree of life: the phylogenetic diversity (PD) indicator and the evolutionarily distinct and globally endangered (EDGE) index. We applied both to the world's mammals, birds, and cycads to show their utility at the global and national scale. The PD indicator can be used to monitor the overall conservation status of large parts of the evolutionary tree of life, a measure of biodiversity's capacity to maintain NCPs for future generations. The EDGE index is used to monitor the performance of efforts to conserve the most distinctive species. The risk to PD of birds, cycads, and mammals increased, and mammals exhibited the greatest relative increase in threatened PD over time. These trends appeared robust to the choice of extinction risk weighting. EDGE species had predominantly worsening extinction risk. A greater proportion of EDGE mammals (12%) had increased extinction risk compared with threatened mammals in general (7%). By strengthening commitments to safeguarding the tree of life, biodiversity loss can be reduced and thus nature's capacity to provide benefits to humanity now and in the future can be preserved.
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Affiliation(s)
- Rikki Gumbs
- EDGE of Existence Programme, Zoological Society of London, London, UK
- Department of Life Sciences, Imperial College London, Silwood Park Campus, Ascot, UK
- IUCN SSC Phylogenetic Diversity Task Force, London, UK
| | - Abhishek Chaudhary
- Department of Civil Engineering, Indian Institute of Technology (IIT) Kanpur, Kanpur, India
| | - Barnabas H Daru
- Department of Life Sciences, Texas A&M University-Corpus Christi, Corpus Christi, Texas, USA
- Department of Biology, Stanford University, Stanford, CA, USA
| | - Daniel P Faith
- The Australian Museum Research Institute, The Australian Museum, Sydney, New South Wales, Australia
| | - Félix Forest
- Jodrell Laboratory, Royal Botanic Gardens, Kew, Richmond, UK
| | - Claudia L Gray
- EDGE of Existence Programme, Zoological Society of London, London, UK
| | | | - Who-Seung Lee
- Environmental Assessment Group, Korea Environment Institute, Sejong, Republic of Korea
| | - Roseli Pellens
- Institut de Systématique, Evolution, et Biodiversité (Muséum National d'Histoire Naturelle, Centre National pour la Recherche Scientifique, Sorbonne Université, Ecole Pratique de Hautes Etudes, Université des Antilles), Paris, France
| | - Sebastian Pipins
- Department of Life Sciences, Imperial College London, Silwood Park Campus, Ascot, UK
- Jodrell Laboratory, Royal Botanic Gardens, Kew, Richmond, UK
| | - Laura J Pollock
- Department of Biology, McGill University, Montréal, Québec, Canada
| | - James Rosindell
- Department of Life Sciences, Imperial College London, Silwood Park Campus, Ascot, UK
| | - Rosa A Scherson
- Departamento de Silvicultura y Conservación de la Naturaleza, Universidad de Chile, Santiago, Chile
| | - Nisha R Owen
- IUCN SSC Phylogenetic Diversity Task Force, London, UK
- On the EDGE Conservation, Chelsea, UK
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22
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Williams BR, Miller AJ, Edwards CE. How do threatened plant species with low genetic diversity respond to environmental stress? Insights from comparative conservation epigenomics and phenotypic plasticity. Mol Ecol Resour 2023. [PMID: 37988186 DOI: 10.1111/1755-0998.13897] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/20/2022] [Revised: 10/20/2023] [Accepted: 11/01/2023] [Indexed: 11/23/2023]
Abstract
Many threatened plants have low genetic diversity, which may reduce their capacity for genetically based adaptation, increasing their extinction risk. Non-genetic variation (e.g. epigenomic modifications such as DNA methylation) and plasticity may facilitate the persistence of threatened plants, yet are rarely incorporated into conservation assessments. We present a case study investigating variation and plasticity in DNA methylation and phenotypic traits in four genetically depauperate species of Leavenworthia (Brassicaceae), including one widespread species and one asexual, threatened species. We grew individuals from several maternal lines and populations per species in contrasting watering treatments, measured phenotypic traits and analysed DNA methylation using whole-genome bisulphite sequencing. We addressed four questions: (1) How do patterns of DNA methylation differ within and among species? (2) Within species, how do phenotypic traits and patterns of DNA methylation vary in response to drought? (3) Does variation in DNA methylation correspond to phenotypic variation? (4) What are the implications for conservation? We found that taxa were epigenomically distinct and that each species exhibited variation in DNA methylation among populations that could be relevant for conservation. Within species, the DNA methylation response to environmental stress corresponded to its phenotypic response. Species differed in their DNA methylation and phenotypic responses to environmental stress, with the extent of plasticity possibly related to species geographic range size. We also found phenotypic and DNA methylation variation in the asexual, threatened species that may be relevant for conservation. Our results suggest that variation in DNA methylation may promote the persistence of genetically depauperate threatened plants, highlighting its potential as a novel conservation target to reduce extinction risk.
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Affiliation(s)
- Brigette R Williams
- Missouri Botanical Garden, Center for Conservation and Sustainable Development, St. Louis, Missouri, USA
- Department of Biology, Saint Louis University, St. Louis, Missouri, USA
| | - Allison J Miller
- Department of Biology, Saint Louis University, St. Louis, Missouri, USA
- Donald Danforth Plant Science Center, St. Louis, Missouri, USA
| | - Christine E Edwards
- Missouri Botanical Garden, Center for Conservation and Sustainable Development, St. Louis, Missouri, USA
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23
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Brown MJM, Bachman SP, Nic Lughadha E. Three in four undescribed plant species are threatened with extinction. THE NEW PHYTOLOGIST 2023; 240:1340-1344. [PMID: 37583098 DOI: 10.1111/nph.19214] [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: 06/01/2023] [Accepted: 07/13/2023] [Indexed: 08/17/2023]
Abstract
This article is part of the Special Collection ‘Global plant diversity and distribution’. See https://www.newphytologist.org/global-plant-diversity for more details.
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24
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Brown MJM, Walker BE, Budden AP, Nic Lughadha E. Re-evaluating the importance of threatened species in maintaining global phytoregions. THE NEW PHYTOLOGIST 2023; 240:1673-1686. [PMID: 37798820 DOI: 10.1111/nph.19295] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/14/2022] [Accepted: 09/05/2023] [Indexed: 10/07/2023]
Abstract
Anthropogenic introductions are known to be changing the structure of global phytogeographical regions (phytoregions), but previous studies have been limited by incomplete or biased data sets that are likely to underestimate the importance of threatened species. In this work, we analyse a comprehensive data set of all known species and their occurrences (at botanical country resolution) to quantify the impact of potential future extinction scenarios. We used Infomap, a network-based community detection algorithm, to generate phytoregional delineations for six species-distribution scenarios (native, introduced and extinctions of species that are either documented as threatened or likely to be threatened, as well as combinations thereof). We compared the numbers and sizes of phytoregions to characterise the amount and spatial distribution of changes in global phytoregions under each scenario. Extinctions of species that are predicted to be threatened had a greater homogenising effect on phytoregions than introductions, and there was some evidence that introductions may even mitigate the homogenisation caused by extinctions, though this interaction is complex. This research provides the first evidence that the loss of threatened species would have significant ramifications for global phytoregions and demonstrates the need to consider extinction processes in studies of anthropogenic effects on biodiversity patterns.
