[Objectives]To explore biodiversity characteristics of Yuncheng Salt Lake and provide protection countermeasures.[Methods]According to the field survey data of 978 plant quadrats and cluster analysis,species diversity...[Objectives]To explore biodiversity characteristics of Yuncheng Salt Lake and provide protection countermeasures.[Methods]According to the field survey data of 978 plant quadrats and cluster analysis,species diversity indicators such as Margalef richness index and Shannon-Wiener index were selected to deeply explore the structure and diversity characteristics of higher plant communities in Yuncheng Salt Lake.[Results]There were 117 species belonging to 97 genera and 35 families of higher plants in Yuncheng Salt Lake,of which Asteraceae and Gramineae were dominant families,and the North Temperate Distribution Genus accounted for 27.35%of the total genera;according to profile coefficient method,the optimal cluster number was 7,which was divided into 7 plant community types,including Artemisia capillaris community and Suaeda glauca(Bunge)community;the Lolium perenne community was the highest(d=2.537),the Artemisia scoparia community was the best(E=0.658),the Suaeda salsa(L.)Pall community was the lowest(H′=1.779),and the spatial distribution of species showed a significant aggregation pattern.[Conclusions]We put forward some countermeasures for biodiversity protection,including constructing dynamic monitoring system,implementing adaptive management strategy and promoting multi-party collaborative governance,so as to provide scientific theoretical basis and practical guidance for ecological restoration and sustainable development of Yuncheng Salt Lake.展开更多
The polar regions host one of the harshest and most unique ecosystems on Earth.These habitats,encompassing the Arctic and the Antarctic and from deep-marine sediments to glacial ice/ice sheets,represent one of the fin...The polar regions host one of the harshest and most unique ecosystems on Earth.These habitats,encompassing the Arctic and the Antarctic and from deep-marine sediments to glacial ice/ice sheets,represent one of the final frontiers of terrestrial biological exploration.Traditionally viewed as desolate,ice-covered lands,polar regions are now recognized as vibrant,complex,and highly sensitive ecosystems.展开更多
As global biodiversity continues to decline and ecosystems degrade,mountains are often regarded as crucial refuges for numerous species due to their unique montane environments and relatively unfragmented landscapes.T...As global biodiversity continues to decline and ecosystems degrade,mountains are often regarded as crucial refuges for numerous species due to their unique montane environments and relatively unfragmented landscapes.The conservation of mountain biodiversity is a key component of the United Nations Sustainable Development Agenda.Gaining insight into the distribution of montane species and identifying priority conservation areas are essential for effective action.However,such efforts have been relatively limited in China.In this study,we evaluated the contribution of mountains to biodiversity conservation within the country.Our findings indicate that China's mountains support a remarkable percentage of the country's wildlife.They include 95%of mammal species,85%of bird species,89%of amphibian species,85%of reptile species,and 80%of higher plant species.These areas harbor over 90%of China's natural ecosystem subclasses,despite constituting only 65%of the total land area.Approximately a quarter of important sites for mountain biodiversity are covered by protected areas,but some key regions remain unprotected.It is recommended that protection be prioritized in the southeastern Qinghai-Xizang Plateau,the Hengduan Mountains and the Southeastern China Hills,with a focus on narrowly distributed ecosystems,to achieve the biodiversity target and vision.展开更多
The insect order Thysanoptera is used as an indicator of the vulnerability to foreign insect invasions of New Caledonian ecosystems—both the unique natural systems, and the agricultural and horticultural systems on w...The insect order Thysanoptera is used as an indicator of the vulnerability to foreign insect invasions of New Caledonian ecosystems—both the unique natural systems, and the agricultural and horticultural systems on which the economy is dependent. A total of 103 species in 67 genera of Thysanoptera are here listed from New Caledonia, in contrast to the 68 species in 44 genera that were recorded 23 years ago. Of the 103 species, 22 are not known from anywhere else in the world. Thus, up to 80% of these insect species have arrived in New Caledonia from other countries, with a very high proportion likely to have been introduced through modern trading patterns, despite vigorous efforts by quarantine services.展开更多
