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Ordonez A, Gill JL. Unravelling the functional and phylogenetic dimensions of novel ecosystem assemblages. Philos Trans R Soc Lond B Biol Sci 2024; 379:20230324. [PMID: 38583470 PMCID: PMC10999274 DOI: 10.1098/rstb.2023.0324] [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: 09/16/2023] [Accepted: 12/19/2023] [Indexed: 04/09/2024] Open
Abstract
Human activities are causing taxonomic rearrangements across ecosystems that often result in the emergence of novel communities (assemblies with no historical representative). It is commonly assumed that these changes in the taxonomic makeup of ecosystems also inevitably lead to changes in other aspects of biodiversity, namely functional and phylogenetic diversity. However, this assumption is not always valid, as the changes in functional and phylogenetic composition resulting from taxonomic shifts depend on the level of redundancy in the evaluated community. Therefore, we need improved theoretical frameworks to predict when we can expect coordinated or decoupled responses among these three facets of biodiversity. To advance this understanding, we discuss the conceptual and methodological issues that complicate establishing a link between taxonomic rearrangements driven by human activities and the associated functional and phylogenetic changes. Here, we show that is crucial to consider the expected changes in functional and phylogenetic composition as communities are reshaped owing to human drivers of biodiversity loss to forecast the impacts of novel assemblages on ecosystem functions and the services they provide to humanity. This article is part of the theme issue 'Ecological novelty and planetary stewardship: biodiversity dynamics in a transforming biosphere'.
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Affiliation(s)
- Alejandro Ordonez
- Section for Ecoinformatics and Biodiversity, Department of Bioscience, Aarhus University, Ny Munkegade 114, 8000 Aarhus C, Denmark
- Center for Biodiversity Dynamics in a Changing World (BIOCHANGE), Department of Bioscience, Aarhus University, Ny Munkegade 114, 8000 Aarhus C, Denmark
| | - Jacquelyn L. Gill
- School of Biology and Ecology, University of Maine, 5751 Murray Hall, Room 100 Orono, ME 04469, USA
- Climate Change Institute, University of Maine, 5751 Murray Hall, Room 100 Orono, ME 04469, USA
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Archibald CL, Summers DM, Graham EM, Bryan BA. Habitat suitability maps for Australian flora and fauna under CMIP6 climate scenarios. Gigascience 2024; 13:giae002. [PMID: 38442145 PMCID: PMC10939329 DOI: 10.1093/gigascience/giae002] [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: 07/04/2023] [Revised: 11/29/2023] [Accepted: 01/05/2024] [Indexed: 03/07/2024] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Spatial information about the location and suitability of areas for native plant and animal species under different climate futures is an important input to land use and conservation planning and management. Australia, renowned for its abundant species diversity and endemism, often relies on modeled data to assess species distributions due to the country's vast size and the challenges associated with conducting on-ground surveys on such a large scale. The objective of this article is to develop habitat suitability maps for Australian flora and fauna under different climate futures. RESULTS Using MaxEnt, we produced Australia-wide habitat suitability maps under RCP2.6-SSP1, RCP4.5-SSP2, RCP7.0-SSP3, and RCP8.5-SSP5 climate futures for 1,382 terrestrial vertebrates and 9,251 vascular plants vascular plants at 5 km2 for open access. This represents 60% of all Australian mammal species, 77% of amphibian species, 50% of reptile species, 71% of bird species, and 44% of vascular plant species. We also include tabular data, which include summaries of total quality-weighted habitat area of species under different climate scenarios and time periods. CONCLUSIONS The spatial data supplied can help identify important and sensitive locations for species under various climate futures. Additionally, the supplied tabular data can provide insights into the impacts of climate change on biodiversity in Australia. These habitat suitability maps can be used as input data for landscape and conservation planning or species management, particularly under different climate change scenarios in Australia.
