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Luo W, Sun C, Yang S, Chen W, Sun Y, Li Z, Liu J, Tao W, Tao J. Contrasting range changes and drivers of four forest foundation species under future climate change in China. THE SCIENCE OF THE TOTAL ENVIRONMENT 2024; 942:173784. [PMID: 38851330 DOI: 10.1016/j.scitotenv.2024.173784] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/18/2024] [Revised: 06/03/2024] [Accepted: 06/03/2024] [Indexed: 06/10/2024]
Abstract
Forest foundation species, vital for shaping community structure and dynamics through non-trophic level interactions, are key to forest succession and sustainability. Despite their ecological importance, the habitat ranges of these species in China and their responses to future climate change remain unclear. Our study employed the optimal MaxEnt model to assess the range shifts and their essential drivers of four typical forest foundation species from three climatic zones in China under climate scenarios, including Acer tegmentosum, Acer pseudo-sieboldianum (temperate zone), Quercus glandulifera (subtropical zone), and Ficus hispida (tropical zone). The optimal MaxEnt model exhibited high evaluation indices (AUC values > 0.90) for the four foundation species, indicating excellent predictive performance. Currently, we observed that A. tegmentosum and A. pseudo-sieboldianum are predominantly inhabited temperate forest areas in northeastern China, Q. glandulifera is primarily concentrated in subtropical forests in southeastern China, and F. hispida is mainly distributed across the tropical forests in southern China. Climate factors, particularly temperature, emerged as the primary environmental factors influencing the potential range of forest foundation species. Moreover, precipitation strongly influenced the potential range of A. tegmentosum and A. pseudo-sieboldianum, while elevation exhibited a greater impact on the range of Q. glandulifera and F. hispida. Under future climate scenarios, suitable areas for A. tegmentosum and A. pseudo-sieboldianum tend to expand southward, F. hispida tends to expand northward, while Q. glandulifera exhibited a tendency to contract towards the center. This study advances our understanding of the spatial and temporal dynamics of forest foundation species in China under climate change, providing critical insights for conservation efforts and sustainable forest management practices.
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Affiliation(s)
- Weixue Luo
- Key Laboratory of Eco-environments in Three Gorges Reservoir Region (Ministry of Education), Chongqing Key Laboratory of Plant Ecology and Resources Research in Three Gorges Reservoir Region, School of Life Sciences, Southwest University, Chongqing, China; Chongqing Jinfo Mountain Karst Ecosystem National Observation and Research Station, Southwest University, Chongqing, China.
| | - Chengxiang Sun
- Key Laboratory of Eco-environments in Three Gorges Reservoir Region (Ministry of Education), Chongqing Key Laboratory of Plant Ecology and Resources Research in Three Gorges Reservoir Region, School of Life Sciences, Southwest University, Chongqing, China
| | - Shuo Yang
- Key Laboratory of Eco-environments in Three Gorges Reservoir Region (Ministry of Education), Chongqing Key Laboratory of Plant Ecology and Resources Research in Three Gorges Reservoir Region, School of Life Sciences, Southwest University, Chongqing, China
| | - Wenke Chen
- Key Laboratory of Eco-environments in Three Gorges Reservoir Region (Ministry of Education), Chongqing Key Laboratory of Plant Ecology and Resources Research in Three Gorges Reservoir Region, School of Life Sciences, Southwest University, Chongqing, China
| | - Yuhong Sun
- Key Laboratory of Eco-environments in Three Gorges Reservoir Region (Ministry of Education), Chongqing Key Laboratory of Plant Ecology and Resources Research in Three Gorges Reservoir Region, School of Life Sciences, Southwest University, Chongqing, China
| | - Zongfeng Li
- Key Laboratory of Eco-environments in Three Gorges Reservoir Region (Ministry of Education), Chongqing Key Laboratory of Plant Ecology and Resources Research in Three Gorges Reservoir Region, School of Life Sciences, Southwest University, Chongqing, China; Chongqing Jinfo Mountain Karst Ecosystem National Observation and Research Station, Southwest University, Chongqing, China.
| | - Jinchun Liu
- Key Laboratory of Eco-environments in Three Gorges Reservoir Region (Ministry of Education), Chongqing Key Laboratory of Plant Ecology and Resources Research in Three Gorges Reservoir Region, School of Life Sciences, Southwest University, Chongqing, China; Chongqing Jinfo Mountain Karst Ecosystem National Observation and Research Station, Southwest University, Chongqing, China.
| | - Wenjing Tao
- Key Laboratory of Eco-environments in Three Gorges Reservoir Region (Ministry of Education), Chongqing Key Laboratory of Plant Ecology and Resources Research in Three Gorges Reservoir Region, School of Life Sciences, Southwest University, Chongqing, China; Chongqing Jinfo Mountain Karst Ecosystem National Observation and Research Station, Southwest University, Chongqing, China.
| | - Jianping Tao
- Key Laboratory of Eco-environments in Three Gorges Reservoir Region (Ministry of Education), Chongqing Key Laboratory of Plant Ecology and Resources Research in Three Gorges Reservoir Region, School of Life Sciences, Southwest University, Chongqing, China; Chongqing Jinfo Mountain Karst Ecosystem National Observation and Research Station, Southwest University, Chongqing, China.
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Wang H, Liu W, Dai G, Ma Y, Yang L, Zhang Z. The effectiveness of natural reserves from the perspective of habitat quality in the southern section of the Hengduan Mountains, Southwestern China. JOURNAL OF ENVIRONMENTAL MANAGEMENT 2024; 363:121380. [PMID: 38852415 DOI: 10.1016/j.jenvman.2024.121380] [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: 12/18/2023] [Revised: 05/05/2024] [Accepted: 06/02/2024] [Indexed: 06/11/2024]
Abstract
Natural reserves (NRs) play key roles in habitat integrity conservation and biodiversity loss mitigation, and the assessment of the conservation effectiveness of NRs is needed to better manage them. Habitat quality (HQ) comprehensively reflects habitat integrity and biodiversity, but the conservation effectiveness of NRs from the perspective of HQ has rarely been determined at high spatial resolution. Taking the southern section of the Hengduan Mountains (SSHM) in Southwest China as an example, combining an InVEST-HQ model and spatiotemporal change detection methods, the effectiveness of NRs from the perspective of HQ at 30-m spatial resolution was assessed in this study. The effectiveness disparities of NRs across different properties (i.e., management level, conservation target, size, and establishment age) was analyzed and the human pressures on NRs was investigated. The results showed that the HQ of the NRs is good in the SSHM, with the area ratio of the Higher and Highest HQ ≥ 93%. Most of the NR area (94.11%) was effective at improving or maintaining a good HQ. With regard to NR properties, county NRs, NRs designated to conserving wild animals, middle NRs, and younger NRs were more effective, corresponding to management level, conservation target, size, and establishment age, respectively. The human footprint for an effective area is significantly lower than that for an ineffective area, consistent with higher HQ in the effective area and lower HQ in the ineffective area. These findings support the management and zoning of NRs in the SSHM to ensure their effectiveness.
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Affiliation(s)
- Hong Wang
- Ministry of Education Key Laboratory for Transboundary Ecosecurity of Southwest China and School of Ecology and Environmental Sciences, Yunnan University, Kunming, 650091, China.
| | - Weihong Liu
- Ministry of Education Key Laboratory for Transboundary Ecosecurity of Southwest China and School of Ecology and Environmental Sciences, Yunnan University, Kunming, 650091, China
| | - Guanghui Dai
- Yunnan Academy of Forestry and Grassland, Kunming, 650201, China
| | - Yuxin Ma
- Ministry of Education Key Laboratory for Transboundary Ecosecurity of Southwest China and School of Ecology and Environmental Sciences, Yunnan University, Kunming, 650091, China
| | - Lang Yang
- Ministry of Education Key Laboratory for Transboundary Ecosecurity of Southwest China and School of Ecology and Environmental Sciences, Yunnan University, Kunming, 650091, China
| | - Zhiming Zhang
- Ministry of Education Key Laboratory for Transboundary Ecosecurity of Southwest China and School of Ecology and Environmental Sciences, Yunnan University, Kunming, 650091, China.
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Frans VF, Liu J. Gaps and opportunities in modelling human influence on species distributions in the Anthropocene. Nat Ecol Evol 2024:10.1038/s41559-024-02435-3. [PMID: 38867092 DOI: 10.1038/s41559-024-02435-3] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/01/2023] [Accepted: 04/25/2024] [Indexed: 06/14/2024]
Abstract
Understanding species distributions is a global priority for mitigating environmental pressures from human activities. Ample studies have identified key environmental (climate and habitat) predictors and the spatial scales at which they influence species distributions. However, regarding human influence, such understandings are largely lacking. Here, to advance knowledge concerning human influence on species distributions, we systematically reviewed species distribution modelling (SDM) articles and assessed current modelling efforts. We searched 12,854 articles and found only 1,429 articles using human predictors within SDMs. Collectively, these studies of >58,000 species used 2,307 unique human predictors, suggesting that in contrast to environmental predictors, there is no 'rule of thumb' for human predictor selection in SDMs. The number of human predictors used across studies also varied (usually one to four per study). Moreover, nearly half the articles projecting to future climates held human predictors constant over time, risking false optimism about the effects of human activities compared with climate change. Advances in using human predictors in SDMs are paramount for accurately informing and advancing policy, conservation, management and ecology. We show considerable gaps in including human predictors to understand current and future species distributions in the Anthropocene, opening opportunities for new inquiries. We pose 15 questions to advance ecological theory, methods and real-world applications.
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Affiliation(s)
- Veronica F Frans
- Center for Systems Integration and Sustainability, Department of Fisheries and Wildlife, Michigan State University, East Lansing, MI, USA.
- Ecology, Evolution, and Behavior Program, Michigan State University, East Lansing, MI, USA.
- W. K. Kellogg Biological Station, Michigan State University, Hickory Corners, MI, USA.
| | - Jianguo Liu
- Center for Systems Integration and Sustainability, Department of Fisheries and Wildlife, Michigan State University, East Lansing, MI, USA
- Ecology, Evolution, and Behavior Program, Michigan State University, East Lansing, MI, USA
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Ye J, Xiao C, Feng Z, Qiao T. A review of global wilderness area identification since the 21st century. JOURNAL OF ENVIRONMENTAL MANAGEMENT 2024; 358:120946. [PMID: 38652991 DOI: 10.1016/j.jenvman.2024.120946] [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: 11/26/2023] [Revised: 04/12/2024] [Accepted: 04/17/2024] [Indexed: 04/25/2024]
Abstract
Wilderness areas are natural landscape elements that are relatively undisrupted by human activity and play a critical role in maintaining ecological equilibrium, preserving naturalness, and ensuring ecosystem resilience. Since 2000, monitoring of global wilderness areas has increased owing to the availability of spatial map data and remote sensing imagery related to human activity and/or human footprint. Progress has been made in the remote sensing of wilderness areas by relying on available historical literature (e.g., published papers, books, and reports). However, to our knowledge, a synthesis of wilderness area research from a remote sensing perspective has not yet been performed. In this preliminary review, we discuss the concept of wilderness in different historical eras and systematically summarize dynamic wilderness monitoring at local, national, and global scales, available remotely sensed indicators, disparities and commonalities in identification methods, and mapping uncertainties. Finally, since this field remains in its initial stage owing to a lack of unified standards and vertical/horizontal comparisons, we present insights into future research directions, particularly with regard to remote sensing. The findings of this review may help to improve the overall understanding of current wilderness patterns (i.e., increases/decreases) and the mechanisms by which they change, as well as provide guidance for global nature conservation programs.