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25
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Brown MJM, Walker BE, Black N, Govaerts RHA, Ondo I, Turner R, Nic Lughadha E. rWCVP: a companion R package for the World Checklist of Vascular Plants. THE NEW PHYTOLOGIST 2023; 240:1355-1365. [PMID: 37289204 DOI: 10.1111/nph.18919] [Citation(s) in RCA: 16] [Impact Index Per Article: 16.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/27/2022] [Accepted: 01/06/2023] [Indexed: 06/09/2023]
Abstract
The World Checklist of Vascular Plants (WCVP) is an extremely valuable resource that is being used to address many fundamental and applied questions in plant science, conservation, ecology and evolution. However, databases of this size require data manipulation skills that pose a barrier to many potential users. Here, we present rWCVP, an open-source R package that aims to facilitate the use of the WCVP by providing clear, intuitive functions to execute many common tasks. These functions include taxonomic name reconciliation, geospatial integration, mapping and generation of multiple different summaries of the WCVP in both data and report format. We have included extensive documentation and tutorials, providing step-by-step guides that are accessible even to users with minimal programming experience. rWCVP is available on cran and GitHub.
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Affiliation(s)
| | | | | | | | - Ian Ondo
- Royal Botanic Gardens, Kew, Richmond, TW9 3AB, UK
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26
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Antonelli A, Govaerts R, Nic Lughadha E, Onstein RE, Smith RJ, Zizka A. Why plant diversity and distribution matter. THE NEW PHYTOLOGIST 2023; 240:1331-1336. [PMID: 37813121 DOI: 10.1111/nph.19282] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/08/2023] [Accepted: 09/08/2023] [Indexed: 10/11/2023]
Abstract
This article is the Editorial for the Special Collection ‘Global plant diversity and distribution’. See https://www.newphytologist.org/global-plant-diversity for more details.
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Affiliation(s)
- Alexandre Antonelli
- Royal Botanic Gardens, Kew, Richmond, TW9 3AE, UK
- Department of Biological and Environmental Sciences, Gothenburg Global Biodiversity Centre, University of Gothenburg, Box 461, Gothenburg, SE 405 30, Sweden
- Wuhan Botanical Garden, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Wuhan, 430074, China
- Department of Biology, University of Oxford, South Parks Road, Oxford, OX1 3RB, UK
| | | | | | - Renske E Onstein
- Naturalis Biodiversity Center, Darwinweg 2, Leiden, 2333CR, the Netherlands
- German Center for Integrative Biodiversity Research (iDiv) Halle - Jena - Leipzig, Puschstrasse 4, Leipzig, 04103, Germany
| | | | - Alexander Zizka
- Naturalis Biodiversity Center, Darwinweg 2, Leiden, 2333CR, the Netherlands
- Department of Biology, Philipps University Marburg, Karl-von-Frisch-Straße 8, Marburg, 35043, Germany
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27
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Yáñez-Arenas A, Nakamura M, Trites AW, Reyes-Bonilla H, Hernández-Camacho CJ, Galván-Magaña F, Borcherding J, del Monte-Luna P. An integrated system to assess marine extinctions. PLoS One 2023; 18:e0293478. [PMID: 37883427 PMCID: PMC10602268 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0293478] [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: 05/30/2023] [Accepted: 10/12/2023] [Indexed: 10/28/2023] Open
Abstract
More than 20 global marine extinctions and over 700 local extinctions have reportedly occurred during the past 500 years. However, available methods to determine how many of these species can be confidently declared true disappearances tend to be data-demanding, time-consuming, and not applicable to all taxonomic groups or scales of marine extinctions (global [G] and local [L]). We developed an integrated system to assess marine extinctions (ISAME) that can be applied to any taxonomic group at any geographic scale. We applied the ISAME method to 10 case studies to illustrate the possible ways in which the extinction status of marine species can be categorized as unverified, possibly extinct, or extinct. Of the 10 case studies we assessed, the ISAME method concludes that 6 should be categorized as unverified extinctions due to problems with species' identity and lack of reliable evidence supporting their disappearance (periwinkle-Littoraria flammea [G], houting-Coregonus oxyrinchus [G], long-spined urchin-Diadema antillarum [L], smalltooth sawfish-Pristis pectinata [L], and largetooth sawfish-P. pristis [L]). In contrast, ISAME classified the Guadalupe storm-petrel (Oceanodroma macrodactyla [G]) and the lost shark (Carcharhinus obsolerus [G]) as possibly extinct because the available evidence indicates that their extinction is plausible-while the largetooth sawfish [L] and Steller's sea cow (Hydrodamalis gigas [G]) were confirmed to be extinct. Determining whether a marine population or species is actually extinct or still extant is needed to guide conservation efforts and prevent further biodiversity losses.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Miguel Nakamura
- Centro de Investigación en Matemáticas, Guanajuato, Gto., México
| | - Andrew W. Trites
- Institute For the Oceans and Fisheries, University of British Columbia, Vancouver BC, Canada
| | - Héctor Reyes-Bonilla
- Departamento de Biología Marina, Universidad Autónoma de Baja California Sur, La Paz, BCS, México
| | | | | | - Jost Borcherding
- Institute For Zoology, General Ecology & Limnology, University of Cologne, Cologne, Germany
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28
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Heineman KD, Anderson SM, Davitt JM, Lippitt L, Endress BA, Horn CM. San Diego Thornmint ( Acanthomintha ilicifolia) Populations Differ in Growth and Reproductive Responses to Differential Water Availability: Evidence from a Common Garden Experiment. PLANTS (BASEL, SWITZERLAND) 2023; 12:3439. [PMID: 37836179 PMCID: PMC10574424 DOI: 10.3390/plants12193439] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/16/2023] [Revised: 09/19/2023] [Accepted: 09/19/2023] [Indexed: 10/15/2023]
Abstract
The responses of rare plants to environmental stressors will determine their potential to adapt to a rapidly changing climate. We used a common garden approach to evaluate how six populations of the annual San Diego thornmint (Acanthomintha ilicifolia Lamiaceae; listed as endangered in the state of California and as threatened by the US Fish and Wildlife Service) from across the species range respond in terms of growth (biomass, height, and width) and reproduction (seed production, floral production, and next generation seed viability) to experimental differences in water availability. We found a significant irrigation-by-population interaction on the aboveground growth, wherein the differences in the magnitude and direction of treatment did not correlate directly with climate variables in natural populations. With respect to reproduction, the low-irrigation treatment produced more seeds per plant, more reproductive individuals, and a larger proportion of viable seed in most, but not all, populations. The seed production and the effect of irrigation on seed production correlated positively with rainfall at wild source populations. These results suggest that Acanthomintha ilicifolia responds to water limitation by creating more and higher-quality seed, and that plants locally adapted to a higher annual rainfall show a greater plasticity to differences in water availability than plants adapted to a lower annual rainfall, a finding that can inform the in situ demographic management and ex situ collection strategy for Acanthomintha ilicifolia and other rare California annuals.