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Affiliation(s)
- Carla L Archibald
- School of Life and Environmental Sciences, Deakin University, 221 Burwood Hwy, Burwood, Victoria, Australia
| | - David M Summers
- UniSA Business, The University of South Australia, GPO Box 2471, Adelaide, Australia
| | - Erin M Graham
- eResearch Centre, James Cook University, James Cook Drive, Townsville, Australia
| | - Brett A Bryan
- School of Life and Environmental Sciences, Deakin University, 221 Burwood Hwy, Burwood, Victoria, Australia
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Native or Exotic: A Bibliographical Review of the Debate on Ecological Science Methodologies: Valuable Lessons for Urban Green Space Design. LAND 2022. [DOI: 10.3390/land11081201] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/04/2023]
Abstract
Knowledge from ecological sciences is an important reference for landscape design as Urban Green Spaces (UGS) play a critical role in the ecological protection of cities. There is an ongoing debate among ecologists on the value of exotic vegetation to ecosystem resilience and integrity, with authors arguing that in order for ecosystems to survive in future climates, exotic species with similar conditions in their current range must be considered. Others deem biodiversity vital for ecosystem functions and services, stating that most biodiversity losses are man-induced and should be addressed through the enhancement of native communities. Through a literature review, we confronted the arguments used in this debate, with the aim of conducting a comprehensive analysis of the potential of exotic and native vegetation in different aspects of the vegetation’s performance. The outcomes are important for the assessment of vegetation assemblages within UGS projects. Despite the strong arguments regarding their performative and adaptive capacity, we conclude that exotics pose significant ecological risks and have multiple negative impacts on ecosystem processes. Natives not only present high adaptive capacity, but also provide additional benefits for biodiversity, ecosystem integrity, and for people. In a broader framework, the literature demonstrates a preference for the use of native species in most situations.
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Doxa A, Kamarianakis Y, Mazaris AD. Spatial heterogeneity and temporal stability characterize future climatic refugia in Mediterranean Europe. GLOBAL CHANGE BIOLOGY 2022; 28:2413-2424. [PMID: 34981617 DOI: 10.1111/gcb.16072] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/31/2021] [Revised: 11/24/2021] [Accepted: 12/11/2021] [Indexed: 06/14/2023]
Abstract
Climate plays a major role in shaping biodiversity patterns over time and space, with ongoing changes leading to the reorganization of ecosystems, which challenges conservation initiatives. Identifying areas that could serve as possible climate change refugia for future biodiversity is, thus, critical for both conservation and management. Here, we identify potential future climatic refugia within the Euro-Mediterranean biome, which is a global biodiversity hotspot, while accounting for multiple emission climate change projections over the next 50 years. We developed two metrics of climatic variability: temporal stability and spatial heterogeneity. We then used a systematic conservation planning approach to identify climate-based priority areas. While we used a climate-based, species-neutral methodology, we deliberately implemented low climatic velocity thresholds, so that the identified climatic refugia would even be compatible with the needs of species with low dispersal capacity, such as plants. Our projections showed that future climatic refugia would be more frequently observed in mid-altitudes, for gradients with steep elevations, and mainly in the eastern part of the Euro-Mediterranean biome, with possible conflicts with existing land uses and future conservation implications. Climatic, land use, and topography results indicated that only a limited number of refugia would be hosted by high elevation habitats (>1500 m), raising possible concerns about the biodiversity of Mediterranean mountain regions. Our analyses show that the current network of protected areas captures future climatic refugia disproportionally, despite their importance for safeguarding present and future biodiversity in the Mediterranean. Key climatic refugia could limit the impacts of future climate change on biodiversity in mid-altitude and mountainous regions, and should be included in management guidelines for a climate-ready conservation design in the Mediterranean biome.
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Affiliation(s)
- Aggeliki Doxa
- Institute of Applied and Computational Mathematics, Foundation for Research and Technology-Hellas (FORTH), Heraklion, Crete, Greece
- Department of Ecology, School of Biology, Aristotle University of Thessaloniki, Thessaloniki, Greece
| | - Yiannis Kamarianakis
- Institute of Applied and Computational Mathematics, Foundation for Research and Technology-Hellas (FORTH), Heraklion, Crete, Greece
| | - Antonios D Mazaris
- Department of Ecology, School of Biology, Aristotle University of Thessaloniki, Thessaloniki, Greece