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Affiliation(s)
- Junzhi Ye
- Institute of Geographic Sciences and Natural Resources Research, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Address: 11A, Datun Road, Chaoyang District, Beijing, China; College of Resources and Environment, University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, Address: 11A, Datun Road, Chaoyang District, 100049, Beijing, China.
| | - Chiwei Xiao
- Institute of Geographic Sciences and Natural Resources Research, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Address: 11A, Datun Road, Chaoyang District, Beijing, China; College of Resources and Environment, University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, Address: 11A, Datun Road, Chaoyang District, 100049, Beijing, China.
| | - Zhiming Feng
- Institute of Geographic Sciences and Natural Resources Research, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Address: 11A, Datun Road, Chaoyang District, Beijing, China; College of Resources and Environment, University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, Address: 11A, Datun Road, Chaoyang District, 100049, Beijing, China.
| | - Tian Qiao
- Institute of Geographic Sciences and Natural Resources Research, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Address: 11A, Datun Road, Chaoyang District, Beijing, China; College of Resources and Environment, University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, Address: 11A, Datun Road, Chaoyang District, 100049, Beijing, China.
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Liu Q, Tang X, Hang T, Wu Y, Liu Y, Song T, Song Y. Exploring the performance of protected areas in alleviating future human pressure. AMBIO 2024:10.1007/s13280-024-02023-6. [PMID: 38653867 DOI: 10.1007/s13280-024-02023-6] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/02/2023] [Revised: 12/13/2023] [Accepted: 03/28/2024] [Indexed: 04/25/2024]
Abstract
Protected areas (PAs) are effective in mitigating human pressures, yet their future pressure alleviating effects remain unclear. In this study, we employed the ConvLSTM model to forecast the future human footprint and analyzed human pressure trends using Theil-Sen median and Mann-Kendall tests. We further evaluated the mitigating effects of PAs within their buffer zones (1-10 km) and the contributions of different IUCN categories of PAs to mitigating human pressure using linear regression models. The results indicate that by 2035, the average human pressure value is expected to increase by 11%, with trends exhibiting a polarized pattern. Furthermore, PAs also effectively mitigate human pressure within their 1 km buffer zones. Different categories of PAs vary in their effectiveness in mitigating human pressure, and stricter conservation areas are not always the most effective. This study can offer insights for evaluating the effectiveness of PAs in reducing human pressure and advocate for their targeted management in urban areas.
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Affiliation(s)
- Qiqi Liu
- Department of Landscape Architecture, Nanjing Forestry University, Nanjing, 210037, People's Republic of China
- Department of Environmental Design, Graduate School of Environmental Studies, Seoul National University, Seoul, 08826, Republic of Korea
| | - Xiaolan Tang
- Department of Landscape Architecture, Nanjing Forestry University, Nanjing, 210037, People's Republic of China.
- Academy of Chinese Ecological Progress and Forestry Studies, Nanjing Forestry University, Nanjing, People's Republic of China.
| | - Tian Hang
- Interdisciplinary Program in Landscape Architecture, Seoul National University, Seoul, 08826, Republic of Korea
- Integrated Major in Smart City Global Convergence, Seoul National University, Seoul, 08826, Republic of Korea
| | - Yunfei Wu
- Department of Art and Design, Nanjing Forestry University, Nanjing, 210037, People's Republic of China
| | - Yuanyuan Liu
- Department of Landscape Architecture, Nanjing Forestry University, Nanjing, 210037, People's Republic of China
| | - Tianrui Song
- Department of Landscape Architecture, Nanjing Forestry University, Nanjing, 210037, People's Republic of China
| | - Youngkeun Song
- Department of Environmental Design, Graduate School of Environmental Studies, Seoul National University, Seoul, 08826, Republic of Korea
- Interdisciplinary Program in Landscape Architecture, Seoul National University, Seoul, 08826, Republic of Korea
- Integrated Major in Smart City Global Convergence, Seoul National University, Seoul, 08826, Republic of Korea
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Li D, Gan H, Li X, Zhou H, Zhang H, Liu Y, Dong R, Hua L, Hu G. Changes in the Range of Four Advantageous Grasshopper Habitats in the Hexi Corridor under Future Climate Conditions. INSECTS 2024; 15:243. [PMID: 38667373 PMCID: PMC11049823 DOI: 10.3390/insects15040243] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/07/2024] [Revised: 03/21/2024] [Accepted: 03/29/2024] [Indexed: 04/28/2024]
Abstract
Angaracris rhodopa (Fischer et Walheim), Calliptamus abbreviatus (Ikonnikov), Myrmeleotettix palpalis (Zubowsky), and Oedaleus decorus asiaticus (Bey-Bienko) are the main grasshoppers that harm the natural grassland in the Hexi Corridor in Gansu, northwest China. In this study, the MaxEnt model was employed to identify the key environmental factors affecting the distribution of the four grasshoppers' habitats and to assess their distribution under current and future climate conditions. The aim was to provide a basis for grasshopper monitoring, prediction, and precise control. In this study, distribution of suitable habitats for A. rhodopa, C. abbreviates, M. palpalis, O. decorus asiaticus were predicted under current and future climatic scenarios using the Maxent model. The average AUC (area under the ROC curve) and TSS (true skill statistic) values of the four grasshoppers were greater than 0.9, and the simulation results were excellent and highly reliable. The mean annual precipitation was the main factor limiting the current range of suitable areas for these four species. Under the current climate, A. rhodopa, C. abbreviatus, and O. decorus asiaticus were mainly distributed in the central and eastern parts of the Hexi Corridor, and M. palpalis was distributed throughout the Hexi Corridor, with a suitable area of 1.29 × 104, 1.43 × 104, 1.44 × 104, and 2.12 × 104 km2, accounting for 13.7%, 15.2%, 15.3%, and 22.5% of the total area of the grasslands in the Hexi Corridor, respectively. The highly suitable areas of A. rhodopa, C. abbreviatus, and O. decorus asiaticus were mainly distributed in the eastern-central part of Zhangye City, the western part of Wuwei City, and the western and southern parts of Jinchang City, with areas of 0.20 × 104, 0.29 × 104, and 0.35 × 104 km2, accounting for 2.2%, 3%, and 3.7% of the grassland area, respectively. The high habitat of M. palpalis was mainly distributed in the southeast of Jiuquan City, the west, middle, and east of Zhangye City, the west of Wuwei City, and the west and south of Jinchang City, with an area of 0.32 × 104 km2, accounting for 3.4% of the grassland area. In the 2030s, the range of A. rhodopa, C. abbreviatus, and O. decorus asiaticus was predicted to increase; the range of M. palpalis will decrease. The results of this study could provide a theoretical basis for the precise monitoring and control of key areas of grasshoppers in the Hexi Corridor.
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Affiliation(s)
- Donghong Li
- Key Laboratory of Grassland Ecosystem of the Ministry of Education, Engineering and Technology Research Center for Alpine Rodent Pest Control National Forestry and Grassland Administration, Pratacultural College, Gansu Agricultural University, Lanzhou 730070, China; (D.L.); (H.Z.); (Y.L.); (R.D.); (L.H.)
| | - Huilin Gan
- Grassland Workstation of Zhangye City, Zhangye 734000, China;
| | - Xiaopeng Li
- Grassland Technical Extension Station of Gansu Province, Lanzhou 730046, China; (X.L.); (H.Z.)
| | - Huili Zhou
- Grassland Technical Extension Station of Gansu Province, Lanzhou 730046, China; (X.L.); (H.Z.)
| | - Hang Zhang
- Key Laboratory of Grassland Ecosystem of the Ministry of Education, Engineering and Technology Research Center for Alpine Rodent Pest Control National Forestry and Grassland Administration, Pratacultural College, Gansu Agricultural University, Lanzhou 730070, China; (D.L.); (H.Z.); (Y.L.); (R.D.); (L.H.)
| | - Yaomeng Liu
- Key Laboratory of Grassland Ecosystem of the Ministry of Education, Engineering and Technology Research Center for Alpine Rodent Pest Control National Forestry and Grassland Administration, Pratacultural College, Gansu Agricultural University, Lanzhou 730070, China; (D.L.); (H.Z.); (Y.L.); (R.D.); (L.H.)
| | - Rui Dong
- Key Laboratory of Grassland Ecosystem of the Ministry of Education, Engineering and Technology Research Center for Alpine Rodent Pest Control National Forestry and Grassland Administration, Pratacultural College, Gansu Agricultural University, Lanzhou 730070, China; (D.L.); (H.Z.); (Y.L.); (R.D.); (L.H.)
| | - Limin Hua
- Key Laboratory of Grassland Ecosystem of the Ministry of Education, Engineering and Technology Research Center for Alpine Rodent Pest Control National Forestry and Grassland Administration, Pratacultural College, Gansu Agricultural University, Lanzhou 730070, China; (D.L.); (H.Z.); (Y.L.); (R.D.); (L.H.)
| | - Guixin Hu
- Key Laboratory of Grassland Ecosystem of the Ministry of Education, Engineering and Technology Research Center for Alpine Rodent Pest Control National Forestry and Grassland Administration, Pratacultural College, Gansu Agricultural University, Lanzhou 730070, China; (D.L.); (H.Z.); (Y.L.); (R.D.); (L.H.)
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Shi J, Meng L, Xia S, Liu S, Zhou L. Habitat Suitability and Determinants for Anatidae in Multi-Watershed Composite Wetlands in Anhui, China. Animals (Basel) 2024; 14:1010. [PMID: 38612249 PMCID: PMC11010902 DOI: 10.3390/ani14071010] [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: 01/27/2024] [Revised: 03/13/2024] [Accepted: 03/19/2024] [Indexed: 04/14/2024] Open
Abstract
Habitat suitability analysis is essential in habitat and species conservation. Anatidae are known for their migratory behaviour, high population density, and wide distribution range. Understanding their habitat utilzation and influencing factors is crucial in targeted conservation and management. In this study, we collected Anatidae diversity data, including the number of species, through field surveys from October 2021 to March 2022 and thirty habitat variables through an online database in Anhui Province, China. By using MaxEnt, we simulated the habitat suitability of twenty-one Anatidae species, revealing potential distribution sites in Anhui Province. Generalized linear mixed models (GLMM) were employed to identify factors affecting the distribution of geese and ducks. The results showed that high-suitability habitats were predominantly located in the large lakes of the Yangtze River floodplain. The GLMM analysis showed significant correlations between Anatidae richness and altitude, distribution of farmland, and human footprint. In addition, ducks were more sensitive to the human interference factor than geese. In summary, the lakes in the Yangtze River floodplain emerged as the most important Anatidae habitats in Anhui Province due to their abundant wetland resources, flat terrain, and high distribution of farmlands. These findings provide a scientific basis for the development of relevant conservation strategies and measures, aiding in wildlife epidemic monitoring, prevention, and control.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jiye Shi
- School of Resources and Environmental Engineering, Anhui University, Hefei 230601, China; (J.S.); (L.M.); (S.X.)
