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Li Q, Shao W, Jiang Y, Yan C, Liao W. Assessing Reptile Conservation Status under Global Climate Change. BIOLOGY 2024; 13:436. [PMID: 38927316 PMCID: PMC11200438 DOI: 10.3390/biology13060436] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/03/2024] [Revised: 06/11/2024] [Accepted: 06/11/2024] [Indexed: 06/28/2024]
Abstract
Global climate change drives variations in species distribution patterns and affects biodiversity, potentially increasing the risk of species extinction. Investigating the potential distribution range of species under future global climate change is crucial for biodiversity conservation and ecosystem management. In this study, we collected distributional data for 5282 reptile species to assess their conservation status based on distributional ranges using species distribution models. Our predictions indicate that the potential distribution ranges for over half of these species are projected to decrease under different scenarios. Under future scenarios with relatively low carbon emissions, the increase in the number of threatened reptiles is significantly lower, highlighting the importance of human efforts. Surprisingly, we identified some endangered species that are projected to expand their distribution ranges, underscoring the potential positive effects of climate change on some special species. Our findings emphasize the increased extinction risk faced by reptile species due to climate change and highlight the urgent need to mitigate the effects of habitat degradation and human activities on their potential distribution in the future.
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Affiliation(s)
- Qian Li
- Key Laboratory of Southwest China Wildlife Resources Conservation (Ministry of Education), China West Normal University, Nanchong 637009, China
- Key Laboratory of Artificial Propagation and Utilization in Anurans of Nanchong City, China West Normal University, Nanchong 637009, China
- College of Panda, China West Normal University, Nanchong 637009, China
| | - Weijie Shao
- Key Laboratory of Southwest China Wildlife Resources Conservation (Ministry of Education), China West Normal University, Nanchong 637009, China
- Key Laboratory of Artificial Propagation and Utilization in Anurans of Nanchong City, China West Normal University, Nanchong 637009, China
- College of Panda, China West Normal University, Nanchong 637009, China
| | - Ying Jiang
- Key Laboratory of Southwest China Wildlife Resources Conservation (Ministry of Education), China West Normal University, Nanchong 637009, China
- College of Panda, China West Normal University, Nanchong 637009, China
- School of Ecology and Nature Conservation, Beijing Forestry University, Beijing 100083, China
| | - Chengzhi Yan
- Key Laboratory of Southwest China Wildlife Resources Conservation (Ministry of Education), China West Normal University, Nanchong 637009, China
- Key Laboratory of Artificial Propagation and Utilization in Anurans of Nanchong City, China West Normal University, Nanchong 637009, China
- College of Panda, China West Normal University, Nanchong 637009, China
| | - Wenbo Liao
- Key Laboratory of Southwest China Wildlife Resources Conservation (Ministry of Education), China West Normal University, Nanchong 637009, China
- Key Laboratory of Artificial Propagation and Utilization in Anurans of Nanchong City, China West Normal University, Nanchong 637009, China
- College of Panda, China West Normal University, Nanchong 637009, China
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Tao J, Hu Y, Jiang J, Yang W, Zhao T, Su S. Prediction of Potential Suitable Distribution Areas for an Endangered Salamander in China. Animals (Basel) 2024; 14:1390. [PMID: 38731395 PMCID: PMC11083405 DOI: 10.3390/ani14091390] [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: 03/23/2024] [Revised: 04/20/2024] [Accepted: 04/29/2024] [Indexed: 05/13/2024] Open
Abstract
Climate change has been considered to pose critical threats for wildlife. During the past decade, species distribution models were widely used to assess the effects of climate change on the distribution of species' suitable habitats. Among all the vertebrates, amphibians are most vulnerable to climate change. This is especially true for salamanders, which possess some specific traits such as cutaneous respiration and low vagility. The Wushan salamander (Liua shihi) is a threatened and protected salamander in China, with its wild population decreasing continuously. The main objective of this study was to predict the distribution of suitable habitat for L. shihi using the ENMeval parameter-optimized MaxEnt model under current and future climate conditions. Our results showed that precipitation, cloud density, vegetation type, and ultraviolet radiation were the main environmental factors affecting the distribution of L. shihi. Currently, the suitable habitats for L. shihi are mainly concentrated in the Daba Mountains, including northeastern Chongqing and western Hubei Provinces. Under the future climate conditions, the area of suitable habitats increased, which mainly occurred in central Guizhou Province. This study provided important information for the conservation of L. shihi. Future studies can incorporate more species distribution models to better understand the effects of climate change on the distribution of L. shihi.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jiacheng Tao
- College of Fisheries, Southwest University, Chongqing 400715, China; (J.T.); (Y.H.)