Anthropogenic activities have significantly contributed to the loss and fragmentation of primary forests across the globe,which has accelerated biodiversity decline,particularly among highly specialised species depend...Anthropogenic activities have significantly contributed to the loss and fragmentation of primary forests across the globe,which has accelerated biodiversity decline,particularly among highly specialised species dependent on unique forest structures.Nevertheless,comparative studies between primary and managed forests are scarce,despite their importance for effective monitoring and conservation planning.To address this knowledge gap,we conducted a comparative study using a unique dataset of permanent study plots established across some of the best-preserved,mixed-beech primary forests and their adjacent managed counterparts in the Western Carpathian Mountains.We assessed the effects of forest structure and tree age—determined through extensive dendrochronological reconstructions—on contemporary lichen communities.Lichen species richness and the richness of red-listed species were 26%and 50%higher in primary forests than in managed forests,respectively,highlighting the outstanding conservation importance of primary forests.Generalised least squares(GLS)modelling demonstrated that in managed forests,lichen species richness was strongly associated with structural attributes:It increased with maximum tree age and the diameter of standing deadwood,and decreased with higher basal area(BA)of living trees,likely due to reduced understory light.In contrast,no structural variables significantly explained richness in primary forests,likely due to structural saturation and widespread microhabitat availability.Elevation emerged as the sole variable with significant explanatory strength.These findings underscore the critical role of structural complexity in supporting lichen diversity under different management regimes and provide a robust evidence base for promoting elements such as old trees,deadwood—especially large standing deadwood—and reduced canopy density.At the same time,they reaffirm the irreplaceable value of primary forests as biodiversity refuges and highlight the need for landscape-level conservation strategies that integrate both intact primary and structurally enriched managed forests.展开更多
China has executed large-scale ecological restoration projects(ERPs)to meet the goals of environmental pro-tection and economic development.Yet,the integrated outcomes of these projects on the biodiversity-eco-environ...China has executed large-scale ecological restoration projects(ERPs)to meet the goals of environmental pro-tection and economic development.Yet,the integrated outcomes of these projects on the biodiversity-eco-environment-society dimensions remain unclear,but when available could be insightful for adaptation and ad-justments,particularly in this United Nations Decade on Ecosystem Restoration(2021-2030).Based on multi-source data,we identified the categories and quantities of large-scale ERP implementation in the county-level.By comparing the time-series multiple factors of implemented vs unimplemented counties,we quantify the con-tributions and compare the relative effects of up to six different ERPs.Combining random forest,spatial autocor-relation,and network analysis,we explore the key factors that affect the contributions of ERPs.Here,we show that the triple dimensions in the low ERP group(regions implementing 0-2 projects)produced better outcomes than the high ERP group(regions implementing 3-5 projects)in relatively developed regions,while the high ERP group has more gains than the low ERP group in relatively less-developed regions.Notably,regional character-istics and different social assets mediate the ERP contributions,while human capital and financial capital have important roles.Overall,the ERPs generated positive contributions and could increase the network stability of multi-dimensions in relatively less-developed regions,but it may lead to imbalances in some factors(i.e.,mam-mal species conservation,and human capital).To continue to minimize the negative effects from past,and to improve the returns of ERP policy and investments,more timely and adaptive management of ERPs are needed,especially in relatively less-developed regions.展开更多
1.In recent years,climate change has led to drought and severe bark beetle infestations,affecting Norway spruce(Picea abies)across Europe,with detrimental consequences for forest owners,the forestry sector and associa...1.In recent years,climate change has led to drought and severe bark beetle infestations,affecting Norway spruce(Picea abies)across Europe,with detrimental consequences for forest owners,the forestry sector and associated industries.As a result,silviculture now faces the challenge of identifying tree species more resilient to these stressors to mitigate the impacts on forest management,forest-dependent economies and rural livelihoods.The North American Douglas-fir(Pseudotsuga menziesii)has emerged as a promising conifer species,better suited to future climate conditions and capable of producing high timber yields.2.Non-native tree species may affect native biodiversity,yet the impacts of Douglas-fir on native forest biodiversity are not clear.A comprehensive review evaluating the impact of Douglas-fir on faunal and floral biodiversity in European forests is lacking.3.Here,we present the results of a systematic literature review on Douglas-fir effects on native biodiversity,focusing on studies conducted in Europe.For arthropods,sufficient studies were found to do more detailed quantitative assessments.For fungi,birds,plants and soil fauna some studies existed,but only qualitative evaluations could be made.Other taxa were not investigated.4.In the present literature,the effects of Douglas-fir inclusion in stands on native biodiversity,compared to stands of solely native tree species,were mostly non-significant(78.6%,based on 32 studies).Positive effects were noted in 12%of cases,while negative effects were observed in 9.4%(total of 1,936 effects).Above-ground fauna was more extensively studied than below-ground fauna.Mechanisms proposed to explain taxa responses were often discussed but not always formally tested.For arthropods,there were varying effects on diversity between studies evaluating different scales(i.e.,tree-scale vs.stand-scale).In general,differences in effects depended on a range of factors,including stand composition and structure,season,and sampling site and period.5.Our review indicates limited evidence of adverse effects of Douglas-fir on biodiversity in European forests,highlighting a significant knowledge gap due to the scarcity of studies.Douglas-fir's impact on biodiversity likely varies depending on the forest type and management practices.Further research in diverse contexts is crucial to determine optimal levels of admixture and guide forest management.展开更多