- Anhui Province Key Laboratory of Wetland Ecosystem Protection and Restoration, Anhui University, Hefei 230601, China
- Anhui Shengjin Lake Wetland Ecology National Long-Term Scientific Research Base, Dongzhi 247230, China
| | - Lei Meng
- School of Resources and Environmental Engineering, Anhui University, Hefei 230601, China; (J.S.); (L.M.); (S.X.)
- Anhui Province Key Laboratory of Wetland Ecosystem Protection and Restoration, Anhui University, Hefei 230601, China
- Anhui Shengjin Lake Wetland Ecology National Long-Term Scientific Research Base, Dongzhi 247230, China
| | - Shanshan Xia
- School of Resources and Environmental Engineering, Anhui University, Hefei 230601, China; (J.S.); (L.M.); (S.X.)
- Anhui Province Key Laboratory of Wetland Ecosystem Protection and Restoration, Anhui University, Hefei 230601, China
- Anhui Shengjin Lake Wetland Ecology National Long-Term Scientific Research Base, Dongzhi 247230, China
| | - Song Liu
- Anhui General Station of Wildlife Monitoring of Epidemic Sources and Disease, Hefei 230088, China;
| | - Lizhi Zhou
- School of Resources and Environmental Engineering, Anhui University, Hefei 230601, China; (J.S.); (L.M.); (S.X.)
- Anhui Province Key Laboratory of Wetland Ecosystem Protection and Restoration, Anhui University, Hefei 230601, China
- Anhui Shengjin Lake Wetland Ecology National Long-Term Scientific Research Base, Dongzhi 247230, China
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Hackländer J, Parente L, Ho YF, Hengl T, Simoes R, Consoli D, Şahin M, Tian X, Jung M, Herold M, Duveiller G, Weynants M, Wheeler I. Land potential assessment and trend-analysis using 2000-2021 FAPAR monthly time-series at 250 m spatial resolution. PeerJ 2024; 12:e16972. [PMID: 38495753 PMCID: PMC10944167 DOI: 10.7717/peerj.16972] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/05/2023] [Accepted: 01/29/2024] [Indexed: 03/19/2024] Open
Abstract
The article presents results of using remote sensing images and machine learning to map and assess land potential based on time-series of potential Fraction of Absorbed Photosynthetically Active Radiation (FAPAR) composites. Land potential here refers to the potential vegetation productivity in the hypothetical absence of short-term anthropogenic influence, such as intensive agriculture and urbanization. Knowledge on this ecological land potential could support the assessment of levels of land degradation as well as restoration potentials. Monthly aggregated FAPAR time-series of three percentiles (0.05, 0.50 and 0.95 probability) at 250 m spatial resolution were derived from the 8-day GLASS FAPAR V6 product for 2000-2021 and used to determine long-term trends in FAPAR, as well as to model potential FAPAR in the absence of human pressure. CCa 3 million training points sampled from 12,500 locations across the globe were overlaid with 68 bio-physical variables representing climate, terrain, landform, and vegetation cover, as well as several variables representing human pressure including: population count, cropland intensity, nightlights and a human footprint index. The training points were used in an ensemble machine learning model that stacks three base learners (extremely randomized trees, gradient descended trees and artificial neural network) using a linear regressor as meta-learner. The potential FAPAR was then projected by removing the impact of urbanization and intensive agriculture in the covariate layers. The results of strict cross-validation show that the global distribution of FAPAR can be explained with an R2 of 0.89, with the most important covariates being growing season length, forest cover indicator and annual precipitation. From this model, a global map of potential monthly FAPAR for the recent year (2021) was produced, and used to predict gaps in actual vs. potential FAPAR. The produced global maps of actual vs. potential FAPAR and long-term trends were each spatially matched with stable and transitional land cover classes. The assessment showed large negative FAPAR gaps (actual lower than potential) for classes: urban, needle-leave deciduous trees, and flooded shrub or herbaceous cover, while strong negative FAPAR trends were found for classes: urban, sparse vegetation and rainfed cropland. On the other hand, classes: irrigated or post-flooded cropland, tree cover mixed leaf type, and broad-leave deciduous showed largely positive trends. The framework allows land managers to assess potential land degradation from two aspects: as an actual declining trend in observed FAPAR and as a difference between actual and potential vegetation FAPAR.
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Affiliation(s)
- Julia Hackländer
- OpenGeoHub, Wageningen, Netherlands
- Wageningen University and Research, Wageningen, Netherlands
| | | | | | | | | | | | | | - Xuemeng Tian
- OpenGeoHub, Wageningen, Netherlands
- Wageningen University and Research, Wageningen, Netherlands
| | - Martin Jung
- Biodiversity, Ecology and Conservation Research Group, International Institute for Applied Systems Analysis (IIASA), Laxenburg, Austria
| | - Martin Herold
- Wageningen University and Research, Wageningen, Netherlands
- Helmholtz GFZ German Research Centre for Geosciences, Remote Sensing and Geoinformatics, Potsdam, Germany
| | | | - Melanie Weynants
- Max Planck Institute for Biogeochemistry (MPI-BGC), Jena, Germany
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Danet A, Giam X, Olden JD, Comte L. Past and recent anthropogenic pressures drive rapid changes in riverine fish communities. Nat Ecol Evol 2024; 8:442-453. [PMID: 38291153 DOI: 10.1038/s41559-023-02271-x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/31/2023] [Accepted: 11/13/2023] [Indexed: 02/01/2024]
Abstract
Understanding how and why local communities change is a pressing task for conservation, especially in freshwater systems. It remains challenging because of the complexity of biodiversity changes, driven by the spatio-temporal heterogeneity of human pressures. Using a compilation of riverine fish community time series (93% between 1993 and 2019) across the Palaearctic, Nearctic and Australasia realms, we assessed how past and recent anthropogenic pressures drive community changes across both space and time. We found evidence of rapid changes in community composition of 30% per decade characterized by important changes in the dominant species, together with a 13% increase in total abundance per decade and a 7% increase in species richness per decade. The spatial heterogeneity in these trends could be traced back to the strength and timing of anthropogenic pressures and was mainly mediated by non-native species introductions. Specifically, we demonstrate that the negative effects of anthropogenic pressures on species richness and total abundance were compensated over time by the establishment of non-native species, a pattern consistent with previously reported biotic homogenization at the global scale. Overall, our study suggests that accounting for the complexity of community changes and its drivers is a crucial step to reach global conservation goals.
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Affiliation(s)
- Alain Danet
- School of Biological Sciences, Illinois State University, Normal, IL, USA.
- School of Biosciences, University of Sheffield, Sheffield, UK.
| | - Xingli Giam
- Department of Ecology and Evolutionary Biology, The University of Tennessee, Knoxville, TN, USA
| | - Julian D Olden
- School of Aquatic and Fishery Sciences, University of Washington, Seattle, WA, USA
| | - Lise Comte
- School of Biological Sciences, Illinois State University, Normal, IL, USA
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10
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Guo J, Li FY, Tuvshintogtokh I, Niu J, Li H, Shen B, Wang Y. Past dynamics and future prediction of the impacts of land use cover change and climate change on landscape ecological risk across the Mongolian plateau. JOURNAL OF ENVIRONMENTAL MANAGEMENT 2024; 355:120365. [PMID: 38460328 DOI: 10.1016/j.jenvman.2024.120365] [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: 08/30/2023] [Revised: 12/28/2023] [Accepted: 02/08/2024] [Indexed: 03/11/2024]
Abstract
Land use/land cover (LULC) change and climate change are interconnected factors that affect the ecological environment. However, there is a lack of quantification of the impacts of LULC change and climate change on landscape ecological risk under different shared socioeconomic pathways and representative concentration pathways (SSP-RCP) on the Mongolian Plateau (MP). To fill this knowledge gap and understand the current and future challenges facing the MP's land ecological system, we conducted an evaluation and prediction of the effects of LULC change and climate change on landscape ecological risk using the landscape loss index model and random forest method, considering eight SSP-RCP coupling scenarios. Firstly, we selected MCD12Q1 as the optimal LULC product for studying landscape changes on the MP, comparing it with four other LULC products. We analyzed the diverging patterns of LULC change over the past two decades and observed significant differences between Mongolia and Inner Mongolia. The latter experienced more intense and extensive LULC change during this period, despite similar climate changes. Secondly, we assessed changes in landscape ecological risk and identified the main drivers of these changes over the past two decades using a landscape index model and random forest method. The highest-risk zone has gradually expanded, with a 30% increase compared to 2001. Lastly, we investigated different characteristics of LULC change under different scenarios by examining future LULC products simulated by the FLUS model. We also simulated the dynamics of landscape ecological risks under these scenarios and proposed an adaptive development strategy to promote sustainable development in the MP. In terms of the impact of climate change on landscape ecological risk, we found that under the same SSP scenario, increasing RCP emission concentrations significantly increased the areas with high landscape ecological risk while decreasing areas with low risk. By integrating quantitative assessments and scenario-based modeling, our study provides valuable insights for informing sustainable land management and policy decisions in the region.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jingpeng Guo
- School of Ecology and Environment, Inner Mongolia University, Hohhot, 010018, China; School of Agriculture and Environment, Massey University, New Zealand.
| | - Frank Yonghong Li
- School of Ecology and Environment, Inner Mongolia University, Hohhot, 010018, China.
| | | | - Jianming Niu
- School of Ecology and Environment, Inner Mongolia University, Hohhot, 010018, China
| | - Haoxin Li
- School of Ecology and Environment, Inner Mongolia University, Hohhot, 010018, China
| | - Beibei Shen
- National Hulunber Grassland Ecosystem Observation and Research Station, Institute of Agricultural Resources and Regional Planning, Chinese Academy of Agricultural Sciences, Beijing, 100081, China
| | - Yadong Wang
- School of Ecology and Environment, Inner Mongolia University, Hohhot, 010018, China
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11
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Liu X, Zhao W, Yao Y, Pereira P. The rising human footprint in the Tibetan Plateau threatens the effectiveness of ecological restoration on vegetation growth. JOURNAL OF ENVIRONMENTAL MANAGEMENT 2024; 351:119963. [PMID: 38169261 DOI: 10.1016/j.jenvman.2023.119963] [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: 09/26/2023] [Revised: 11/13/2023] [Accepted: 12/24/2023] [Indexed: 01/05/2024]
Abstract
Ecological restoration projects in the Tibetan Plateau aimed to reverse ecosystem degradation and safeguard the fragile alpine ecological environment. However, it is still being determined if the vegetation restoration is successful on a large scale or reaches the expected magnitude, restricting our ability to adapt practices to maximise the benefit. With multiple vegetation indices (VIs: NDVI, LAI, and GPP) from satellite observations and random forest machine-learning models, we performed an attribution study on vegetation growth trends caused by climate change and human activities. Then, we further explored the relationship between vegetation growth and ecological projects and human footprint without the influence of climate. The results showed that climatic change was a relatively strong driver of vegetation growth. The positive contributions of ecological restoration occurred only in half of the plateau due to the increased human footprint. Vegetation enhancement resulting from ecological restoration occurred in 13.1%-23.1% of the plateau. Among these values, ecological restoration counteracted the negative climate effects in 4.7%-8.3% of the plateau (about half of the negative climate effect area). In forest and grassland protection areas, the ecological restoration was more successful. The study provides a better understanding of the role of ecological projects in vegetation restoration and potential threats to its effectiveness. This is essential to improve future restoration projects.