| | - Yifeng Hu
- College of Fisheries, Southwest University, Chongqing 400715, China; (J.T.); (Y.H.)
| | - Jianping Jiang
- CAS Key Laboratory of Mountain Ecological Restoration and Bioresource Utilization & Ecological Restoration Biodiversity Conservation Key Laboratory of Sichuan Province, Chengdu Institute of Biology, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Chengdu 610041, China;
| | - Wanji Yang
- Shengnongjia National Park Administration, Huibei Provincial Key Laboratory on Conservation Biology of the Shennongjia Golden Snub-Nosed Monkey, Shennongjia 442421, China;
| | - Tian Zhao
- College of Fisheries, Southwest University, Chongqing 400715, China; (J.T.); (Y.H.)
| | - Shengqi Su
- College of Fisheries, Southwest University, Chongqing 400715, China; (J.T.); (Y.H.)
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Li X, Zhu N, Ming M, Li LL, Bu F, Wu XD, Yuan S, Fu HP. The Spatial Niche and Influencing Factors of Desert Rodents. Animals (Basel) 2024; 14:734. [PMID: 38473118 DOI: 10.3390/ani14050734] [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: 02/09/2024] [Revised: 02/20/2024] [Accepted: 02/23/2024] [Indexed: 03/14/2024] Open
Abstract
Resource partitioning may allow species coexistence. Sand dunes in the typical steppe of Alxa Desert Inner Mongolia, China, consisting of desert, shrub, and grass habitats, provide an appropriate system for studies of spatial niche partitioning among small mammals. In this study, the spatial niche characteristics of four rodents, Orientallactaga sibirica, Meriones meridianus, Dipus sagitta, and Phodopus roborovskii, and their responses to environmental changes in the Alxa Desert were studied from 2017 to 2021. Using the capture-mark-recapture method, we tested if desert rodents with different biological characteristics and life history strategies under heterogeneous environmental conditions allocate resources in spatial niches to achieve sympatric coexistence. We investigated the influence of environmental factors on the spatial niche breadth of rodents using random forest and redundancy analyses. We observed that the spatial niche overlap between O. sibirica and other rodents is extremely low (overlap index ≤ 0.14). P. roborovskii had the smallest spatial niche breadth. Spatial niche overlap was observed in two distinct species pairs, M. meridianus and D. sagitta, and P. roborovskii and D. sagitta. The Pielou evenness index of rodent communities is closely related to the spatial distribution of rodents, and the concealment of habitats is a key factor affecting the spatial occupation of rodents.