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Affiliation(s)
- Katherine D. Heineman
- Center for Plant Conservation, 15600 San Pasqual Valley Rd., Escondido, CA 92027, USA;
| | - Stacy M. Anderson
- San Diego Zoo Wildlife Alliance, 15600 San Pasqual Valley Rd., Escondido, CA 92027, USA; (S.M.A.); (J.M.D.); (L.L.)
| | - Joseph M. Davitt
- San Diego Zoo Wildlife Alliance, 15600 San Pasqual Valley Rd., Escondido, CA 92027, USA; (S.M.A.); (J.M.D.); (L.L.)
| | - Laurie Lippitt
- San Diego Zoo Wildlife Alliance, 15600 San Pasqual Valley Rd., Escondido, CA 92027, USA; (S.M.A.); (J.M.D.); (L.L.)
| | - Bryan A. Endress
- Eastern Oregon Agriculture Research Center, Oregon State University, 372 S. 10th Street, Union, OR 97883, USA;
| | - Christa M. Horn
- San Diego Zoo Wildlife Alliance, 15600 San Pasqual Valley Rd., Escondido, CA 92027, USA; (S.M.A.); (J.M.D.); (L.L.)
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29
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Ceballos G, Ehrlich PR. Mutilation of the tree of life via mass extinction of animal genera. Proc Natl Acad Sci U S A 2023; 120:e2306987120. [PMID: 37722053 PMCID: PMC10523489 DOI: 10.1073/pnas.2306987120] [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: 05/02/2023] [Accepted: 07/31/2023] [Indexed: 09/20/2023] Open
Abstract
Mass extinctions during the past 500 million y rapidly removed branches from the phylogenetic tree of life and required millions of years for evolution to generate functional replacements for the extinct (EX) organisms. Here we show, by examining 5,400 vertebrate genera (excluding fishes) comprising 34,600 species, that 73 genera became EX since 1500 AD. Beyond any doubt, the human-driven sixth mass extinction is more severe than previously assessed and is rapidly accelerating. The current generic extinction rates are 35 times higher than expected background rates prevailing in the last million years under the absence of human impacts. The genera lost in the last five centuries would have taken some 18,000 y to vanish in the absence of human beings. Current generic extinction rates will likely greatly accelerate in the next few decades due to drivers accompanying the growth and consumption of the human enterprise such as habitat destruction, illegal trade, and climate disruption. If all now-endangered genera were to vanish by 2,100, extinction rates would be 354 (average) or 511 (for mammals) times higher than background rates, meaning that genera lost in three centuries would have taken 106,000 and 153,000 y to become EX in the absence of humans. Such mutilation of the tree of life and the resulting loss of ecosystem services provided by biodiversity to humanity is a serious threat to the stability of civilization. Immediate political, economic, and social efforts of an unprecedented scale are essential if we are to prevent these extinctions and their societal impacts.
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Affiliation(s)
- Gerardo Ceballos
- Departamento de Ecologia de la Biodiversidad, Instituto de Ecologia, Universidad Nacional Autonoma de Mexico, Tercer Circuito Exterior SN, C.U., 04510Ciudad de Mexico, Mexico
| | - Paul R. Ehrlich
- Department of Biology, Center for Conservation Biology, Stanford University, Stanford, CA94305
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30
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Gumbs R, Gray CL, Hoffmann M, Molina-Venegas R, Owen NR, Pollock LJ. Conserving avian evolutionary history can effectively safeguard future benefits for people. SCIENCE ADVANCES 2023; 9:eadh4686. [PMID: 37729417 PMCID: PMC10511189 DOI: 10.1126/sciadv.adh4686] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/06/2023] [Accepted: 08/21/2023] [Indexed: 09/22/2023]
Abstract
Phylogenetic diversity (PD)-the evolutionary history of a set of species-is conceptually linked to the maintenance of yet-to-be-discovered benefits from biodiversity or "option value." We used global phylogenetic and utilization data for birds to test the PD option value link, under the assumption that the performance of sets of PD-maximizing species at capturing known benefits is analogous to selecting the same species at a point in human history before these benefits were realized. PD performed better than random at capturing utilized bird species across 60% of tests, with performance linked to the phylogenetic dispersion and prevalence of each utilization category. Prioritizing threatened species for conservation by the PD they encapsulate performs comparably to prioritizing by their functional distinctiveness. However, species selected by each metric show low overlap, indicating that we should conserve both components of biodiversity to effectively conserve a variety of uses. Our findings provide empirical support for the link between evolutionary history and benefits for future generations.
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Affiliation(s)
- Rikki Gumbs
- Conservation and Policy, Zoological Society of London, London NW1 4RY, UK
- Science and Solutions for a Changing Planet DTP, Grantham Institute, Imperial College London, London SW7 2AZ, UK
- IUCN SSC Phylogenetic Diversity Task Force, London, UK
| | - Claudia L Gray
- Conservation and Policy, Zoological Society of London, London NW1 4RY, UK
- IUCN SSC Phylogenetic Diversity Task Force, London, UK
| | - Michael Hoffmann
- Conservation and Policy, Zoological Society of London, London NW1 4RY, UK
| | - Rafael Molina-Venegas
- Department of Ecology, Faculty of Science, Universidad Autónoma de Madrid, Madrid, Spain
| | - Nisha R Owen
- IUCN SSC Phylogenetic Diversity Task Force, London, UK
- On the Edge Conservation, London SW3 2JJ, UK
| | - Laura J Pollock
- IUCN SSC Phylogenetic Diversity Task Force, London, UK
- Department of Biology, McGill University, Montréal, Québec H3A 1B1, Canada
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31
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López-Tobar R, Herrera-Feijoo RJ, Mateo RG, García-Robredo F, Torres B. Botanical Collection Patterns and Conservation Categories of the Most Traded Timber Species from the Ecuadorian Amazon: The Role of Protected Areas. PLANTS (BASEL, SWITZERLAND) 2023; 12:3327. [PMID: 37765489 PMCID: PMC10536464 DOI: 10.3390/plants12183327] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/30/2023] [Revised: 09/05/2023] [Accepted: 09/18/2023] [Indexed: 09/29/2023]
Abstract
The Ecuadorian Amazon is home to a rich biodiversity of woody plant species. Nonetheless, their conservation remains difficult, as some areas remain poorly explored and lack georeferenced records. Therefore, the current study aims predominantly to analyze the collection patterns of timber species in the Amazon lowlands of Ecuador and to evaluate the conservation coverage of these species in protected areas. Furthermore, we try to determine the conservation category of the species according to the criteria of the IUCN Red List. We identified that one third of the timber species in the study area was concentrated in three provinces due to historical botanical expeditions. However, a worrying 22.0% of the species had less than five records of presence, and 29.9% had less than ten records, indicating a possible underestimation of their presence. In addition, almost half of the species evaluated were unprotected, exposing them to deforestation risks and threats. To improve knowledge and conservation of forest biodiversity in the Ecuadorian Amazon, it is recommended to perform new botanical samplings in little-explored areas and digitize data in national herbaria. It is critical to implement automated assessments of the conservation status of species with insufficient data. In addition, it is suggested to use species distribution models to identify optimal areas for forest restoration initiatives. Effective communication of results and collaboration between scientists, governments, and local communities are key to the protection and sustainable management of forest biodiversity in the Amazon region.