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Affiliation(s)
- Xiaoxing Liu
- State Key Laboratory of Earth Surface Processes and Resource Ecology, Faculty of Geographical Science, Beijing Normal University, Beijing, 100875, China; Institute of Land Surface System and Sustainable Development, Faculty of Geographical Science, Beijing Normal University, Beijing, 100875, China
| | - Wenwu Zhao
- State Key Laboratory of Earth Surface Processes and Resource Ecology, Faculty of Geographical Science, Beijing Normal University, Beijing, 100875, China; Institute of Land Surface System and Sustainable Development, Faculty of Geographical Science, Beijing Normal University, Beijing, 100875, China.
| | - Ying Yao
- State Key Laboratory of Earth Surface Processes and Resource Ecology, Faculty of Geographical Science, Beijing Normal University, Beijing, 100875, China; Institute of Land Surface System and Sustainable Development, Faculty of Geographical Science, Beijing Normal University, Beijing, 100875, China
| | - Paulo Pereira
- Environmental Management Center, Mykolas Romeris University, Ateities g. 20, LT-08303, Vilnius, Lithuania
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12
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Arsevska E, Hengl T, Singleton DA, Noble PJM, Caminade C, Eneanya OA, Jones PH, Medlock JM, Hansford KM, Bonannella C, Radford AD. Risk factors for tick attachment in companion animals in Great Britain: a spatiotemporal analysis covering 2014-2021. Parasit Vectors 2024; 17:29. [PMID: 38254168 PMCID: PMC10804489 DOI: 10.1186/s13071-023-06094-4] [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: 06/30/2023] [Accepted: 12/11/2023] [Indexed: 01/24/2024] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Ticks are an important driver of veterinary health care, causing irritation and sometimes infection to their hosts. We explored epidemiological and geo-referenced data from > 7 million electronic health records (EHRs) from cats and dogs collected by the Small Animal Veterinary Surveillance Network (SAVSNET) in Great Britain (GB) between 2014 and 2021 to assess the factors affecting tick attachment in an individual and at a spatiotemporal level. METHODS EHRs in which ticks were mentioned were identified by text mining; domain experts confirmed those with ticks on the animal. Tick presence/absence records were overlaid with a spatiotemporal series of climate, environment, anthropogenic and host distribution factors to produce a spatiotemporal regression matrix. An ensemble machine learning spatiotemporal model was used to fine-tune hyperparameters for Random Forest, Gradient-boosted Trees and Generalized Linear Model regression algorithms, which were then used to produce a final ensemble meta-learner to predict the probability of tick attachment across GB at a monthly interval and averaged long-term through 2014-2021 at a spatial resolution of 1 km. Individual host factors associated with tick attachment were also assessed by conditional logistic regression on a matched case-control dataset. RESULTS In total, 11,741 consultations were identified in which a tick was recorded. The frequency of tick records was low (0.16% EHRs), suggesting an underestimation of risk. That said, increased odds for tick attachment in cats and dogs were associated with younger adult ages, longer coat length, crossbreeds and unclassified breeds. In cats, males and entire animals had significantly increased odds of recorded tick attachment. The key variables controlling the spatiotemporal risk for tick attachment were climatic (precipitation and temperature) and vegetation type (Enhanced Vegetation Index). Suitable areas for tick attachment were predicted across GB, especially in forests and grassland areas, mainly during summer, particularly in June. CONCLUSIONS Our results can inform targeted health messages to owners and veterinary practitioners, identifying those animals, seasons and areas of higher risk for tick attachment and allowing for more tailored prophylaxis to reduce tick burden, inappropriate parasiticide treatment and potentially TBDs in companion animals and humans. Sentinel networks like SAVSNET represent a novel complementary data source to improve our understanding of tick attachment risk for companion animals and as a proxy of risk to humans.
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Affiliation(s)
- Elena Arsevska
- Unit for Animals, Health, Territories, Risks and Ecosystems (UMR ASTRE), French Agricultural Research Centre for International Development (CIRAD), 34980, Montferrier-sur-Lez, France.
- Institute of Infection, Veterinary and Ecological Sciences, University of Liverpool, CH64 7TE, Neston, UK.
| | - Tomislav Hengl
- OpenGeoHub Foundation, 6708 PW, Wageningen, The Netherlands
| | - David A Singleton
- Institute of Infection, Veterinary and Ecological Sciences, University of Liverpool, CH64 7TE, Neston, UK
| | - Peter-John M Noble
- Institute of Infection, Veterinary and Ecological Sciences, University of Liverpool, CH64 7TE, Neston, UK
| | - Cyril Caminade
- Earth System Physics Department, Abdus Salam International Centre for Theoretical Physics (ICTP), 34151, Trieste, Italy
| | - Obiora A Eneanya
- Health Programs, The Carter Center, 30307, Atlanta, Georgia, USA
| | - Philip H Jones
- Institute of Infection, Veterinary and Ecological Sciences, University of Liverpool, CH64 7TE, Neston, UK
| | - Jolyon M Medlock
- Medical Entomology and Zoonoses Ecology, UK Health Security Agency, SP4 0JG, Salisbury, UK
- NIHR Health Protection Research Unit in Environmental Change and Health, WC1E 7HT, London, UK
| | - Kayleigh M Hansford
- Medical Entomology and Zoonoses Ecology, UK Health Security Agency, SP4 0JG, Salisbury, UK
- NIHR Health Protection Research Unit in Environmental Change and Health, WC1E 7HT, London, UK
| | - Carmelo Bonannella
- OpenGeoHub Foundation, 6708 PW, Wageningen, The Netherlands
- Laboratory of Geo-information Science and Remote Sensing, Wageningen University & Research, 6708 PB, Wageningen, The Netherlands
| | - Alan D Radford
- Institute of Infection, Veterinary and Ecological Sciences, University of Liverpool, CH64 7TE, Neston, UK
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13
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Liu Y, Ma J. Significant early end of the growing season of forest vegetation inside China's protected areas. iScience 2024; 27:108652. [PMID: 38205259 PMCID: PMC10776955 DOI: 10.1016/j.isci.2023.108652] [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: 08/14/2023] [Revised: 09/18/2023] [Accepted: 12/04/2023] [Indexed: 01/12/2024] Open
Abstract
The land surface phenology (LSP) indicators (i.e., start, end, and length of the growing season: SOS, EOS, LOS) are important to reflect the growth of forest and its response to environmental changes. However, the spatiotemporal variation and its mechanism of forest phenology under different human disturbance' levels are still unclear. Here, we compare the LSP indicators inside and outside China's 257 protected areas (PAs) and explore the influencing factors of phenological differences (ΔSOS, ΔEOS, ΔLOS). We find that in general, EOS inside PAs (mean ± s.e.m: 312.6 ± 1.2days) is significantly earlier than outside (314.6 ± 1.2days), and LOS inside PAs (218.9 ± 2.0days) are significantly shorter than outside (220.6 ± 2.0days). ΔSOS and ΔEOS are controlled by nighttime and daytime temperature differences, respectively, and both factors affect ΔLOS. This evidence provides a new understanding about the functions of PAs and its influence on forest vegetation growth.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ya Liu
- Ministry of Education Key Laboratory for Biodiversity Science and Ecological Engineering, National Observations and Research Station for Wetland Ecosystems of the Yangtze Estuary, School of Life Sciences, Fudan University, #2005 Songhu Road, Shanghai 200438, China
| | - Jun Ma
- Ministry of Education Key Laboratory for Biodiversity Science and Ecological Engineering, National Observations and Research Station for Wetland Ecosystems of the Yangtze Estuary, School of Life Sciences, Fudan University, #2005 Songhu Road, Shanghai 200438, China
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14
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Shao M, Wang J, Ding H, Yang F. Response of Siberian Cranes ( Grus leucogeranus) to Hydrological Changes and the Availability of Foraging Habitat at Various Water Levels in Poyang Lake. Animals (Basel) 2024; 14:234. [PMID: 38254403 PMCID: PMC10812764 DOI: 10.3390/ani14020234] [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: 12/06/2023] [Revised: 01/09/2024] [Accepted: 01/09/2024] [Indexed: 01/24/2024] Open
Abstract
To assess the Siberian crane (Grus leucogeranus)'s response to changing water levels and habitat quality at Poyang Lake, we analyzed the lake's hydrological trends over the past two decades with the Mann-Kendall and Sen slope methods. Additionally, we explored the link between the crane population size and hydrological conditions at the lake from 2011 to 2019. Meanwhile, five environmental factors, including habitat type, distance from shallow lakes, human footprint index, elevation and normalized vegetation index were selected, and the distribution patterns of suitable habitats for the Siberian crane under 10 water level gradients with intervals of about 1 m (5.3-14.2 m) were simulated by using an improved habitat suitability index model that determines the weights of evaluating factors based on the MaxEnt model. The results showed that the overall trend of the inundated area in Poyang Lake was shrinking in the last 20 years, with a significant increase in the area of exposed floodland during the early wintering period (Z = -2.26). The prolonged drought resulting from this will force vegetation succession, thereby diminishing the food resources for cranes in their natural habitat. The mean inundated area in June demonstrated a significant negative correlation with the population of Siberian cranes in natural habitats (r = -0.75, p = 0.02). Shortage of the Siberian crane-preferred Vallisneria tuber due to June flooding was the primary driver of the crane's altered foraging strategy and habitat shift. In years with relatively normal June inundation, indicating abundant Vallisneria resources, the relationship between the inundated area during the dry season and the crane population fit well, with a quadratic curve (R2 = 0.92, p = 0.02). The dry season's inundated area primarily affected the crane population and distribution pattern by influencing the availability of food resources, and both excessive and insufficient inundation areas were unfavorable for crane survival. The modeling results for habitat suitability indicated that as the water level decreased, the trend of the area of good habitat for the Siberian crane showed an inverted bell shape, peaking at a water level of 8.8 m, with optimal conditions occurring between 8 and 10 m. The combined effects of climate and human activities have made the shortage of food resources in Poyang Lake the new normal. The degradation of natural habitats has led to a decline in the quality of Siberian crane habitats, and artificial habitats can only be used as refuges to a certain extent. Thus, formulating strategies to restore natural habitats and enhance the management of artificial habitats is crucial for the conservation efforts of Siberian cranes.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mingqin Shao
- School of Life Sciences, Jiangxi Normal University, Nanchang 330022, China; (J.W.); (F.Y.)