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Arafeh‐Dalmau N, Brito‐Morales I, Schoeman DS, Possingham HP, Klein CJ, Richardson AJ. Incorporating climate velocity into the design of climate‐smart networks of marine protected areas. Methods Ecol Evol 2021. [DOI: 10.1111/2041-210x.13675] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/06/2023]
Affiliation(s)
- Nur Arafeh‐Dalmau
- Centre for Biodiversity and Conservation Science School of Biological Sciences The University of Queensland St Lucia Queensland Australia
- School of Earth and Environmental Sciences The University of Queensland St Lucia Queensland Australia
| | - Isaac Brito‐Morales
- School of Earth and Environmental Sciences The University of Queensland St Lucia Queensland Australia
- Commonwealth Scientific and Industrial Research Organisation (CSIRO) Oceans and Atmosphere BioSciences Precinct (QBP) St Lucia Queensland Australia
| | - David S. Schoeman
- Global‐Change Ecology Research Group School of Science, Technology and Engineering University of the Sunshine Coast Maroochydore Queensland Australia
- Centre for African Conservation Ecology Department of Zoology Nelson Mandela University Gqeberha South Africa
| | - Hugh P. Possingham
- Centre for Biodiversity and Conservation Science School of Biological Sciences The University of Queensland St Lucia Queensland Australia
- The Nature Conservancy Arlington Virginia USA
| | - Carissa J. Klein
- Centre for Biodiversity and Conservation Science School of Biological Sciences The University of Queensland St Lucia Queensland Australia
- School of Earth and Environmental Sciences The University of Queensland St Lucia Queensland Australia
| | - Anthony J. Richardson
- Commonwealth Scientific and Industrial Research Organisation (CSIRO) Oceans and Atmosphere BioSciences Precinct (QBP) St Lucia Queensland Australia
- Centre for Applications in Natural Resource Mathematics School of Mathematics and Physics The University of Queensland St Lucia Queensland Australia
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Butt N, Chauvenet ALM, Adams VM, Beger M, Gallagher RV, Shanahan DF, Ward M, Watson JEM, Possingham HP. Importance of species translocations under rapid climate change. CONSERVATION BIOLOGY : THE JOURNAL OF THE SOCIETY FOR CONSERVATION BIOLOGY 2021; 35:775-783. [PMID: 33047846 DOI: 10.1111/cobi.13643] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/08/2019] [Revised: 08/05/2020] [Accepted: 08/07/2020] [Indexed: 06/11/2023]
Abstract
Species that cannot adapt or keep pace with a changing climate are likely to need human intervention to shift to more suitable climates. While hundreds of articles mention using translocation as a climate-change adaptation tool, in practice, assisted migration as a conservation action remains rare, especially for animals. This is likely due to concern over introducing species to places where they may become invasive. However, there are other barriers to consider, such as time-frame mismatch, sociopolitical, knowledge and uncertainty barriers to conservationists adopting assisted migration as a go-to strategy. We recommend the following to advance assisted migration as a conservation tool: attempt assisted migrations at small scales, translocate species with little invasion risk, adopt robust monitoring protocols that trigger an active response, and promote political and public support.
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Affiliation(s)
- Nathalie Butt
- School of Biological Sciences, The University of Queensland, St. Lucia, QLD, 4072, Australia
- Centre for Biodiversity and Conservation Science, The University of Queensland, St. Lucia, QLD, 4072, Australia
| | - Alienor L M Chauvenet
- Environmental Futures Research Institute, School of Environment and Science, Griffith University, Gold Coast, Southport, QLD, 4222, Australia
| | - Vanessa M Adams
- School of Technology, Environments & Design, University of Tasmania, Hobart, TAS, 7001, Australia
| | - Maria Beger
- School of Biological Sciences, The University of Queensland, St. Lucia, QLD, 4072, Australia
- School of Biology, Faculty of Biological Sciences, University of Leeds, Leeds, LS2 9JT, U.K
| | - Rachael V Gallagher
- Department of Biological Sciences, Macquarie University, North Ryde, NSW, 2109, Australia
| | - Danielle F Shanahan
- Zealandia Ecosanctuary, 53 Waiapu Road, Karori, Wellington, 6012, New Zealand
- Victoria University of Wellington, Kelburn, Wellington, 6012, New Zealand
| | - Michelle Ward
- Centre for Biodiversity and Conservation Science, The University of Queensland, St. Lucia, QLD, 4072, Australia
- School of Earth and Environmental Sciences, The University of Queensland, St. Lucia, QLD, 4072, Australia
| | - James E M Watson
- Centre for Biodiversity and Conservation Science, The University of Queensland, St. Lucia, QLD, 4072, Australia
- School of Earth and Environmental Sciences, The University of Queensland, St. Lucia, QLD, 4072, Australia
- Global Conservation Program, Wildlife Conservation Society, 2300 Southern Boulevard, Bronx, New York, U.S.A
| | - Hugh P Possingham
- School of Biological Sciences, The University of Queensland, St. Lucia, QLD, 4072, Australia
- Centre for Biodiversity and Conservation Science, The University of Queensland, St. Lucia, QLD, 4072, Australia
- The Nature Conservancy, South Brisbane, QLD, 4101, Australia
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