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Affiliation(s)
- Rolando López-Tobar
- Facultad de Ciencias Agrarias y Forestales, Universidad Técnica Estatal de Quevedo (UTEQ), Quevedo Av. Quito km, 1 1/2 Vía a Santo Domingo de los Tsáchilas, Quevedo 120550, Ecuador;
- Escuela Técnica Superior de Ingeniería de Montes, Forestal y del Medio Natural, Universidad Politécnica de Madrid, 28040 Madrid, Spain
- Unidad de Posgrado, Universidad Técnica Estatal de Quevedo (UTEQ), Quevedo Av. Quito km, 1 1/2 Vía a Santo Domingo de los Tsáchilas, Quevedo 120550, Ecuador
| | - Robinson J. Herrera-Feijoo
- Facultad de Ciencias Agrarias y Forestales, Universidad Técnica Estatal de Quevedo (UTEQ), Quevedo Av. Quito km, 1 1/2 Vía a Santo Domingo de los Tsáchilas, Quevedo 120550, Ecuador;
- Unidad de Posgrado, Universidad Técnica Estatal de Quevedo (UTEQ), Quevedo Av. Quito km, 1 1/2 Vía a Santo Domingo de los Tsáchilas, Quevedo 120550, Ecuador
- Escuela de Doctorado, Centro de Estudios de Posgrado, Universidad Autónoma de Madrid, C/Francisco Tomás y Valiente, nº 2, 28049 Madrid, Spain
- Departamento de Biología (Botánica), Facultad de Ciencias, Universidad Autónoma de Madrid, 28049 Madrid, Spain;
| | - Rubén G. Mateo
- Departamento de Biología (Botánica), Facultad de Ciencias, Universidad Autónoma de Madrid, 28049 Madrid, Spain;
- Centro de Investigación en Biodiversidad y Cambio Global (CIBC-UAM), Facultad de Ciencias, Universidad Autónoma de Madrid, 28049 Madrid, Spain
| | - Fernando García-Robredo
- Departamento de Ingeniería y Gestión Forestal y Ambiental, Escuela Técnica Superior de Ingeniería de Montes, Forestal y del Medio Natural, Universidad Politécnica de Madrid, C/José Antonio Novais 10, 28040 Madrid, Spain;
| | - Bolier Torres
- Facultad de Ciencia de la Vida, Universidad Estatal Amazónica (UEA), Puyo 160101, Ecuador;
- Ochroma Consulting and Services, Puerto Napo, Tena 150150, Ecuador
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32
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Munschek M, Witt R, Kaltofen K, Segar J, Wirth C, Weigelt A, Engelmann RA, Staude IR. Putting conservation gardening into practice. Sci Rep 2023; 13:12671. [PMID: 37652902 PMCID: PMC10471578 DOI: 10.1038/s41598-023-39432-8] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/22/2023] [Accepted: 07/25/2023] [Indexed: 09/02/2023] Open
Abstract
Conservation gardening (CG) represents a socio-ecological approach to address the decline of native plant species and transform the gardening industry into an innovative conservation tool. However, essential information regarding amenable plants, their ecological requirements for gardening, and commercial availability remains limited and not readily available. In this study, we present a workflow using Germany as a case study to bridge this knowledge gap. We synthesized the Red Lists of all 16 federal states in Germany, and text-mined a comprehensive platform for garden plants, as well as multiple German producers of native plants. To provide accessible information, we developed a user-friendly app ( https://conservation-gardening.shinyapps.io/app-en/ ) that offers region-specific lists of CG plants, along with practical guidance for planting and purchasing. Our findings reveal that a median of 845 plant species are red-listed across federal states (ranging from 515 to 1123), with 41% of these species amenable to gardening (ranging from 29 to 53%), resulting in a total of 988 CG species. Notably, 66% of these species (650) are already available for purchase. Additionally, we observed that many CG plants exhibit drought tolerance and require less fertilizer on average, with implications for long-term urban planning and climate adaptation. Collaborating with gardening experts, we present a selection of purchasable CG balcony plants for each federal state, highlighting the feasibility of CG even for individuals without gardens. With a multitude of declining plants amenable to gardening and the vital role of gardens as refuges and green corridors, CG holds substantial potential to catalyze transformative change in bending the curve of biodiversity loss.
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Affiliation(s)
| | | | | | - Josiane Segar
- German Centre for Integrative Biodiversity Research (iDiv) Halle-Jena Leipzig, Leipzig, Germany
| | - Christian Wirth
- Institute of Biology, Leipzig University, Leipzig, Germany
- German Centre for Integrative Biodiversity Research (iDiv) Halle-Jena Leipzig, Leipzig, Germany
- Botanical Garden of the University of Leipzig, Leipzig, Germany
| | - Alexandra Weigelt
- Institute of Biology, Leipzig University, Leipzig, Germany
- German Centre for Integrative Biodiversity Research (iDiv) Halle-Jena Leipzig, Leipzig, Germany
| | - Rolf A Engelmann
- Institute of Biology, Leipzig University, Leipzig, Germany
- Botanical Garden of the University of Leipzig, Leipzig, Germany
| | - Ingmar R Staude
- Institute of Biology, Leipzig University, Leipzig, Germany.
- German Centre for Integrative Biodiversity Research (iDiv) Halle-Jena Leipzig, Leipzig, Germany.
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33
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Corlett RT. Achieving zero extinction for land plants. TRENDS IN PLANT SCIENCE 2023; 28:913-923. [PMID: 37142532 DOI: 10.1016/j.tplants.2023.03.019] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/21/2022] [Revised: 03/16/2023] [Accepted: 03/18/2023] [Indexed: 05/06/2023]
Abstract
Despite the importance of plants for humans and the threats to their future, plant conservation receives far less support compared with vertebrate conservation. Plants are much cheaper and easier to conserve than are animals, but, although there are no technical reasons why any plant species should become extinct, inadequate funding and the shortage of skilled people has created barriers to their conservation. These barriers include the incomplete inventory, the low proportion of species with conservation status assessments, partial online data accessibility, varied data quality, and insufficient investment in both in and ex situ conservation. Machine learning, citizen science (CS), and new technologies could mitigate these problems, but we need to set national and global targets of zero plant extinction to attract greater support.
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Affiliation(s)
- Richard T Corlett
- Center for Integrative Conservation, Xishuangbanna Tropical Botanical Garden, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Yunnan 666303, China; Center of Conservation Biology, Core Botanical Gardens, Xishuangbanna Tropical Botanical Garden, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Yunnan 666303, China.
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34
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Ramírez-Verdugo P, Tapia A, Forest F, Scherson RA. Evolutionary diversity of the endemic genera of the vascular flora of Chile and its implications for conservation. PLoS One 2023; 18:e0287957. [PMID: 37406022 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0287957] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/10/2021] [Accepted: 06/19/2023] [Indexed: 07/07/2023] Open
Abstract
As a direct consequence of global change, both natural and human-induced, a high percentage of biodiversity is now under threat worldwide. This has urged conservation planners to formulate and/or improve existing strategies to preserve species and their ecosystems. In this context, the present study focuses on two strategies using phylogeny-based measures of biodiversity to account for the processes that led to the biodiversity patterns observed today. It will contribute additional information that can aid decision-making regarding the assignment of threat status for some species, thus strengthening measures currently in use and facilitate the allocation of often scarce conservation resources. The Evolutionarily Distinct (ED) index prioritises species that are on long branches of the tree of life with few descendants, and the Evolutionarily Distinct and Globally Endangered (EDGE) index integrates evolutionary history with IUCN Red List threat status of species. It has been used mostly in animal groups, but since the threats faced by many plants have not been evaluated, it has been more difficult to compile for plants worldwide. Here, we apply the EDGE metric to species of the endemic genera of Chile. However, more than 50% of the endemic flora of the country are still lacking official threat status. We thus used an alternative measure (Relative Evolutionary Distinctness-RED), based on a range-weighted phylogenetic tree, which uses geographic ranges to adjust branch lengths, and calculate ED. The RED index was shown to be a suitable measure, yielding similar results compared to EDGE, at least for this group of species. Given the urgency to halt biodiversity loss and the time it would take to evaluate all species, we propose that this index is used to set conservation priorities until we can calculate EDGE for these unique endemic species. This would allow guiding decision-making until we can gather more data to assess and assign conservation status to new species.