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Affiliation(s)
- Xin Li
- College of Grassland, Resources and Environment, Inner Mongolia Agricultural University, 29 Erdos East Street, Saihan District, Hohhot 010011, China
- Key Laboratory of Grassland Rodent Ecology and Rodent Pest Control, Universities of Inner Mongolia Autonomous, Hohhot 010011, China
- Key Laboratory of Grassland Resources, Ministry of Education, 29 Erdos East Street, Hohhot 010011, China
| | - Na Zhu
- College of Grassland, Resources and Environment, Inner Mongolia Agricultural University, 29 Erdos East Street, Saihan District, Hohhot 010011, China
- Key Laboratory of Grassland Rodent Ecology and Rodent Pest Control, Universities of Inner Mongolia Autonomous, Hohhot 010011, China
- Key Laboratory of Grassland Resources, Ministry of Education, 29 Erdos East Street, Hohhot 010011, China
| | - Ming Ming
- College of Grassland, Resources and Environment, Inner Mongolia Agricultural University, 29 Erdos East Street, Saihan District, Hohhot 010011, China
- Key Laboratory of Grassland Rodent Ecology and Rodent Pest Control, Universities of Inner Mongolia Autonomous, Hohhot 010011, China
- Key Laboratory of Grassland Resources, Ministry of Education, 29 Erdos East Street, Hohhot 010011, China
| | - Lin-Lin Li
- College of Grassland, Resources and Environment, Inner Mongolia Agricultural University, 29 Erdos East Street, Saihan District, Hohhot 010011, China
- Key Laboratory of Grassland Rodent Ecology and Rodent Pest Control, Universities of Inner Mongolia Autonomous, Hohhot 010011, China
- Key Laboratory of Grassland Resources, Ministry of Education, 29 Erdos East Street, Hohhot 010011, China
| | - Fan Bu
- College of Grassland, Resources and Environment, Inner Mongolia Agricultural University, 29 Erdos East Street, Saihan District, Hohhot 010011, China
- Key Laboratory of Grassland Rodent Ecology and Rodent Pest Control, Universities of Inner Mongolia Autonomous, Hohhot 010011, China
- Key Laboratory of Grassland Resources, Ministry of Education, 29 Erdos East Street, Hohhot 010011, China
| | - Xiao-Dong Wu
- College of Grassland, Resources and Environment, Inner Mongolia Agricultural University, 29 Erdos East Street, Saihan District, Hohhot 010011, China
- Key Laboratory of Grassland Rodent Ecology and Rodent Pest Control, Universities of Inner Mongolia Autonomous, Hohhot 010011, China
- Key Laboratory of Grassland Resources, Ministry of Education, 29 Erdos East Street, Hohhot 010011, China
| | - Shuai Yuan
- College of Grassland, Resources and Environment, Inner Mongolia Agricultural University, 29 Erdos East Street, Saihan District, Hohhot 010011, China
- Key Laboratory of Grassland Rodent Ecology and Rodent Pest Control, Universities of Inner Mongolia Autonomous, Hohhot 010011, China
- Key Laboratory of Grassland Resources, Ministry of Education, 29 Erdos East Street, Hohhot 010011, China
| | - He-Ping Fu
- College of Grassland, Resources and Environment, Inner Mongolia Agricultural University, 29 Erdos East Street, Saihan District, Hohhot 010011, China
- Key Laboratory of Grassland Rodent Ecology and Rodent Pest Control, Universities of Inner Mongolia Autonomous, Hohhot 010011, China
- Key Laboratory of Grassland Resources, Ministry of Education, 29 Erdos East Street, Hohhot 010011, China
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Li Y, Wang Y, Du X, Zhao C, He P, Meng F. Spatial distribution dynamics for Epimedium brevicornum Maxim. from 1970 to 2020. Ecol Evol 2024; 14:e11010. [PMID: 38390006 PMCID: PMC10881348 DOI: 10.1002/ece3.11010] [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: 04/28/2023] [Revised: 01/18/2024] [Accepted: 01/24/2024] [Indexed: 02/24/2024] Open
Abstract
At different time scales, a species will experience diverse distribution changes. For Epimedium brevicornum Maxim, the phenomenon is obvious, but the understanding of the spatial dynamics of E. brevicornum under distinct time scales is poor. In this study, we modeled the potential distribution for E. brevicornum for five time scales, 1970-1979, 1980-1989, 1990-1999, 2000-2009, and 2010-2019, with different occurrence data, and the Kuenm package was used to optimize the parameter combination. Then, SDM tools and a Venn diagram were utilized to simulate the changes in highly suitable areas and spatial dynamics, respectively. Comprehensive results show that temperature seasonality (BIO4, 37.54%) has the greatest effect on the distribution of E. brevicornum, followed