The Polar Regions host one of the harshest and most unique ecosystems on Earth,harboring a diverse array of micro-and macro-organisms.These inhabitants showcase remarkable taxonomic and genetic originality,presenting ...The Polar Regions host one of the harshest and most unique ecosystems on Earth,harboring a diverse array of micro-and macro-organisms.These inhabitants showcase remarkable taxonomic and genetic originality,presenting unparalleled opportunities for bioprospecting,alongside demonstrating extraordinary adaptation mechanisms for survival.Furthermore,polar organisms play crucial roles in facilitating organic matter decomposition,carbon fixation and sequestration,and biogeochemical cycling.Moreover,these organisms serve as pivotal indicators of global climate shifts.Therefore,exploring the polar organisms and ecosystem holds profound and significant implications for gaining deeper insights into scientific frontiers such as global biodiversity,elementary cycling,climate change,resource utilization,and the awe of life in extreme environments.展开更多
Global framework for nature management requires identifying areas of high priority for biodiversity conservation and restoration.The unique environments of Qinghai-Xizang Plateau(QXP) provide irreplaceable habitats fo...Global framework for nature management requires identifying areas of high priority for biodiversity conservation and restoration.The unique environments of Qinghai-Xizang Plateau(QXP) provide irreplaceable habitats for biodiversity which is prominent under future climate change.Despite the recent increase in research interest on conservation priorities,there is a lack of comprehensive and targeted protection strategies for pandemic species under climate change.Here,we compiled an exhaustive dataset with the variables of extinction risk and occurrence records of ectothermic lizards to investigate the conservation priorities in the QXP.We assessed the conservation status of the QXP lizards and identified the priority protected areas within the QXP under future climate scenarios using phylogenetic generalized least squares and ensemble species distribution models.Our analyses suggested nine lizard species to be prioritized for protection,with the most critical priority species being Dopasia gracilis,D.harti,and Phrynocephalus putjatai.Moreover,the priority protected areas covered~4.7%area of the QXP,mostly in the southern QXP and southeastern Hengduan Mountains.Protecting these regions would achieve a conservation effectiveness of≥95%for species richness,phylogenetic and functionaldiversity under climate change.Our findings provide realistic guidance for improving the conservation effectiveness of specific-lizard and-regions in the QXP under climate change.Our“bottom-up”approach could help the conservation efforts of other regions and species as an alternative to“top-down”global maps.展开更多
The share of wind and solar energy in global energy mix is rising rapidly.Despite their great potential for reducing carbon emissions,poorly planned wind and solar farms may encroach on socio-ecologically sensitive ar...The share of wind and solar energy in global energy mix is rising rapidly.Despite their great potential for reducing carbon emissions,poorly planned wind and solar farms may encroach on socio-ecologically sensitive areas,threatening biodiversity and Indigenous people's traditional land uses.However,these potential risks associated with wind and solar farm development worldwide are poorly understood.Here,we evaluate the potential biodiversity and Indigenous risks from wind and solar energy development by examining the extent to which global wind and solar farms are situated within or adjacent to socio-ecologically sensitive areas.Our analysis revealed that 13,699 wind and solar farms or 14.4%of the farms'total footprint area are within protected areas,critical habitats,and Indigenous people's lands,occupying a total of 26,840 km^(2)of those socio-ecologically sensitive areas.Wind and solar farms overlap with the distribution ranges of 2,310 threatened amphibians,birds,mammals,and reptiles,accounting for 36.3%of the world's 6,362 threatened vertebrate species.The encroachment of solar and wind farms on sensitive areas mostly occurs in economically developed countries with substantial wind and solar energy facilities,while many developing countries in the tropics tend to have a higher proportion of such farms situated within sensitive areas.Compared to wind farms,solar farms pose greater risks to biodiversity and Indigenous people's lands.These findings provide valuable insights into the socio-ecological risks of wind and solar energy development and highlight the urgent need for strategic planning to mitigate the risks.展开更多