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Affiliation(s)
- Pamela Ramírez-Verdugo
- Herbario VALPL y Laboratorio de Botánica, Departamento de Ciencias y Geografía, Universidad de Playa Ancha, Valparaíso, Chile
- Jardín Botánico Nacional, Viña del Mar, Chile
- Laboratorio de Evolución y Sistemática, Departamento de Silvicultura y Conservación de la Naturaleza, Universidad de Chile, Santiago, Chile
| | - Alexis Tapia
- Departamento de Matemática, Universidad Técnica Federico Santa María, Valparaíso, Chile
| | - Félix Forest
- Jodrell Laboratory, Royal Botanic Gardens, Kew, Richmond, Surrey, United Kingdom
| | - Rosa A Scherson
- Laboratorio de Evolución y Sistemática, Departamento de Silvicultura y Conservación de la Naturaleza, Universidad de Chile, Santiago, Chile
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Prokop P, Fančovičová J. Enhancing Attention and Interest in Plants to Mitigate Plant Awareness Disparity. PLANTS (BASEL, SWITZERLAND) 2023; 12:plants12112201. [PMID: 37299180 DOI: 10.3390/plants12112201] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/06/2023] [Revised: 05/19/2023] [Accepted: 05/31/2023] [Indexed: 06/12/2023]
Abstract
Plant awareness disparity (PAD, formerly plant blindness) is the human inability to notice plants in everyday life. It is suggested that the main underlying factors of PAD are: 1. the inability to recognize individual plants and 2. stronger preferences for animals, which prevents building positive attitudes toward them. The presentation of individual plants should trigger more positive responses toward them than the presentation of groups of plants. Strong preferences for animals predict that the presence of an animal on a plant might enhance positive perceptions of the plant by people. We experimentally investigated the perceived attractiveness and willingness to protect (WTP) plants presented individually and in groups and with or without various pollinators in a sample of Slovak people (N = 238). In contrast to the first prediction, only one of four plants (dog rose, but not saffron, spruce, or beech tree) received higher attractiveness scores when presented individually than in a group. None of these species received higher WTP scores when presented individually, rather than in a group. The effect of the presence of pollinators on flower attractiveness and WTP was distinguished between vertebrates and invertebrates; only flowers with birds and bats increased their attractiveness scores, while flowers with invertebrates, including a butterfly, honeybee, beetle, and the syrphid fly, received similar or lower scores than the same plant species without pollinators. WTP plants significantly increased only when the scarlet honeycreeper and the cave nectar bat were present on flowers as pollinators. People showed significantly stronger preferences for items that associate 1. plants with pollinators and 2. plants with animals that distribute animal seed than for items focused solely on plants. Connecting animals and plants should help reduce PAD. This aim cannot be achieved, however, by presenting individual plants and/or plants with randomly chosen pollinators.
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Affiliation(s)
- Pavol Prokop
- Department of Environmental Ecology and Landscape Management, Faculty of Natural Sciences, Comenius University, 842 15 Bratislava, Slovakia
- Institute of Zoology, Slovak Academy of Sciences, 845 06 Bratislava, Slovakia
| | - Jana Fančovičová
- Faculty of Education, Trnava University, Priemyselná 4, 918 43 Trnava, Slovakia
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Monteiro WP, de Souza EB, Miranda LDS, Anjos LJS, Caldeira CF. Potential Distribution of Pilocarpus microphyllus in the Amazonia/Cerrado Biomes under Near-Future Climate Change Scenarios. PLANTS (BASEL, SWITZERLAND) 2023; 12:plants12112106. [PMID: 37299085 DOI: 10.3390/plants12112106] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/04/2023] [Revised: 05/17/2023] [Accepted: 05/24/2023] [Indexed: 06/12/2023]
Abstract
Pilocarpus microphyllus Stapf. ex Wardlew. (Rutaceae) is an endemic and threatened medicinal plant species from tropical Brazil. Popularly known as "jaborandi", it is the unique natural source of pilocarpine, an alkaloid used to medical treat glaucoma and xerostomia. Based on Species Distribution Models (SDMs), we modeled the suitability of P. microphyllus's geographical distribution considering three Global Circulation Models (GCMs) under two future climate change scenarios (SSP2-4.5 and SSP5-8.5). The quantitative analyses carried out using ten different SDM algorithms revealed that precipitation seasonality (Bio15) and precipitation of the driest month (Bio14) were the most important bioclimatic variables. The results evidenced four main key areas of continuous occurrence of the plant spreading diagonally over tropical Brazilian biomes (Amazon, Cerrado and Caatinga). The near-future (2020 to 2040) ensemble projections considering all GCMs and scenarios have indicated negative impacts for the potential loss or significant reduction in suitable habitats for P. microphyllus in the transition region between the Amazon and Cerrado into central and northern Maranhão state, and mainly in the Caatinga biome over the northern Piaui state. On the other hand, positive impacts of the expansion of the plant habitat suitability are projected over forest cover protected areas of the Amazon biome in the southeastern Pará state. Since the jaborandi is of socioeconomic importance for many families in the north/northeast Brazil, it is urgent to implement public policies for conservation and sustainable management, thus mitigating the impacts of global climate change.
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Affiliation(s)
- Waléria P Monteiro
- Instituto de Geociências, PPG-Ciências Ambientais, Universidade Federal do Pará, Belém 66077-830, PA, Brazil
| | - Everaldo B de Souza
- Instituto de Geociências, PPG-Ciências Ambientais, Universidade Federal do Pará, Belém 66077-830, PA, Brazil
| | - Leonardo de Sousa Miranda
- Lancaster Environment Centre, Faculty of Science and Technology, Lancaster University, Lancaster LA1 4YQ, UK
| | - Luciano J S Anjos
- Instituto de Geociências, PPG-Ciências Ambientais, Universidade Federal do Pará, Belém 66077-830, PA, Brazil
- Campus de Parauapebas, Universidade Federal Rural da Amazônia, Parauapebas 68515-000, PA, Brazil
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Barrio IC, Rapini A. Plants under pressure: the impact of environmental change on plant ecology and evolution. BMC Ecol Evol 2023; 23:13. [PMID: 37081378 PMCID: PMC10116802 DOI: 10.1186/s12862-023-02115-z] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/06/2023] [Accepted: 04/17/2023] [Indexed: 04/22/2023] Open
Abstract
Plants have demonstrated tremendous resilience through past mass extinction events. However, anthropogenic pressures are rapidly threatening plant survival. To develop our understanding of the impact of environmental change on plant ecology and evolution and help solve the current biodiversity crisis, BMC Ecology and Evolution has launched a new article Collection titled "Plants under Pressure".