by minimum temperature (TMIN, 21.42%). The areas of distribution for E. brevicornum are 35.06 × 105 km2, 25.7 × 105 km2, 67.64 × 105 km2, 27.29 × 105 km2, and 9.87× 105 km2, which are mainly concentrated in Gansu, Shaanxi, Shanxi, and Henan, respectively. In addition, the largest regions for expansion, stability, and contraction under various time scales are 5.6 × 105 km2, 3.54 × 105 km2, and 3.47 × 105 km2, respectively. These changes indicate that approximately 7.96% of the regions are highly stable, and three critical counties, Wanyuan, Chenggu, and Hechuan, and Xixiang, have become significant areas for migration. Overall, our results indicate that there are different spatial distribution patterns and dynamics for E. brevicornum for different time scales. Given these results, this study also proposes comprehensive strategies for the conservation and management of E. brevicornum, which will further improve the current resource utilization status.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yunfeng Li
- Hebei Province Key Laboratory of Research and Development of Traditional Chinese Medicine Chengde Medical University Chengde Hebei China
- Beijing Key Laboratory of Traditional Chinese Medicine Protection and Utilization Beijing Normal University Beijing China
| | - Yan Wang
- Hebei Province Key Laboratory of Research and Development of Traditional Chinese Medicine Chengde Medical University Chengde Hebei China
| | - Xiaojuan Du
- Hebei Province Key Laboratory of Research and Development of Traditional Chinese Medicine Chengde Medical University Chengde Hebei China
| | - Chunying Zhao
- Hebei Province Key Laboratory of Research and Development of Traditional Chinese Medicine Chengde Medical University Chengde Hebei China
| | - Ping He
- Beijing Key Laboratory of Traditional Chinese Medicine Protection and Utilization Beijing Normal University Beijing China
| | - Fanyun Meng
- Beijing Key Laboratory of Traditional Chinese Medicine Protection and Utilization Beijing Normal University Beijing China
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Song X, Jiang Y, Zhao L, Jin L, Yan C, Liao W. Predicting the Potential Distribution of the Szechwan Rat Snake ( Euprepiophis perlacea) and Its Response to Climate Change in the Yingjing Area of the Giant Panda National Park. Animals (Basel) 2023; 13:3828. [PMID: 38136865 PMCID: PMC10740900 DOI: 10.3390/ani13243828] [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: 10/31/2023] [Revised: 12/04/2023] [Accepted: 12/08/2023] [Indexed: 12/24/2023] Open
Abstract
Climate change is a significant driver of changes in the distribution patterns of species and poses a threat to biodiversity, potentially resulting in species extinctions. Investigating the potential distribution of rare and endangered species is crucial for understanding their responses to climate change and for the conservation of biodiversity and ecosystem management. The Szechwan rat snake (Euprepiophis perlacea) is an endemic and endangered species co-distributed with giant pandas, and studying its potential distribution contributes to a better understanding of the distribution pattern of endangered species. In this study, we confirmed seven presence points of this species in the Yingjing Area of the Giant Panda National Park, and selected eleven key factors to predict the potential distribution of E. perlacea under current and future scenarios using MaxEnt models. Our study consistently achieved AUC values exceeding 0.79, meeting the precision requirements of the models. The results indicated that the high potential distribution area of E. perlacea is mainly located near Yunwu mountain and the giant panda rewilding and reintroduction base, accounting for approximately 12% of the protected area. Moreover, we identified the primary environmental factors influencing the distribution of E. perlacea as the distance from streams and the slope degree, with their contribution rates exceeding 41% and 31%, respectively. In comparison to the current scenario, the potential habitat range for E. perlacea did not show an overall reduction in the context of future climate scenarios. To ensure the long-term preservation of E. perlacea, it is advisable to validate its actual distribution based on the models' results. Particular attention should be given to safeguarding its core distribution areas and raising awareness among residents within the potential distribution range about the conservation of E. perlacea.