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15
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Luo J, Luan B, Xue F, Qi X, Zhu M, Xu P, Zhang L. Uncovering the relationship between floating marine litter and human activities in watersheds. MARINE POLLUTION BULLETIN 2024; 198:115893. [PMID: 38096693 DOI: 10.1016/j.marpolbul.2023.115893] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/09/2023] [Revised: 11/17/2023] [Accepted: 12/02/2023] [Indexed: 01/05/2024]
Abstract
Rivers serve as the primary pathway for transporting floating marine litter (FML) from land to sea. However, the complex dynamics of transboundary rivers pose a significant obstacle when examining the impact of watershed-based human activities on FML distribution. This study conducts year-long monthly monitoring of FML using trawl and visual surveys in the coastal water of a peninsula dominated by indigenous rivers in south China. Overall, small pieces debris dominates FML in the nearshore waters of the peninsula, with meso-sized (0.5 cm-2.5 cm) FML accounting for 73.93 % of the total. The density of FML is more profoundly influenced by human activities within watersheds rather than its composition. Moreover, the association between human activity and FML density exhibits greater significant compared to variations based on geography and seasonality. This study provides a scientific basis for coastal protection and contributes for understanding of the mechanisms of marine litter transfer from land to sea.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jianing Luo
- Green Infrastructure Institute, Peking University Shenzhen Institute, Shenzhen 518057, China
| | - Bo Luan
- Green Infrastructure Institute, Peking University Shenzhen Institute, Shenzhen 518057, China.
| | - Fei Xue
- Center for Human-Oriented Environment and Sustainable Design, School of Architecture and Urban Planning, Shenzhen University, Shenzhen 518060, China
| | - Xiaoli Qi
- Green Infrastructure Institute, Peking University Shenzhen Institute, Shenzhen 518057, China
| | - Mingjian Zhu
- School of Design, South China University of Technology, Guangzhou 510006, China
| | - Peng Xu
- School of Environmental Science and Engineering, Southern University of Science and Technology, Shenzhen 518055, Guangdong Province, China
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16
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Barrientos R, Vickers W, Longcore T, Abelson ES, Dellinger J, Waetjen DP, Fandos G, Shilling FM. Nearby night lighting, rather than sky glow, is associated with habitat selection by a top predator in human-dominated landscapes. Philos Trans R Soc Lond B Biol Sci 2023; 378:20220370. [PMID: 37899023 PMCID: PMC10613539 DOI: 10.1098/rstb.2022.0370] [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: 03/31/2023] [Accepted: 07/21/2023] [Indexed: 10/31/2023] Open
Abstract
Artificial light at night (ALAN) is increasing in extent and intensity across the globe. It has been shown to interfere with animal sensory systems, orientation and distribution, with the potential to cause significant ecological impacts. We analysed the locations of 102 mountain lions (Puma concolor) in a light-polluted region in California. We modelled their distribution relative to environmental and human-disturbance variables, including upward radiance (nearby lights), zenith brightness (sky glow) and natural illumination from moonlight. We found that mountain lion probability of presence was highly related to upward radiance, that is, related to lights within approximately 500 m. Despite a general pattern of avoidance of locations with high upward radiance, there were large differences in degree of avoidance among individuals. The amount of light from artificial sky glow was not influential when included together with upward radiance in the models, and illumination from moonlight was not influential at all. Our results suggest that changes in visibility associated with lunar cycles and sky glow are less important for mountain lions in their selection of light landscapes than avoiding potential interactions with humans represented by the presence of nearby lights on the ground. This article is part of the theme issue 'Light pollution in complex ecological systems'.
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Affiliation(s)
- Rafael Barrientos
- Road Ecology Lab, Department of Biodiversity Ecology and Evolution, Faculty of Biological Sciences, Universidad Complutense de Madrid, José Antonio Novais 12, 28040 Madrid, Spain
| | - Winston Vickers
- Wildlife Health Center, University of California, 1089 Veterinary Medicine Dr, Davis, CA 95616, USA
| | - Travis Longcore
- Institute of the Environment and Sustainability, University of California Los Angeles, Los Angeles, CA 90095, USA
| | - Eric S. Abelson
- Department of Integrative Biology, University of Texas Austin, Austin, TX 78705, USA
| | - Justin Dellinger
- Large Carnivore Section, Wyoming Game and Fish Department, 260 Buena Vista Dr., Lander, WY 82520, USA
| | - David P. Waetjen
- Road Ecology Center, Institute of Transportation Studies, University of California, Davis, CA 95616, USA
| | - Guillermo Fandos
- Department of Biodiversity Ecology and Evolution, Faculty of Biological Sciences, Universidad Complutense de Madrid, José Antonio Novais 12, 28040 Madrid, Spain
| | - Fraser M. Shilling
- Road Ecology Center, Institute of Transportation Studies, University of California, Davis, CA 95616, USA
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17
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Gaüzère P, Botella C, Poggiato G, O'Connor L, Di Marco M, Dragonetti C, Maiorano L, Renaud J, Thuiller W. Dissimilarity of vertebrate trophic interactions reveals spatial uniqueness but functional redundancy across Europe. Curr Biol 2023; 33:5263-5271.e3. [PMID: 37992717 DOI: 10.1016/j.cub.2023.10.069] [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: 08/29/2023] [Revised: 10/24/2023] [Accepted: 10/30/2023] [Indexed: 11/24/2023]
Abstract
Identifying areas that contain species assemblages not found elsewhere in a region is central to conservation planning.1,2 Species assemblages contain networks of species interactions that underpin species dynamics,3,4 ecosystem processes, and contributions to people.5,6,7 Yet the uniqueness of interaction networks in a regional context has rarely been assessed. Here, we estimated the spatial uniqueness of 10,000 terrestrial vertebrate trophic networks across Europe (1,164 species, 50,408 potential interactions8) based on the amount of similarity between all local networks mapped at a 10 km resolution. Our results revealed more unique networks in the Arctic bioregion, but also in southern Europe and isolated islands. We then contrasted the uniqueness of trophic networks with their vulnerability to human footprint and future climate change and measured their coverage within protected areas. This analysis revealed that unique networks situated in southern Europe were particularly exposed to human footprint and that unique networks in the Arctic might be at risk from future climate change. However, considering interaction networks at the level of trophic groups, rather than species, revealed that the general structure of trophic networks was redundant across the continent, in contrast to species' interactions. We argue that proactive European conservation strategies might gain relevance by turning their eyes toward interaction networks that are both unique and vulnerable.
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Affiliation(s)
- Pierre Gaüzère
- University of Grenoble Alpes, University of Savoie Mont Blanc, CNRS, LECA, 38000 Grenoble, France.
| | | | - Giovanni Poggiato
- University of Grenoble Alpes, University of Savoie Mont Blanc, CNRS, LECA, 38000 Grenoble, France
| | - Louise O'Connor
- University of Grenoble Alpes, University of Savoie Mont Blanc, CNRS, LECA, 38000 Grenoble, France; Biodiversity, Ecology and Conservation Group, International Institute for Applied Systems Analysis (IIASA), Schlossplatz 1, 2361 Laxenburg, Austria
| | - Moreno Di Marco
- Department of Biology and Biotechnologies "Charles Darwin," "Sapienza," University of Rome, 00185 Roma, Italy
| | - Chiara Dragonetti
- Department of Biology and Biotechnologies "Charles Darwin," "Sapienza," University of Rome, 00185 Roma, Italy
| | - Luigi Maiorano
- Department of Biology and Biotechnologies "Charles Darwin," "Sapienza," University of Rome, 00185 Roma, Italy
| | - Julien Renaud
- University of Grenoble Alpes, University of Savoie Mont Blanc, CNRS, LECA, 38000 Grenoble, France
| | - Wilfried Thuiller
- University of Grenoble Alpes, University of Savoie Mont Blanc, CNRS, LECA, 38000 Grenoble, France
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18
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Gao C, Hong Y, Sun S, Zhang N, Liu X, Wang Z, Zhou S, Zhang M. An Evaluation of Suitable Habitats for Amur Tigers ( Panthera tigris altaica) in Northeastern China Based on the Random Forest Model. BIOLOGY 2023; 12:1444. [PMID: 37998043 PMCID: PMC10669879 DOI: 10.3390/biology12111444] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/30/2023] [Revised: 11/14/2023] [Accepted: 11/15/2023] [Indexed: 11/25/2023]
Abstract
Amur tigers are at the top of the food chain and play an important role in maintaining the health of forest ecosystems. Scientific and detailed assessment of the habitat quality of Amur tigers in China is the key to maintaining the forest ecosystem and also addressing the urgent need to protect and restore the wild population of Amur tigers in China. This study used the random forest method to predict the potential habitat of Amur tigers in Heilongjiang and Jilin provinces using animal occurrence sites and a variety of environmental variables. Random forests are a combination of tree predictors such that each tree depends on the values of a random vector sampled independently and with the same distribution for all trees in the forest. The generalization error for forests converges to a limit as the number of trees in the forest becomes large. The generalization error of a forest of tree classifiers depends on the strength of the individual trees in the forest and the correlation between them. The results showed that the AUC value of the test set was 0.955. The true skill statistic (TSS) value is 0.5924, indicating that the model had good prediction accuracy. Using the optimal threshold determined by the Youden index as the cutoff value, we found that the suitable habitat for Amur tigers in the field was approximately 107,600 km2, accounting for 16.3% of the total study areas. It was mainly distributed in the Sino-Russian border areas in the south of the Laoyeling Mountains at the junction of Jilin and Heilongjiang provinces, the Sino-Russian border areas of Hulin-Raohe in the eastern part of the Wanda Mountains, and the Lesser Khingan Mountain forest region. The habitat suitability of the Greater Khingan Mountain and the plain areas connecting Harbin and Changchun was relatively low. Prey potential richness was the most critical factor driving the distribution of Amur tigers. Compared with their prey, the potential habitats for Amur tigers in Heilongjiang and Jilin provinces were small in total areas, sporadically distributed, and had low continuity and a lack of connectivity between patches. This indicates that some factors may restrict the diffusion of the Amur tiger, whereas the diffusion of ungulates is less restricted. The Amur tigers in this area face a serious threat of habitat fragmentation, suggesting that habitat protection, restoration, and ecological corridor construction should be strengthened to increase population dispersal and exchange. We provide a reference for future population conservation, habitat restoration, construction of ecological migration corridors, and population exchange of Amur tigers.
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Affiliation(s)
- Chunyu Gao
- College of Wildlife and Protected Area, Northeast Forestry University, Harbin 150040, China; (C.G.); (Y.H.); (S.S.); (N.Z.); (X.L.); (Z.W.)
| | - Yang Hong
- College of Wildlife and Protected Area, Northeast Forestry University, Harbin 150040, China; (C.G.); (Y.H.); (S.S.); (N.Z.); (X.L.); (Z.W.)
| | - Shiquan Sun
- College of Wildlife and Protected Area, Northeast Forestry University, Harbin 150040, China; (C.G.); (Y.H.); (S.S.); (N.Z.); (X.L.); (Z.W.)
| | - Ning Zhang
- College of Wildlife and Protected Area, Northeast Forestry University, Harbin 150040, China; (C.G.); (Y.H.); (S.S.); (N.Z.); (X.L.); (Z.W.)
| | - Xinxin Liu
- College of Wildlife and Protected Area, Northeast Forestry University, Harbin 150040, China; (C.G.); (Y.H.); (S.S.); (N.Z.); (X.L.); (Z.W.)
| | - Zheyu Wang
- College of Wildlife and Protected Area, Northeast Forestry University, Harbin 150040, China; (C.G.); (Y.H.); (S.S.); (N.Z.); (X.L.); (Z.W.)
| | - Shaochun Zhou
- Heilongjiang Wildlife Research Institute, Harbin 150081, China;
| | - Minghai Zhang
- College of Wildlife and Protected Area, Northeast Forestry University, Harbin 150040, China; (C.G.); (Y.H.); (S.S.); (N.Z.); (X.L.); (Z.W.)