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Affiliation(s)
- Isabel C Barrio
- Faculty of Environmental and Forest Sciences, Agricultural University of Iceland, Reykjavík, Iceland.
| | - Alessandro Rapini
- Department of Biological Sciences, The State University of Feira de Santana, Feira de Santana, Brazil
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Johnson SA, Coons J, Zaya DN, Molano-Flores B. Assessing the Reproductive Ecology of a Rare Mint, Macbridea alba, an Endangered Species Act Protected Species. PLANTS (BASEL, SWITZERLAND) 2023; 12:1485. [PMID: 37050111 PMCID: PMC10096621 DOI: 10.3390/plants12071485] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/20/2023] [Revised: 03/24/2023] [Accepted: 03/26/2023] [Indexed: 06/19/2023]
Abstract
Many rare plant species lack up-to-date research about their reproductive ecology, which challenges effective in situ and ex situ conservation, particularly in the face of ongoing environmental and anthropogenic changes. For protected species, outdated and incomplete information also creates barriers to successful recovery planning and delisting. In this study, we gathered a range of reproductive metrics for the federally threatened and state endangered Florida endemic mint, Macbridea alba Chapman (Lamiaceae). We collected data at seven populations within Apalachicola National Forest (Florida, USA) and conducted germination trials to estimate reproductive potential. Additionally, we observed a previously undocumented lepidopteran seed predator for the species and confirmed the occurrence of vivipary. The seed set was low with less than 20% of flowers per inflorescence producing seed across populations; however, germination was high with more than 60% of seeds germinating in five of seven populations. When comparing our results to previous research conducted more than 20 years ago, the results were similar overall (i.e., germination, vivipary); however, new information emerged (i.e., herbivore pressure). As M. alba undergoes reassessment as a potential candidate for delisting from the Endangered Species Act (ESA) list, this information is critical for assessing recovery goals and decisions regarding the species' protected status. For recovery needs related to propagation and reintroduction, these results can inform future seed collection and propagation efforts for the species.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sara A. Johnson
- Department of Natural Resources and Environmental Sciences, University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign, 1102 S Goodwin Ave, Urbana, IL 61801, USA
- Illinois Natural History Survey, 1816 South Oak Street, Champaign, IL 61820, USA (B.M.-F.)
| | - Janice Coons
- Illinois Natural History Survey, 1816 South Oak Street, Champaign, IL 61820, USA (B.M.-F.)
- Department of Biological Sciences, Eastern Illinois University, 600 Lincoln Ave, Charleston, IL 61920, USA
| | - David N. Zaya
- Illinois Natural History Survey, 1816 South Oak Street, Champaign, IL 61820, USA (B.M.-F.)
| | - Brenda Molano-Flores
- Illinois Natural History Survey, 1816 South Oak Street, Champaign, IL 61820, USA (B.M.-F.)
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Decruse SW. Ecological niche modeling to find potential habitats of Vanda thwaitesii, a notified endangered orchid of Western Ghats, India. JOURNAL OF THREATENED TAXA 2023. [DOI: 10.11609/jott.7814.15.3.22874-22882] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 03/28/2023] Open
Abstract
Conservation planning of a threatened species essentially requires information on its present population and extent of distribution. Ecological niche modeling (ENM) is a suitable machine learning technique to predict potential distribution of a species enabling to identify suitable habitat for conservation action. The present study undertook distribution modeling of Vanda thwaitesii, a notified endangered orchid species of the Indian Western Ghats and Sri Lanka using maxent software. Geographical coordinates of 54 occurrence points at 1 km resolutions gathered during the study were utilized for modeling. A total of 37 variables including bioclimatic, topographical, and seasonal climate subjected to principal component analysis extracted into three components based on temperature and precipitation. Four representative variables from each component in all possible combinations resulted consistent output showing distribution of the species extending from Gavi in Periyar Tiger Reserve of Kerala to Chikkamagalur of Karnataka. Habitat suitability was confined to the cooler regions receiving an average 3,400 mm annual mean precipitation, 22.70C annual mean temperature, and 290 mm summer precipitation. A total of 2,557 km2 in Kerala and Karnataka mostly outside protected forests demonstrated as the highly suitable habitats. Silent Valley National Park, Idukki Wildlife Sanctuary, Periyar Tiger Reserve, and Brahmagiri Wildlife Sanctuary in addition to a few reserve forests hold sufficient area for reinforcement of diversity of V. thwaitesii from vulnerable locations. The present study revealed niche modeling as a useful tool to find suitable habitats for V. thwaitesii in the Western Ghats.
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Reproductive Biology and Pollination Ecology of Fritillaria michailovskyi Fomin (Liliaceae), Endemic to East Anatolia (Turkey). DIVERSITY 2023. [DOI: 10.3390/d15030414] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 03/18/2023]
Abstract
Fritillaria is highly endangered in their natural habitats, and these species are perennial bulbous plants with an important medicinal and ornamental value whose reproductive strategies and adaptive evolution mechanisms are still not fully clear. Therefore, the reproductive strategies of endemic species, like Fritillaria michailovskyi Fomin are important to detect the community structure and the diversity patterns of ornamental plants. The current paper on the reproductive strategy of F. michailovskyi, a rare endemic species, was carried out at the Erzincan Horticultural Research Institute, Turkey. Our results indicate that the flowering stages of F. michailovskyi may be divided into eight phases. According to pollination experiments and the pollen/ovule ratio, and the self-incompatibility index (SII) in an ex-situ population, F. michailovskyi indicated high levels of xenogamy and self-incompatibility. It was determined that the pollination of F. michailovskyi mostly depended on pollen vectors, and the effective pollinators of F. michailovskyi were Apis mellifera and Bombus terrestris. In addition, average seed number, seed germination, and average seed viability were found as 144, 46%, and 67%, respectively. The stigma receptivity, pollen grains, and pollen viability were detected as 83%, 252,000, and 95%, respectively. Our study is the first report providing a detailed explanation of the reproductive strategy of this rare endemic species, which could aid in the genetic evolution and conservation of this valuable taxa.