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Affiliation(s)
- Xinqiang Song
- Key Laboratory of Southwest China Wildlife Resources Conservation (Ministry of Education), China West Normal University, Nanchong 637009, China
- Daxiangling Provincial Nature Reserve, Ya’an 625200, China
| | - Ying Jiang
- Key Laboratory of Southwest China Wildlife Resources Conservation (Ministry of Education), China West Normal University, Nanchong 637009, China
- School of Ecology and Nature Conservation, Beijing Forestry University, Beijing 100083, China
| | - Li Zhao
- Key Laboratory of Southwest China Wildlife Resources Conservation (Ministry of Education), China West Normal University, Nanchong 637009, China
- Key Laboratory of Artificial Propagation and Utilization in Anurans of Nanchong City, China West Normal University, Nanchong 637009, China
- College of Panda, China West Normal University, Nanchong 637009, China
| | - Long Jin
- Key Laboratory of Southwest China Wildlife Resources Conservation (Ministry of Education), China West Normal University, Nanchong 637009, China
- School of Ecology and Nature Conservation, Beijing Forestry University, Beijing 100083, China
- Key Laboratory of Artificial Propagation and Utilization in Anurans of Nanchong City, China West Normal University, Nanchong 637009, China
- College of Panda, China West Normal University, Nanchong 637009, China
| | - Chengzhi Yan
- Key Laboratory of Southwest China Wildlife Resources Conservation (Ministry of Education), China West Normal University, Nanchong 637009, China
- Key Laboratory of Artificial Propagation and Utilization in Anurans of Nanchong City, China West Normal University, Nanchong 637009, China
- College of Panda, China West Normal University, Nanchong 637009, China
| | - Wenbo Liao
- Key Laboratory of Southwest China Wildlife Resources Conservation (Ministry of Education), China West Normal University, Nanchong 637009, China
- Key Laboratory of Artificial Propagation and Utilization in Anurans of Nanchong City, China West Normal University, Nanchong 637009, China
- College of Panda, China West Normal University, Nanchong 637009, China
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Morphological Variation and Its Environmental Correlates in the Taihangshan Swelled-Vented Frog across the Qinling Mountains. Animals (Basel) 2022; 12:ani12182328. [PMID: 36139189 PMCID: PMC9495075 DOI: 10.3390/ani12182328] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/07/2022] [Revised: 08/24/2022] [Accepted: 09/04/2022] [Indexed: 01/01/2023] Open
Abstract
Simple Summary Amphibians have weak dispersal abilities and are sensitive to environmental changes, resulting in their disproportionately high risk of extinction, with many species’ populations rapidly declining. Therefore, it is critical for amphibian conservation to understand their adaptive potential by exploring how amphibians respond to environmental changes based on morphological variations. Our results showed that morphological traits of Feirana taihangnica significantly differed among ages. Along with the increase in annual mean temperature, snout-vent length showed an anti-hump trend, indicating no support for Bergmann’s rule. Mean ultraviolet-B of the highest and lowest months were positively and negatively correlated with head width, thigh length and tibia width, respectively. The present study can help understand the effects of environmental changes on morphological variations of this mountain frog species and its adaptive potential, providing important implications for species conservation. Abstract The Taihangshan swelled-vented frog (Feirana taihangnica), an endemic species to the Qinling Mountains, central China, has experienced a dramatic population decline over the last few decades. The aim of this work was to quantify morphological variation in F. taihangnica across the Qinling Mountains and examine environmental correlates of this variation of morphological traits. We implemented a hierarchical partitioning to estimate the independent contribution of each environmental variable on morphological variations. Temperature seasonality was the greatest contributor in variations of snout-vent length (SVL) and head width, and ultraviolet-B (UV-B) radiation of the lowest month was the most influential on both thigh length and tibia width. Then, we used generalized additive models to analyze the relationship between each environmental factor and morphological trait variations. Along the increasing of annual mean temperature, SVL decreased firstly and then increased, indicating no support for Bergmann’s rule. Furthermore, SVL was negatively correlated with annual precipitation, while positively with temperature seasonality. The mean UV-B of the highest and lowest months was positively and negatively correlated with head width, thigh length and tibia width, respectively. The results of this study help us to understand adaptive potential of this mountain frog species via morphological variations in the light of environmental changes.