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19
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Li J, Geneletti D, Wang H. Understanding supply-demand mismatches in ecosystem services and interactive effects of drivers to support spatial planning in Tianjin metropolis, China. THE SCIENCE OF THE TOTAL ENVIRONMENT 2023; 895:165067. [PMID: 37356770 DOI: 10.1016/j.scitotenv.2023.165067] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/14/2023] [Revised: 06/17/2023] [Accepted: 06/20/2023] [Indexed: 06/27/2023]
Abstract
Metropolitan areas are being challenged by the disparity between growing societal needs and dwindling natural resource provision. Understanding the supply-demand mismatches of ecosystem services (ES) and their drivers is essential for landscape planning and decision-making. However, integrating such information into spatial planning remains challenging due to the complex nature of urban ecosystems and their intrinsic interactions. In this study, we first assessed and mapped the supply, demand, and mismatches of six typical ES in Tianjin, China. We then clustered numerous townships based on their corresponding spatial characteristic of ES supply-demand mismatches. We also used Random Forest regression to examine the relative importance of drivers and applied Partial Least Squares structural equation modelling to decouple their interactions. The results showed that, the distribution of ES supply and demand showed obvious spatial heterogeneity, with a common surplus of ES supply in highly natural mountainous region and an excess of demand in urban centre. Additionally, all towns were classified into four spatial clusters with homogeneous states of supply-demand mismatches, serving as basic units for spatial optimization. Moreover, the interactions between drivers affected ES supply-demand mismatches in a coupled manner, including the direct effects of the socioeconomic factor (-0.821) and landscape composition (0.234), as well as the indirect effects of the biophysical factor (0.151) and landscape configuration (0.082). Finally, we discussed the utility of analysing the spatial mismatches between ES supply and demand for integrated territorial planning and coordinated decision-making.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jiaying Li
- Department of Landscape Architecture, Tianjin University, 300072 Tianjin, China
| | - Davide Geneletti
- Department of Civil, Environmental and Mechanical Engineering, University of Trento, Via Mesiano, 77 38123 Trento, Italy
| | - Hongcheng Wang
- Department of Landscape Architecture, Tianjin University, 300072 Tianjin, China.
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Kusumoto B, Chao A, Eiserhardt WL, Svenning JC, Shiono T, Kubota Y. Occurrence-based diversity estimation reveals macroecological and conservation knowledge gaps for global woody plants. SCIENCE ADVANCES 2023; 9:eadh9719. [PMID: 37801494 PMCID: PMC10558125 DOI: 10.1126/sciadv.adh9719] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/26/2023] [Accepted: 09/06/2023] [Indexed: 10/08/2023]
Abstract
Incomplete sampling of species' geographic distributions has challenged biogeographers for many years to precisely quantify global-scale biodiversity patterns. After correcting for the spatial inequality of sample completeness, we generated a global species diversity map for woody angiosperms (82,974 species, 13,959,780 occurrence records). The standardized diversity estimated more pronounced latitudinal and longitudinal diversity gradients than the raw data and improved the spatial prediction of diversity based on environmental factors. We identified areas with potentially high species richness and rarity that are poorly explored, unprotected, and threatened by increasing human pressure: They are distributed mostly at low latitudes across central South America, Central Africa, subtropical China, and Indomalayan islands. These priority areas for botanical exploration can help to efficiently fill spatial knowledge gaps for better describing the status of biodiversity and improve the effectiveness of the protected area network for global woody plant conservation.
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Affiliation(s)
- Buntarou Kusumoto
- Faculty of Agriculture, Kyushu University, Fukuoka, Japan
- Think Nature Inc., Naha City, Japan
- University Museum, University of the Ryukyus, Nishihara, Japan
- Faculty of Science, University of the Ryukyus, Nishihara, Japan
- Royal Botanic Gardens, Kew, UK
| | - Anne Chao
- National Tsing Hua University, Hsinchu, Taiwan
| | - Wolf L. Eiserhardt
- Royal Botanic Gardens, Kew, UK
- Section for Ecoinformatics and Biodiversity, Department of Biology, Aarhus University, Aarhus, Denmark
| | - Jens-Christian Svenning
- Section for Ecoinformatics and Biodiversity, Department of Biology, Aarhus University, Aarhus, Denmark
- Center for Ecological Dynamics in a Novel Biosphere (ECONOVO) and for Biodiversity Dynamics in a Changing World (BIOCHANGE), Department of Biology, Aarhus University, Aarhus, Denmark
| | - Takayuki Shiono
- Think Nature Inc., Naha City, Japan
- Faculty of Science, University of the Ryukyus, Nishihara, Japan
| | - Yasuhiro Kubota
- Think Nature Inc., Naha City, Japan
- Faculty of Science, University of the Ryukyus, Nishihara, Japan
- Tropical Biosphere Research Center, University of the Ryukyus, Nishihara, Japan
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Ermokhina KA, Terskaia AI, Ivleva TY, Dudov SV, Zemlianskii VА, Telyatnikov MY, Khitun OV, Troeva EI, Koroleva NE, Abdulmanova SY. The High-Low Arctic boundary: How is it determined and where is it located? Ecol Evol 2023; 13:e10545. [PMID: 37780086 PMCID: PMC10539046 DOI: 10.1002/ece3.10545] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/13/2023] [Revised: 07/15/2023] [Accepted: 08/30/2023] [Indexed: 10/03/2023] Open
Abstract
Geobotanical subdivision of landcover is a baseline for many studies. The High-Low Arctic boundary is considered to be of fundamental natural importance. The wide application of different delimitation schemes in various ecological studies and climatic scenarios raises the following questions: (i) What are the common criteria to define the High and Low Arctic? (ii) Could human impact significantly change the distribution of the delimitation criteria? (iii) Is the widely accepted temperature criterion still relevant given ongoing climate change? and (iv) Could we locate the High-Low Arctic boundary by mapping these criteria derived from modern open remote sensing and climatic data? Researchers rely on common criteria for geobotanical delimitation of the Arctic. Unified circumpolar criteria are based on the structure of vegetation cover and climate, while regional specifics are reflected in the floral composition. However, the published delimitation schemes vary greatly. The disagreement in the location of geobotanical boundaries across the studies manifests in poorly comparable results. While maintaining the common principles of geobotanical subdivision, we derived the boundary between the High and Low Arctic using the most up-to-date field data and modern techniques: species distribution modeling, radar, thermal and optical satellite imagery processing, and climatic data analysis. The position of the High-Low Arctic boundary in Western Siberia was clarified and mapped. The new boundary is located 50-100 km further north compared to all the previously presented ones. Long-term anthropogenic press contributes to a change in the vegetation structure but does not noticeably affect key species ranges. A previously specified climatic criterion for the High-Low Arctic boundary accepted in scientific literature has not coincided with the boundary in Western Siberia for over 70 years. The High-Low Arctic boundary is distinctly reflected in biodiversity distribution. The presented approach is appropriate for accurate mapping of the High-Low Arctic boundary in the circumpolar extent.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ksenia A. Ermokhina
- A.N. Severtsov Institute of Ecology and EvolutionRussian Academy of SciencesMoscowRussia
| | - Anna I. Terskaia
- Faculty of Space ResearchLomonosov Moscow State UniversityMoscowRussia
- Department of Physical Geography and Ecosystem ScienceLund UniversityLundSweden
| | - Tatiana Yu. Ivleva
- A.N. Severtsov Institute of Ecology and EvolutionRussian Academy of SciencesMoscowRussia
| | - Sergey V. Dudov
- Faculty of BiologyLomonosov Moscow State UniversityMoscowRussia
| | - Vitalii А. Zemlianskii
- University of ZurichDepartment of Evolutionary Biology and Environmental StudiesZurichSwitzerland
| | | | - Olga V. Khitun
- Komarov Botanical Institute Russian Academy of SciencesSt.‐PetersburgRussia
| | - Elena I. Troeva
- Institute for Biological Problems of CryolithozoneSB of Russian Academy of SciencesYakutskRussia
| | - Natalia E. Koroleva
- Polar‐Alpine Botanical Garden‐InstituteKola Scientific Centre of the Russian Academy of SciencesKirovskRussia
| | - Svetlana Yu. Abdulmanova
- Institute of Plant and Animal Ecology Ural Branch of Russian Academy of SciencesArctic research StationLabytnangiRussia
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22
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Geng M, Li X, Mu H, Yu G, Chai L, Yang Z, Liu H, Huang J, Liu H, Ju Z. Human footprints in the Global South accelerate biomass carbon loss in ecologically sensitive regions. GLOBAL CHANGE BIOLOGY 2023; 29:5881-5895. [PMID: 37565368 DOI: 10.1111/gcb.16900] [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: 05/27/2023] [Accepted: 07/10/2023] [Indexed: 08/12/2023]
Abstract
Human activities have placed significant pressure on the terrestrial biosphere, leading to ecosystem degradation and carbon losses. However, the full impact of these activities on terrestrial biomass carbon remains unexplored. In this study, we examined changes in global human footprint (HFP) and human-induced aboveground biomass carbon (AGBC) losses from 2000 to 2018. Our findings show an increasing trend in HFP globally, resulting in the conversion of wilderness areas to highly modified regions. These changes have altered global biomes' habitats, particularly in tropical and subtropical regions. We also found accelerated AGBC loss driven by HFP expansion, with a total loss of 19.99 ± 0.196 PgC from 2000 to 2018, especially in tropical regions. Additionally, AGBC is more vulnerable in the Global South than in the Global North. Human activities threaten natural habitats, resulting in increasing AGBC loss even in strictly protected areas. Therefore, scientifically guided planning of future human activities is crucial to protect half of Earth through mitigation and adaptation under future risks of climate change and global urbanization.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mengqing Geng
- College of Land Science and Technology, China Agricultural University, Beijing, China
| | - Xuecao Li
- College of Land Science and Technology, China Agricultural University, Beijing, China
- Key Laboratory of Remote Sensing for Agri-Hazards, Ministry of Agriculture and Rural Affairs, Beijing, China
| | - Haowei Mu
- School of Geography and Ocean Science, Nanjing University, Nanjing, China
| | - Guojiang Yu
- College of Land Science and Technology, China Agricultural University, Beijing, China
| | - Li Chai
- International College, China Agricultural University, Beijing, China
| | - Zhongwen Yang
- State Key Laboratory of Environmental Criteria and Risk Assessment, Chinese Research Academy of Environmental Sciences, Beijing, China
| | - Haimeng Liu
- Key Laboratory of Regional Sustainable Development Modeling, Institute of Geographic Sciences and Natural Resources Research, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing, China
| | - Jianxi Huang
- College of Land Science and Technology, China Agricultural University, Beijing, China
- Key Laboratory of Remote Sensing for Agri-Hazards, Ministry of Agriculture and Rural Affairs, Beijing, China
| | - Han Liu
- Key Laboratory of Land Consolidation and Rehabilitation, Land Consolidation and Rehabilitation Center, Ministry of Natural Resources, Beijing, China
| | - Zhengshan Ju
- Key Laboratory of Land Consolidation and Rehabilitation, Land Consolidation and Rehabilitation Center, Ministry of Natural Resources, Beijing, China
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23
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Zhao F, Yang L, Yen H, Feng Q, Li M, Chen L. Reducing risks of antibiotics to crop production requires land system intensification within thresholds. Nat Commun 2023; 14:6094. [PMID: 37773228 PMCID: PMC10541423 DOI: 10.1038/s41467-023-41258-x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/22/2023] [Accepted: 08/29/2023] [Indexed: 10/01/2023] Open
Abstract
Land system intensification has substantially enhanced crop production; however, it has also created soil antibiotic pollution, undermining crop production. Here, we projected soil antibiotic pollution risks to crop production at multiple geographical scales in China and linked them to land system intensification (including arable land expansion and input increase). Our projections suggest that crop production will substantially decrease when the soil antibiotic pollution risk quotient exceeds 8.30-9.98. Land systems explain most of the variability in antibiotic pollution risks (21-66%) across spatial scales. The convex nonlinearities in tradeoffs between antibiotic pollution risk and crop production indicate that vegetable and wheat production have higher thresholds of land system intensification at which the risk-yield tradeoffs will peak than do maize and rice production. Our study suggests that land system intensification below the minimum thresholds at multiple scales is required for acceptable antibiotic pollution risks related to crop yield reduction.