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Kacprzyk J, Clune S, Clark C, Kane A. Making a greener planet: nature documentaries promote plant awareness. ANNALS OF BOTANY 2023; 131:255-260. [PMID: 36791803 PMCID: PMC9992931 DOI: 10.1093/aob/mcac149] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/18/2022] [Accepted: 12/09/2022] [Indexed: 06/18/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND AND AIMS Plants underpin life on Earth and are essential to human existence. Alarmingly, almost 40% of plant species are under threat of extinction, with plants that are not directly useful to humans being particularly vulnerable. Plant diversity and its untapped resources require urgent protection to safeguard our future, but conservation initiatives are biased towards mammals and birds. Plant awareness disparity, formerly known as plant blindness, describes our tendency to ignore plant life and has been suggested to play a crucial role in the bias against funding and support for plant conservation programmes. Previous studies indicate that nature documentaries can generate shifts in audience awareness of animal species by providing vicarious connections to nature. Here, we investigated whether the plant-focused popular BBC show Green Planet had a similar effect for plants and stimulated audience engagement for information after the broadcast. METHODS Online searches for further information were considered a form of engagement for evaluation of the interest of the audience in plants portrayed in Green Planet episodes. The big data activities (Google search engine and Wikipedia pageviews trends) related to the plants mentioned in Green Planet episodes were examined over the period covering the broadcast of the show in UK. KEY RESULTS Analyses indicate that Green Planet generated increased awareness and stimulated audience engagement for further information about plants featured in the show, with audience reaction driven by the screen time. CONCLUSIONS Natural history films can promote plant awareness, and culturomic tools can be used to assess their impact on the general public, potentially also to inform plant conservation strategies. These are promising findings as we strive to increase public awareness of the value of plant life.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Stephanie Clune
- School of Biology and Environmental Science, University College Dublin, Dublin 4, Ireland
| | - Clare Clark
- School of Biology and Environmental Science, University College Dublin, Dublin 4, Ireland
| | - Adam Kane
- School of Biology and Environmental Science, University College Dublin, Dublin 4, Ireland
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Johnson SA, Molano-Flores B. Is the Endangered Species Act living to its full potential? The reassessment of the conservation status and recovery of Macbridea alba Chapm. as a case study. FRONTIERS IN CONSERVATION SCIENCE 2023. [DOI: 10.3389/fcosc.2023.1116848] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/12/2023] Open
Abstract
Since 1988, the Cooperative Endangered Species Conservation Fund or “Section 6” fund facilitates partnerships between the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service and state agencies that aim to provide data pertinent to the recovery of Endangered Species Act (ESA) protected species. Despite the success of these efforts, research for rare plants is chronically underfunded and many species experience long periods of research inactivity that hinders their conservation. One example is Macbridea alba Chapm. (white birds-in-a-nest, Lamiaceae, M. alba from hereon), a federally threatened and state endangered mint endemic to four counties within the Florida panhandle. The species is a candidate for delisting after 30 years of protection under the ESA, however a lack of up-to-date data associated with the species has continually challenged the implementation of effective conservation programs and prolonged the recovery process. The focus of this paper is to review the timeline of recovery goals for M. alba, present a summary of recent research findings (i.e., species distribution models, habitat associations, reproductive ecology), and identify achievements as well as persistent obstacles to recovery and delisting. Our research focused on 5 of 10 recovery actions listed in the recovery plan for M. alba. Our findings provide updated data and make novel contributions to the protection of M. alba that will prioritize and improve management efforts. Overall, our work highlights frequent barriers to the recovery and delisting of rare species, using an endemic plant species as a case-study. Importantly, we outline effective methods for the rapid assessment of at-risk plant species that due to enduring data gaps, face an uncertain future in listing and recovery. We hope our work provides a convincing case demonstrating the critical need for current and expanded ESA funding and encourages a diversity of individuals and institutions to participate in critical rare plant research to swiftly fill research gaps and expedite recovery of some of the rarest plant species across the United States.
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Mair L, Amorim E, Bicalho M, Brooks TM, Calfo V, de T. Capellão R, Clubbe C, Evju M, Fernandez EP, Ferreira GC, Hawkins F, Jiménez RR, Jordão LSB, Kyrkjeeide MO, Macfarlane NBW, Mattos BC, de Melo PHA, Monteiro LM, Nic Lughadha E, Pougy N, Raimondo DC, Setsaas TH, Shen X, de Siqueira MF, Strassburg BBN, McGowan PJK. Quantifying and mapping species threat abatement opportunities to support national target setting. CONSERVATION BIOLOGY : THE JOURNAL OF THE SOCIETY FOR CONSERVATION BIOLOGY 2023; 37:e14046. [PMID: 36511887 PMCID: PMC10108230 DOI: 10.1111/cobi.14046] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/01/2021] [Revised: 06/16/2022] [Accepted: 08/01/2022] [Indexed: 06/17/2023]
Abstract
The successful implementation of the Convention on Biological Diversity's post-2020 Global Biodiversity Framework will rely on effective translation of targets from global to national level and increased engagement across diverse sectors of society. Species conservation targets require policy support measures that can be applied to a diversity of taxonomic groups, that link action targets to outcome goals, and that can be applied to both global and national data sets to account for national context, which the species threat abatement and restoration (STAR) metric does. To test the flexibility of STAR, we applied the metric to vascular plants listed on national red lists of Brazil, Norway, and South Africa. The STAR metric uses data on species' extinction risk, distributions, and threats, which we obtained from national red lists to quantify the contribution that threat abatement and habitat restoration activities could make to reducing species' extinction risk. Across all 3 countries, the greatest opportunity for reducing plant species' extinction risk was from abating threats from agricultural activities, which could reduce species' extinction risk by 54% in Norway, 36% in South Africa, and 29% in Brazil. Species extinction risk could be reduced by a further 21% in South Africa by abating threats from invasive species and by 21% in Brazil by abating threats from urban expansion. Even with different approaches to red-listing among countries, the STAR metric yielded informative results that identified where the greatest conservation gains could be made for species through threat-abatement and restoration activities. Quantifiably linking local taxonomic coverage and data collection to global processes with STAR would allow national target setting to align with global targets and enable state and nonstate actors to measure and report on their potential contributions to species conservation.