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Wang X, Zhong M, Yang S, Jiang J, Hu J. Multiple β‐diversity patterns and the underlying mechanisms across amphibian communities along a subtropical elevational gradient. DIVERS DISTRIB 2022. [DOI: 10.1111/ddi.13618] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/01/2022] Open
Affiliation(s)
- Xiaoyi Wang
- CAS Key Laboratory of Mountain Ecological Restoration and Bioresource Utilization & Ecological Restoration and Biodiversity Conservation Key Laboratory of Sichuan Province, Chengdu Institute of Biology Chinese Academy of Sciences Chengdu China
- University of Chinese Academy of Sciences Beijing China
| | - Maojun Zhong
- CAS Key Laboratory of Mountain Ecological Restoration and Bioresource Utilization & Ecological Restoration and Biodiversity Conservation Key Laboratory of Sichuan Province, Chengdu Institute of Biology Chinese Academy of Sciences Chengdu China
| | - Shengnan Yang
- CAS Key Laboratory of Mountain Ecological Restoration and Bioresource Utilization & Ecological Restoration and Biodiversity Conservation Key Laboratory of Sichuan Province, Chengdu Institute of Biology Chinese Academy of Sciences Chengdu China
- University of Chinese Academy of Sciences Beijing China
| | - Jianping Jiang
- CAS Key Laboratory of Mountain Ecological Restoration and Bioresource Utilization & Ecological Restoration and Biodiversity Conservation Key Laboratory of Sichuan Province, Chengdu Institute of Biology Chinese Academy of Sciences Chengdu China
| | - Junhua Hu
- CAS Key Laboratory of Mountain Ecological Restoration and Bioresource Utilization & Ecological Restoration and Biodiversity Conservation Key Laboratory of Sichuan Province, Chengdu Institute of Biology Chinese Academy of Sciences Chengdu China
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Brambilla M, Rubolini D, Appukuttan O, Calvi G, Karger DN, Kmecl P, Mihelič T, Sattler T, Seaman B, Teufelbauer N, Wahl J, Celada C. Identifying climate refugia for high-elevation Alpine birds under current climate warming predictions. GLOBAL CHANGE BIOLOGY 2022; 28:4276-4291. [PMID: 35441422 PMCID: PMC9546033 DOI: 10.1111/gcb.16187] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/04/2022] [Revised: 03/26/2022] [Accepted: 03/30/2022] [Indexed: 05/22/2023]
Abstract
Identifying climate refugia is key to effective biodiversity conservation under a changing climate, especially for mountain-specialist species adapted to cold conditions and highly threatened by climate warming. We combined species distribution models (SDMs) with climate forecasts to identify climate refugia for high-elevation bird species (Lagopus muta, Anthus spinoletta, Prunella collaris, Montifringilla nivalis) in the European Alps, where the ecological effects of climate changes are particularly evident and predicted to intensify. We considered future (2041-2070) conditions (SSP585 scenario, four climate models) and identified three types of refugia: (1) in-situ refugia potentially suitable under both current and future climate conditions, ex-situ refugia suitable (2) only in the future according to all future conditions, or (3) under at least three out of four future conditions. SDMs were based on a very large, high-resolution occurrence dataset (2901-12,601 independent records for each species) collected by citizen scientists. SDMs were fitted using different algorithms, balancing statistical accuracy, ecological realism and predictive/extrapolation ability. We selected the most reliable ones based on consistency between training and testing data and extrapolation over distant areas. Future predictions revealed that all species (with the partial exception of A. spinoletta) will undergo a range contraction towards higher elevations, losing 17%-59% of their current range (larger losses in L. muta). We identified ~15,000 km2 of the Alpine region as in-situ refugia for at least three species, of which 44% are currently designated as protected areas (PAs; 18%-66% among countries). Our findings highlight the usefulness of spatially accurate data collected by citizen scientists, and the importance of model testing by extrapolating over independent areas. Climate refugia, which are only partly included within the current PAs system, should be priority sites for the conservation of Alpine high-elevation species and habitats, where habitat degradation/alteration by human activities should be prevented to ensure future suitability for alpine species.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mattia Brambilla