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Affiliation(s)
- Fangkai Zhao
- School of Ecology and Environmental Sciences, Yunnan University, Kunming, 650500, China
| | - Lei Yang
- State Key Laboratory of Urban and Regional Ecology, Research Center for Eco-Environmental Sciences, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing, 100085, China
- University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing, 100049, China
| | - Haw Yen
- School of Forestry and Wildlife Sciences, Auburn University, Auburn, AL, 36849, USA
- Environmental Exposure Modeling, Bayer U.S. Crop Science Division, Chesterfield, MO, 63017, USA
| | - Qingyu Feng
- State Key Laboratory of Urban and Regional Ecology, Research Center for Eco-Environmental Sciences, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing, 100085, China
- University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing, 100049, China
| | - Min Li
- State Key Laboratory of Urban and Regional Ecology, Research Center for Eco-Environmental Sciences, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing, 100085, China
- University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing, 100049, China
| | - Liding Chen
- School of Ecology and Environmental Sciences, Yunnan University, Kunming, 650500, China.
- State Key Laboratory of Urban and Regional Ecology, Research Center for Eco-Environmental Sciences, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing, 100085, China.
- University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing, 100049, China.
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24
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Sun D, Ellepola G, Herath J, Meegaskumbura M. Ecological Barriers for an Amphibian Pathogen: A Narrow Ecological Niche for Batrachochytrium salamandrivorans in an Asian Chytrid Hotspot. J Fungi (Basel) 2023; 9:911. [PMID: 37755019 PMCID: PMC10532633 DOI: 10.3390/jof9090911] [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: 08/08/2023] [Revised: 09/02/2023] [Accepted: 09/05/2023] [Indexed: 09/28/2023] Open
Abstract
The chytrid fungal pathogens Batrachochytrium salamandrivorans (Bsal) and B. dendrobatidis (Bd) are driving amphibian extinctions and population declines worldwide. As their origins are believed to be in East/Southeast Asia, this region is crucial for understanding their ecology. However, Bsal screening is relatively limited in this region, particularly in hotspots where Bd lineage diversity is high. To address this gap, we conducted an extensive Bsal screening involving 1101 individuals from 36 amphibian species, spanning 17 natural locations and four captive facilities in the biodiversity-rich Guangxi Zhuang Autonomous Region (GAR). Our PCR assays yielded unexpected results, revealing the complete absence of Bsal in all tested samples including 51 individuals with Bd presence. To understand the potential distribution of Bsal, we created niche models, utilizing existing occurrence records from both Asia and Europe. These models estimated potential suitable habitats for Bsal largely in the northern and southwestern parts of the GAR. Although Bsal was absent in our samples, the niche models identified 10 study sites as being potentially suitable for this pathogen. Interestingly, out of these 10 sites, Bd was detected at 8. This suggests that Bsal and Bd could possibly co-exist in these habitats, if Bsal were present. Several factors seem to influence the distribution of Bsal in Asia, including variations in temperature, local caudate species diversity, elevation, and human population density. However, it is climate-related factors that hold the greatest significance, accounting for a notable 60% contribution. The models propose that the specific climatic conditions of arid regions, primarily seen in the GAR, play a major role in the distribution of Bsal. Considering the increased pathogenicity of Bsal at stable and cooler temperatures (10-15 °C), species-dependent variations, and the potential for seasonal Bd-Bsal interactions, we emphasize the importance of periodic monitoring for Bsal within its projected range in the GAR. Our study provides deeper insights into Bsal's ecological niche and the knowledge generated will facilitate conservation efforts in amphibian populations devastated by chytrid pathogens across other regions of the world.
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Affiliation(s)
- Dan Sun
- Guangxi Key Laboratory for Forest Ecology and Conservation, College of Forestry, Guangxi University, Nanning 530000, China; (D.S.)
| | - Gajaba Ellepola
- Guangxi Key Laboratory for Forest Ecology and Conservation, College of Forestry, Guangxi University, Nanning 530000, China; (D.S.)
- Department of Zoology, Faculty of Science, University of Peradeniya, Peradeniya, Kandy 20400, Sri Lanka
| | - Jayampathi Herath
- Guangxi Key Laboratory for Forest Ecology and Conservation, College of Forestry, Guangxi University, Nanning 530000, China; (D.S.)
- School of Biomedical Sciences, International Institute of Health Sciences (IIHS), No. 704 Negombo Road, Welisara 71722, Sri Lanka
| | - Madhava Meegaskumbura
- Guangxi Key Laboratory for Forest Ecology and Conservation, College of Forestry, Guangxi University, Nanning 530000, China; (D.S.)
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25
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Sofi II, Shah MA, Ganie AH. Integrating human footprint with ensemble modelling identifies priority habitats for conservation: a case study in the distributional range of Arnebia euchroma, a vulnerable species. ENVIRONMENTAL MONITORING AND ASSESSMENT 2023; 195:914. [PMID: 37395941 DOI: 10.1007/s10661-023-11528-8] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/06/2023] [Accepted: 06/17/2023] [Indexed: 07/04/2023]
Abstract
Climate change-driven rapid alteration of ecosystems globally is further complicated by growing anthropogenic pressures, especially in the ecologically sensitive mountainous regions. However, these two major drivers of change have largely been considered separately in species distribution models, thus compromising their reliability. Here, we integrated ensemble modelling with the human pressure index for predicting distribution and mapping priority regions across a whole range of occurrences for vulnerable species, Arnebia euchroma. Our results identified 3.08% of the study area as 'highly suitable', 2.45% as 'moderately suitable', and 94.45% as 'not suitable' or 'least suitable'. Compared to current climatic conditions, future RCP scenarios of 2050 and 2070 showed a significant loss in habitat suitability and a slight shift in the distribution pattern of the target species. By excluding the high-pressure areas of the human footprint from the predicted suitable habitats, we were able to identify the unique areas (70% of the predicted suitable area) that need special attention for conservation and restoration. Such models, if well implemented, may play a pivotal role in achieving the effective targets under the aegis of the current UN decade on ecological restoration (2021-2030) in accordance with SDG 15.4.
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Affiliation(s)
- Irfan Iqbal Sofi
- University of Kashmir, Srinagar, 190006, Jammu and Kashmir, India.
| | - Manzoor A Shah
- University of Kashmir, Srinagar, 190006, Jammu and Kashmir, India
| | - Aijaz H Ganie
- University of Kashmir, Srinagar, 190006, Jammu and Kashmir, India
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26
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Zhao Z, Yue Y, Liu X, Li C, Ma W, Liu Q. The patterns and driving forces of dengue invasions in China. Infect Dis Poverty 2023; 12:42. [PMID: 37085941 PMCID: PMC10119823 DOI: 10.1186/s40249-023-01093-0] [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: 02/02/2023] [Accepted: 04/04/2023] [Indexed: 04/23/2023] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Global connectivity and environmental change pose continuous threats to dengue invasions from worldwide to China. However, the intrinsic relationship on introduction and outbreak risks of dengue driven by the landscape features are still unknown. This study aimed to map the patterns on source-sink relation of dengue cases and assess the driving forces for dengue invasions in China. METHODS We identified the local and imported cases (2006-2020) and assembled the datasets on environmental conditions. The vector auto-regression model was applied to detect the cross-relations of source-sink patterns. We selected the major environmental drivers via the Boruta algorithm to assess the driving forces in dengue outbreak dynamics by applying generalized additive models. We reconstructed the internal connections among imported cases, local cases, and external environmental drivers using the structural equation modeling. RESULTS From 2006 to 2020, 81,652 local dengue cases and 12,701 imported dengue cases in China were reported. The hotspots of dengue introductions and outbreaks were in southeast and southwest China, originating from South and Southeast Asia. Oversea-imported dengue cases, as the Granger-cause, were the initial driver of the dengue dynamic; the suitable local bio-socioecological environment is the fundamental factor for dengue epidemics. The Bio8 [odds ratio (OR) = 2.11, 95% confidence interval (CI): 1.67-2.68], Bio9 (OR = 291.62, 95% CI: 125.63-676.89), Bio15 (OR = 4.15, 95% CI: 3.30-5.24), normalized difference vegetation index in March (OR = 1.27, 95% CI: 1.06-1.51) and July (OR = 1.04, 95% CI: 1.00-1.07), and the imported cases are the major drivers of dengue local transmissions (OR = 4.79, 95% CI: 4.34-5.28). The intermediary effect of an index on population and economic development to local cases via the path of imported cases was detected in the dengue dynamic system. CONCLUSIONS Dengue outbreaks in China are triggered by introductions of imported cases and boosted by landscape features and connectivity. Our research will contribute to developing nature-based solutions for dengue surveillance, mitigation, and control from a socio-ecological perspective based on invasion ecology theories to control and prevent future dengue invasion and localization.
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Affiliation(s)
- Zhe Zhao
- Department of Epidemiology, School of Public Health, Cheeloo College of Medicine, Shandong University, 44 Wenhua Road, Lixia District, Jinan, 250012, People's Republic of China
- State Key Laboratory of Infectious Disease Prevention and Control, National Institute for Communicable Disease Control and Prevention, Chinese Center for Disease Control and Prevention, 155 Changbai Road, Changping District, Beijing, 102206, People's Republic of China
- Department of Vector Control, School of Public Health, Cheeloo College of Medicine, Shandong University, 44 Wenhua Road, Lixia District, Jinan, 250012, People's Republic of China
- Shandong University Climate Change and Health Center, Jinan, 250012, People's Republic of China
| | - Yujuan Yue
- State Key Laboratory of Infectious Disease Prevention and Control, National Institute for Communicable Disease Control and Prevention, Chinese Center for Disease Control and Prevention, 155 Changbai Road, Changping District, Beijing, 102206, People's Republic of China
- Department of Vector Control, School of Public Health, Cheeloo College of Medicine, Shandong University, 44 Wenhua Road, Lixia District, Jinan, 250012, People's Republic of China
| | - Xiaobo Liu
- State Key Laboratory of Infectious Disease Prevention and Control, National Institute for Communicable Disease Control and Prevention, Chinese Center for Disease Control and Prevention, 155 Changbai Road, Changping District, Beijing, 102206, People's Republic of China
- Department of Vector Control, School of Public Health, Cheeloo College of Medicine, Shandong University, 44 Wenhua Road, Lixia District, Jinan, 250012, People's Republic of China
| | - Chuanxi Li
- Department of Epidemiology, School of Public Health, Cheeloo College of Medicine, Shandong University, 44 Wenhua Road, Lixia District, Jinan, 250012, People's Republic of China
- Shandong University Climate Change and Health Center, Jinan, 250012, People's Republic of China
| | - Wei Ma
- Department of Epidemiology, School of Public Health, Cheeloo College of Medicine, Shandong University, 44 Wenhua Road, Lixia District, Jinan, 250012, People's Republic of China.