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Affiliation(s)
- Louise Mair
- School of Natural and Environmental SciencesNewcastle UniversityNewcastle upon TyneUK
| | - Eduardo Amorim
- Instituto de Pesquisas Jardim Botânico do Rio de JaneiroCentro Nacional de Conservação da FloraRio de JaneiroBrazil
| | - Monira Bicalho
- Instituto de Pesquisas Jardim Botânico do Rio de JaneiroCentro Nacional de Conservação da FloraRio de JaneiroBrazil
| | - Thomas M. Brooks
- IUCNGlandSwitzerland
- World Agroforestry Center (ICRAF)University of The Philippines Los BañosLagunaPhilippines
- Institute for Marine & Antarctic StudiesUniversity of TasmaniaHobartTasmaniaAustralia
| | - Vincente Calfo
- Instituto de Pesquisas Jardim Botânico do Rio de JaneiroCentro Nacional de Conservação da FloraRio de JaneiroBrazil
| | | | | | - Marianne Evju
- Norwegian Institute for Nature Research (NINA)OsloNorway
| | - Eduardo P. Fernandez
- Instituto de Pesquisas Jardim Botânico do Rio de JaneiroCentro Nacional de Conservação da FloraRio de JaneiroBrazil
| | - Gláucia C. Ferreira
- Instituto de Pesquisas Jardim Botânico do Rio de JaneiroCentro Nacional de Conservação da FloraRio de JaneiroBrazil
| | | | | | - Lucas S. B. Jordão
- Instituto de Pesquisas Jardim Botânico do Rio de JaneiroCentro Nacional de Conservação da FloraRio de JaneiroBrazil
| | | | | | | | - Pablo H. A. de Melo
- Instituto de Pesquisas Jardim Botânico do Rio de JaneiroCentro Nacional de Conservação da FloraRio de JaneiroBrazil
| | | | | | - Nina Pougy
- International Institute for SustainabilityRio de JaneiroBrazil
| | - Domitilla C. Raimondo
- South African National Biodiversity InstitutePretoriaSouth Africa
- IUCN Species Survival CommissionPretoriaSouth Africa
| | | | - Xiaoli Shen
- State Key Laboratory of Vegetation and Environmental ChangeInstitute of BotanyChinese Academy of SciencesBeijingChina
| | - Marinez Ferreira de Siqueira
- Instituto de Pesquisas Jardim Botânico do Rio de JaneiroCentro Nacional de Conservação da FloraRio de JaneiroBrazil
| | - Bernardo B. N. Strassburg
- International Institute for SustainabilityRio de JaneiroBrazil
- Rio Conservation and Sustainability Science Centre, Department of Geography and the EnvironmentPontifical Catholic UniversityRio de JaneiroBrazil
| | - Philip J. K. McGowan
- School of Natural and Environmental SciencesNewcastle UniversityNewcastle upon TyneUK
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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: 1.0] [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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Santamarina S, Mateo RG, Alfaro-Saiz E, Acedo C. On the importance of invasive species niche dynamics in plant conservation management at large and local scale. Front Ecol Evol 2023. [DOI: 10.3389/fevo.2022.1049142] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/15/2023] Open
Abstract
Predicting the distribution of Invasive alien species (IAS) using species distribution models is promising for conservation planning. To achieve accurate predictions, it is essential to explore species niche dynamics. New approaches are necessary for bringing this analysis to real conservation management needs. Using multi-site comparisons can provide great useful insights to better understand invasion processes. Exploring the fine-scale niche overlap between IAS and native species sharing a location can be a key tool for achieving the implementation of local species conservation actions, which can play a fundamental role in the global management of IAS. This can also increase society’s awareness of the threat of IAS. In this context, here, we explored two key research demands. First, we studied the large-scale niche dynamics of the invasive species Paraserianthes lophantha (Willd.) I.C. Nielsen’s considering different invaded areas. The analysis compared niches of the native range (South Western Australia) with the Australian invaded range (eastern Australia); the native range with the European invaded range, and its full Australian range (native plus invaded range) with the European invaded range. Second, we perform a fine-scale niche overlap analysis at landscape scale in Spain. We studied the niche overlap between P. lophantha and a species with remarkable conservation interest (Quercus lusitanica Lam). All the niche analyses were realized following a well-established ordination (principal component analysis) approach where important methodological aspects were compared and analyzed. Our multi-site study of P. lophantha large-scale niche dynamics detected niche shifts between the Australian ranges demonstrating that the species is labile and may potentially adapt to further European climate conditions and spread its invasive range. Comparative analysis between the European and the full Australian ranges supports that calibrate models including the Australian invasive information is promising to accurate predict P. lophantha European potential distribution. The fine-scale study of niche overlap further explained the potential of this IAS and can be used as a model example of how these local studies can be used to promote the implementation of conservation actions in situ as a complement to large-scale management strategies.
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Filling the gap to avoid extinction: conservation status of Brazilian species of Epidendrum L. (Orchidaceae). J Nat Conserv 2023. [DOI: 10.1016/j.jnc.2022.126328] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/05/2023]
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Devkota S, Fang W, Arunachalam K, Phyo KMM, Shakya B. Systematic review of fungi, their diversity and role in ecosystem services from the Far Eastern Himalayan Landscape (FHL). Heliyon 2023; 9:e12756. [PMID: 36685357 PMCID: PMC9850047 DOI: 10.1016/j.heliyon.2022.e12756] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/27/2022] [Revised: 12/27/2022] [Accepted: 12/28/2022] [Indexed: 01/06/2023] Open
Abstract
Fungi are morphologically and ecologically diverse kingdom but less explored in the global perspective. This systematic review of mainly higher fungi (mushrooms) and lichenized fungi (lichens) was aimed to convey comprehensive knowledge on these understudied taxa, especially considering diversity, research trends, taxonomic/geographic knowledge gaps, and their contribution to ecosystem services. We investigated literature from the Far Eastern Himalayas and adjacent areas. We followed the PRISM (Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses) framework for the evidence synthesis and reporting. Search strings were used to explore literature both in English and Chinese databases. Publications were validated examining the title, locality, abstract and full text. We included 75 eligible studies after screening 12,872 publications. The result on species diversity extrapolated from literature was consolidated as a species checklist and published on the Global Biodiversity Information Facility (GBIF) portal. This review demonstrates a significant shortage of research work on fungi, and a lack of quantitative data on diversity, ecology, and ecosystem services. Mycological inventories with multidisciplinary perspectives are urgent in the Landscape to better understand the importance of fungi in conservation and sustainable development science. This review is especially useful when global environmental and climate concerns are focused on the use of nature-based solutions, and fungi as integral part of all ecological processes, could play important role in enhancing ecosystem services and therefore benefits coming to people as natural solutions.
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Affiliation(s)
- Shiva Devkota
- Global Institute for Interdisciplinary Studies (GIIS), Kathmandu, GPO Box 3226, Nepal
- Himalayan Climate and Science Institute (HCSI), Washington DC, USA
| | - Wei Fang
- Key Laboratory of Economic Plants and Biotechnology and the Yunnan Key Laboratory for Wild Plant Resources, Kunming Institute of Botany (KIB), Chinese Academy of Sciences, Kunming, 650201, China
- University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing 100049, China
| | - Karuppusamy Arunachalam
- Key Laboratory of Economic Plants and Biotechnology and the Yunnan Key Laboratory for Wild Plant Resources, Kunming Institute of Botany (KIB), Chinese Academy of Sciences, Kunming, 650201, China
- University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing 100049, China
- Southeast Asia Biodiversity Research Institute, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Yezin, Nay Pyi Taw, 05282, Myanmar
| | | | - Bandana Shakya
- Centre for Integrated Mountain Development (ICIMOD), Khumaltar, Lalitpur, 44700, GPO Box 3226, Nepal
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Transformations of Vascular Flora of a Medieval Settlement Site: A Case Study of a Fortified Settlement in Giecz (Wielkopolska Region, Western Poland). DIVERSITY 2022. [DOI: 10.3390/d15010035] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/29/2022]
Abstract
Exceptional components of the cultural landscape of Central Europe include archaeological sites, e.g., castle ruins, prehistoric or medieval fortified settlements, other settlements and burial mounds. The plants associated with them help us explain the processes of species persistence on habitat islands as well as the process of naturalization of crop species, which escape from fields or are abandoned. This study describes the flora of a medieval fortified settlement in Giecz (Wielkopolska region, western Poland), presents plant indicators of former settlements (relics of cultivation), species of high conservation value, and transformations of the vascular flora of this settlement over a few decades. Field research was conducted in 1993–1994, 1998–1999, and 2019. At the study site, 298 species of vascular plant species were recorded, and nearly 70% of them (201 species) have persisted there over the last 20 years. The flora includes seven relics of cultivation (Artemisia absinthium, Leonurus cardiaca, Lycium barbarum, Malva alcea, Pastinaca sativa, Saponaria officinalis, and Viola odorata), 5 species threatened with extinction in Poland and/or Wielkopolska, and 53 species of least concern (LC) according to the European red list. We have attempted to explain the floristic changes. The archaeological site in Giecz is of high conservation value, very distinct from the surrounding cultural landscape because of its specific flora, and composed of species from various habitats (e.g., dry grasslands, wooded patches, meadows, aquatic and ruderal habitats), including threatened, protected, and relic species.
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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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