- Lipu/BirdLife ItaliaParmaItaly
- MUSE–Museo delle Scienze, Sezione Zoologia dei VertebratiTrentoItaly
- Fondazione Lombardia per l’Ambiente, Settore Biodiversità e aree protetteMilanoItaly
- Dipartimento di Scienze e Politiche AmbientaliUniversità degli Studi di MilanoMilanoItaly
| | - Diego Rubolini
- Dipartimento di Scienze e Politiche AmbientaliUniversità degli Studi di MilanoMilanoItaly
- Istituto di Ricerca sulle Acque, IRSA‐CNRBrugherioItaly
| | - Ojan Appukuttan
- Dipartimento di Scienze e Politiche AmbientaliUniversità degli Studi di MilanoMilanoItaly
| | | | - Dirk Nikolaus Karger
- Swiss Federal Institute for Forest, Snow and Landscape Research (WSL)BirmensdorfSwitzerland
| | | | | | | | | | | | - Johannes Wahl
- Dachverband Deutscher Avifaunisten (DDA)MünsterGermany
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Yang Y, Chen J, Huang R, Feng Z, Zhou G, You H, Han X. Construction of Ecological Security Pattern Based on the Importance of Ecological Protection—A Case Study of Guangxi, a Karst Region in China. INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF ENVIRONMENTAL RESEARCH AND PUBLIC HEALTH 2022; 19:ijerph19095699. [PMID: 35565095 PMCID: PMC9101742 DOI: 10.3390/ijerph19095699] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/31/2022] [Revised: 05/02/2022] [Accepted: 05/05/2022] [Indexed: 02/01/2023]
Abstract
The ecological security pattern is an important way to coordinate the contradiction between regional economic development and ecological protection and is conducive to promoting regional sustainable development. This study examines Guangxi, a karst region in China. The ecosystem service function and ecological environment sensitivity were both selected to evaluate the ecological conservation importance, and based on the results of the ecological conservation importance evaluation, suitable patches were selected as ecological sources. Meanwhile, resistance factors were selected from both natural factors and human activities to construct a comprehensive resistance surface, circuit theory was used to identify ecological corridors, ecological pinch points, and ecological barrier points, and ecological protection suggestions were then proposed. The results show that there are 50 patches of ecological sources in Guangxi, with a total area of 60,556.99 km2; 115 ecological corridors, with the longest corridor reaching 194.97 km; 301 ecological pinch points, whose spatial distribution is fragmented; and 286 ecological barrier points, most of which are concentrated in the central part of Guangxi. The results of this study provide a reference for the construction of ecological security patterns and ecological conservation in developing countries and karst areas.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yanping Yang
- College of Geomatics and Geoinformation, Guilin University of Technology, Guilin 541004, China; (Y.Y.); (R.H.); (Z.F.); (G.Z.); (H.Y.); (X.H.)
| | - Jianjun Chen
- College of Geomatics and Geoinformation, Guilin University of Technology, Guilin 541004, China; (Y.Y.); (R.H.); (Z.F.); (G.Z.); (H.Y.); (X.H.)
- Guangxi Key Laboratory of Spatial Information and Geomatics, Guilin University of Technology, Guilin 541004, China
- Correspondence:
| | - Renjie Huang
- College of Geomatics and Geoinformation, Guilin University of Technology, Guilin 541004, China; (Y.Y.); (R.H.); (Z.F.); (G.Z.); (H.Y.); (X.H.)
| | - Zihao Feng
- College of Geomatics and Geoinformation, Guilin University of Technology, Guilin 541004, China; (Y.Y.); (R.H.); (Z.F.); (G.Z.); (H.Y.); (X.H.)
| | - Guoqing Zhou
- College of Geomatics and Geoinformation, Guilin University of Technology, Guilin 541004, China; (Y.Y.); (R.H.); (Z.F.); (G.Z.); (H.Y.); (X.H.)
- Guangxi Key Laboratory of Spatial Information and Geomatics, Guilin University of Technology, Guilin 541004, China
| | - Haotian You
- College of Geomatics and Geoinformation, Guilin University of Technology, Guilin 541004, China; (Y.Y.); (R.H.); (Z.F.); (G.Z.); (H.Y.); (X.H.)
- Guangxi Key Laboratory of Spatial Information and Geomatics, Guilin University of Technology, Guilin 541004, China
| | - Xiaowen Han
- College of Geomatics and Geoinformation, Guilin University of Technology, Guilin 541004, China; (Y.Y.); (R.H.); (Z.F.); (G.Z.); (H.Y.); (X.H.)
- Guangxi Key Laboratory of Spatial Information and Geomatics, Guilin University of Technology, Guilin 541004, China
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