- Shandong University Climate Change and Health Center, Jinan, 250012, People's Republic of China.
| | - Qiyong Liu
- Department of Epidemiology, School of Public Health, Cheeloo College of Medicine, Shandong University, 44 Wenhua Road, Lixia District, Jinan, 250012, People's Republic of China.
- State Key Laboratory of Infectious Disease Prevention and Control, National Institute for Communicable Disease Control and Prevention, Chinese Center for Disease Control and Prevention, 155 Changbai Road, Changping District, Beijing, 102206, People's Republic of China.
- Department of Vector Control, School of Public Health, Cheeloo College of Medicine, Shandong University, 44 Wenhua Road, Lixia District, Jinan, 250012, People's Republic of China.
- Shandong University Climate Change and Health Center, Jinan, 250012, People's Republic of China.
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27
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Martínez-Núñez C, Martínez-Prentice R, García-Navas V. Land-use diversity predicts regional bird taxonomic and functional richness worldwide. Nat Commun 2023; 14:1320. [PMID: 36899001 PMCID: PMC10006419 DOI: 10.1038/s41467-023-37027-5] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/02/2022] [Accepted: 02/28/2023] [Indexed: 03/12/2023] Open
Abstract
Unveiling the processes that shape biodiversity patterns is a cornerstone of ecology. Land-use diversity (i.e., the variety of land-use categories within an area) is often considered an important environmental factor that promotes species richness at landscape and regional scales by increasing beta-diversity. Still, the role of land-use diversity in structuring global taxonomic and functional richness is unknown. Here, we examine the hypothesis that regional species taxonomic and functional richness is explained by global patterns of land-use diversity by analyzing distribution and trait data for all extant birds. We found strong support for our hypothesis. Land-use diversity predicted bird taxonomic and functional richness in almost all biogeographic realms, even after accounting for the effect of net primary productivity (i.e., a proxy of resource availability and habitat heterogeneity). This link was particularly consistent with functional richness compared to taxonomic richness. In the Palearctic and Afrotropic realms, a saturation effect was evident, suggesting a non-linear relationship between land-use diversity and biodiversity. Our results reveal that land-use diversity is a key environmental factor associated with several facets of bird regional diversity, widening our understanding of key large-scale predictors of biodiversity patterns. These results can contribute to policies aimed at minimizing regional biodiversity loss.
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Affiliation(s)
- Carlos Martínez-Núñez
- Department of Integrative Ecology, Estación Biológica de Doñana EBD (CSIC), Seville, Spain.
- Agroscope, Reckenholzstrasse 191, CH-8046, Zurich, Switzerland.
| | - Ricardo Martínez-Prentice
- Institute of Agriculture and Environmental Sciences, Estonian University of Life Sciences, Tartu, Estonia
| | - Vicente García-Navas
- Department of Integrative Ecology, Estación Biológica de Doñana EBD (CSIC), Seville, Spain
- Department of Evolutionary Biology and Environmental Studies, University of Zurich, Zurich, Switzerland
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28
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Wang Q, Chen J, Qi W, Wang D, Lin H, Wu X, Wang D, Bai Y, Qu J. Dam construction alters planktonic microbial predator‒prey communities in the urban reaches of the Yangtze River. WATER RESEARCH 2023; 230:119575. [PMID: 36623385 DOI: 10.1016/j.watres.2023.119575] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/26/2022] [Revised: 12/23/2022] [Accepted: 01/03/2023] [Indexed: 06/17/2023]
Abstract
While dam construction supports social and economic development, changes in hydraulic conditions can also affect natural aquatic ecosystems, especially microbial ecosystems. The compositional and functional traits of multi-trophic microbiota can be altered by dam construction, which may result in changes in aquatic predator-prey interactions. To understand this process, we performed a large-scale sampling campaign in the urban reaches of the dam-impacted Yangtze River (1 995 km) and obtained 211 metagenomic datasets and water quality data. We first compared the compositional traits of planktonic microbial communities upstream, downstream, and in a dam reservoir. Results showed that Bacteroidetes (R-strategy) bacteria were more likely to survive upstream, whilst the reservoir and downstream regions were more conducive to the survival of K-strategy bacteria such as Actinobacteria. Eukaryotic predators tended to be enriched upstream, whilst phototrophs tended to be enriched in the reservoir and downstream regions. Based on bipartite networks, we inferred that the potential microbial predator-prey interactions gradually and significantly decreased from upstream to the downstream and dam regions, affecting 56% of keystone microbial species. Remarkably, functional analysis showed that the abundance of the photosynthetic gene psbO was higher in the reservoir and downstream regions, whilst the abundance of the KEGG carbohydrate metabolic pathway was higher upstream. These results indicate that dam construction in the Yangtze River induced planktonic microbial ecosystem transformation from detritus-based food webs to autotroph-based food webs.
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Affiliation(s)
- Qiaojuan Wang
- Key Laboratory of Drinking Water Science and Technology, Research Center for Eco-Environmental Sciences, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing 100085, China; University of Chinese Academy of Science, Beijing 100049, China
| | - Junwen Chen
- Center for Water and Ecology, Tsinghua University, Beijing 100084, China
| | - Weixiao Qi
- Center for Water and Ecology, Tsinghua University, Beijing 100084, China
| | - Donglin Wang
- Key Laboratory of Drinking Water Science and Technology, Research Center for Eco-Environmental Sciences, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing 100085, China
| | - Hui Lin
- Key Laboratory of Drinking Water Science and Technology, Research Center for Eco-Environmental Sciences, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing 100085, China; University of Chinese Academy of Science, Beijing 100049, China
| | - Xinghua Wu
- China Three Gorges Corporation, Wuhan 430010, China
| | | | - Yaohui Bai
- Key Laboratory of Drinking Water Science and Technology, Research Center for Eco-Environmental Sciences, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing 100085, China.
| | - Jiuhui Qu
- Key Laboratory of Drinking Water Science and Technology, Research Center for Eco-Environmental Sciences, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing 100085, China; Center for Water and Ecology, Tsinghua University, Beijing 100084, China
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Cui X, Tang J, Zhang Q, Zhou H, Hong M, Wei W, Zhang Z. Spatio-temporal Variations in Takin (Budorcas tibetanus) Habitats in the five mountains of Sichuan, China. Glob Ecol Conserv 2023. [DOI: 10.1016/j.gecco.2023.e02390] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/27/2023] Open
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30
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Precipitation and potential evapotranspiration determine the distribution patterns of threatened plant species in Sichuan Province, China. Sci Rep 2022; 12:22418. [PMID: 36575208 PMCID: PMC9794706 DOI: 10.1038/s41598-022-26171-5] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/02/2022] [Accepted: 12/12/2022] [Indexed: 12/28/2022] Open
Abstract
A fundamental goal of ecologists is to determine the large-scale gradients in species richness. The threatened plants are the priority of such studies because of their narrow distribution and confinement to a specific habitat. Studying the distribution patterns of threatened plants is crucial for identifying global conservation prioritization. In this study, the richness pattern of threatened plant species along spatial and elevation gradients in Sichuan Province of China was investigated, considering climatic, habitat-heterogeneity (HHET), geometric constraint and human-induced factors. The species richness pattern was analyzed, and the predictor variables, including mean annual temperature (MAT), mean annual precipitation (MAP), potential evapotranspiration (PET), HHET, and disturbance (DIST), to species richness were linked using the geographical distribution data of threatened species compiled at a spatial resolution of 20 km × 20 km. Generalized linear models and structural equation modelling were used to determine the individual and combined effects of each variable on species richness patterns. Results showed a total of 137 threatened plant species were distributed between 200 and 4800 m.a.s.l. The central region of the province harbors the highest species diversity. MAP and PET profoundly explained the richness pattern. Moreover, the significant role of DIST in the richness patterns of threatened plants was elucidated. These findings could help determine the richness pattern of threatened plant species in other mountainous regions of the world, with consideration of the impact of climate change.
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31
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Comparison of IUCN and species distribution modeling-estimated ranges of shorebirds in Coastal Mainland China. Glob Ecol Conserv 2022. [DOI: 10.1016/j.gecco.2022.e02236] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/16/2022] Open
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32
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Human Activity Intensity and Its Spatial-Temporal Evolution in China’s Border Areas. LAND 2022. [DOI: 10.3390/land11071089] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/16/2022]
Abstract
Monitoring human activities in border areas is challenging due to the complex geographical environment and diverse people. China has the longest terrestrial boundary and the highest number of neighboring countries in the world. In this study, a human activity intensity index (HAI) was proposed based on land cover, population density, and satellite-based nighttime light for a long-term macroscopic study. The HAI was calculated at 1 km resolution within the 50 km buffer zone of China’s land boundary on each side in 1992, 2000, 2010, and 2020, respectively. Results show that human activity is low in about 90% of the study area. Overall, the HAI on the Chinese side is higher than that on the neighboring side, and the intensity of land use on the Chinese side has increased significantly from 1992 to 2020. Among China’s neighbors, India has the highest HAI with the fastest growth. With the changes in the HAI between China and its neighboring countries, four regional evolution patterns are found in the study area: Sino-Russian HAI decline; Sino-Kazakhstan HAI unilateral growth; Indian HAI continuous growth; China and Indochina HAI synchronized growth. Hotspot analysis reveals three spatial evolution patterns, which are unilateral expansion, bilateral expansion, and cross-border fusion. Both the “border effect” and “agglomeration effect” exist in border areas. The HAI changes in border areas not only impact the eco-environment but also affect geopolitics and geoeconomics. The HAI can be used as an instrument for decision-making and cooperation between China and neighboring countries in such areas as ecological protection, border security, and border trade.
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Zeng Y, Wang LE, Zhong L. Spatiotemporal Variations of Human Pressure on Key Biodiversity Areas in the Qinghai–Tibet Plateau: A Comparative Analysis. Front Ecol Evol 2022. [DOI: 10.3389/fevo.2022.960634] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/13/2022] Open
Abstract
A key biodiversity area (KBA) is one of the important emerging area-based conservation measures that is being implemented recently in China; however, the human pressure faced by a KBA is still unclear. This study analyzed the spatiotemporal variation of human pressure on KBAs from 1990 to 2017 and compared it with the human pressure on national natural reserves (NNRs) through a case study of the Qinghai–Tibet Plateau. In addition, changes in the trend of human pressure before and after 2010 were analyzed to examine the influence of conservation policies on human pressure. Results showed that human pressure on KBAs and NNRs gradually increased from 1990 to 2017. Furthermore, the growth rates and mean values of human pressure in KBAs were higher than those in NNRs. After the implementation of conservation policies in 2010, the growth rates of human pressure on both KBAs and NNRs have significantly slowed, and the areas with negative growth in both KBAs and NNRs have gradually expanded. In addition to providing an understanding of the changing spatiotemporal trends of human pressure on KBAs, this study can serve as a reference to formulate policies for the improvement of the effectiveness of conservation.
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