Having sown the first seeds of Zoological Research:Diversity and Conservation(ZRDC)in 2024,fond memories of nurturing it to full blossom over the last year now warm our hearts.With revigorated spirits at the advent of...Having sown the first seeds of Zoological Research:Diversity and Conservation(ZRDC)in 2024,fond memories of nurturing it to full blossom over the last year now warm our hearts.With revigorated spirits at the advent of spring in 2025,we are now readying ourselves to embark on an intellectually stimulating journey to bring into fruition our vision of delivering a magnificent journal that will open new frontiers in biodiversity conservation.展开更多
Biodiversity mainstreaming remains among the most persistent gaps in global environmental governance.China’s national park reforms provide a large-scale empirical test of mainstreaming in practice.By unifying fragmen...Biodiversity mainstreaming remains among the most persistent gaps in global environmental governance.China’s national park reforms provide a large-scale empirical test of mainstreaming in practice.By unifying fragmented protected areas,consolidating governance mandates,aligning cross-sector policies,and formalizing inclusive stewardship,the reforms have delivered measurable gains in flagship species recovery,ecosystem service resilience,and community participation.Yet its transformative potential is constrained by limited penetration into non-conservation sectors,uneven adaptive capacity,and incomplete social integration.We distill three transferable principles-coherence,consolidation,and co-production-and outline instruments to embed biodiversity imperatives beyond protected areas into infrastructure,agriculture,and regional planning.Achieving the Kunming-Montreal Global Biodiversity Framework will require moving beyond isolated conservation enclaves toward integrated policy ecologies that can durably reconcile biodiversity outcomes with equitable human well-being.展开更多
Biodiversity is closely related to human well-being and is an important foundation for human survival and development.Currently,there is a significant funding gap in biodiversity conservation in various regions.How to...Biodiversity is closely related to human well-being and is an important foundation for human survival and development.Currently,there is a significant funding gap in biodiversity conservation in various regions.How to leverage financial resources in key areas such as financial support for biodiversity conservation,value conversion of ecological products,and green inclusive finance has become an increasingly concerned field and an actively explored direction.This article reviews the relevant policies that have been issued in Jilin Province regarding biodiversity conservation,providing guidance for the formulation of investment and financing policies.In practice,Jilin Province has explored investment and financing models through multiple channels.In terms of finance,it has strengthened the coordination of financial resources at all levels in accordance with the principle of matching fiscal powers and expenditure responsibilities,and increased support for biodiversity conservation through existing funding channels.At the same time,it has actively studied the establishment of market-oriented and socialized investment and financing mechanisms and encouraged the participation of social capital.Through the research on the investment and financing policies and practices for biodiversity in Jilin Province,this article analyzes the existing bottlenecks in green finance support for biodiversity,aiming to provide reference for further improving relevant policies,optimizing the allocation and use of funds,and enhancing the level of biodiversity conservation.展开更多
The Qinghai-Xizang Plateau serves as an extensive gene pool for plateau species and a crucial focal point for global biodiversity conservation.Being a climate-sensitive region,the impacts of climate change have led to...The Qinghai-Xizang Plateau serves as an extensive gene pool for plateau species and a crucial focal point for global biodiversity conservation.Being a climate-sensitive region,the impacts of climate change have led to habitat loss,population extinction,and ecological imbalances,posing formidable challenges to the sustained ef-fectiveness of existing protected areas.Despite substantial advancements in understanding species distribution,assessing habitat changes,and evaluating the efficiency of protected areas in recent decades,comprehensive evaluations encompassing all protected species are lacking,impeding conservation strategies.In this study,we gathered 137,856 observations,encompassing 2,605 species,and utilized the MaxEnt model to simulate changes in the current distribution patterns of endangered species and suitable habitats under future scenarios.We further proposed a climate smart approach to optimize the boundaries of protected areas in response to climate change.Key findings indicate that(1)the Qinghai-Xizang Plateau harbors 2,605 endangered species,constituting 34.04%of the total endangered species catalog in China;(2)current high-adaptation habitats of Qinghai-Xizang Plateau cover a mere 7%of the plateau,showing minimal alteration in protected efficiency under climate change sce-narios(0.50%increase);(3)incorporating the effects of climate change in adjusting protected area boundaries enhances their efficiency by an average of 20.52%.Our proposed methodology holds promise for safeguard-ing endangered species on the Qinghai-Xizang Plateau and offers significant implications for analogous regions worldwide.展开更多
Effective preservation of Key Biodiversity Areas(KBAs)is crucial to address biodiversity loss.Human-induced disturbance in these vital sites can exacerbate species extinction and challenge the Kunming-Montreal Global ...Effective preservation of Key Biodiversity Areas(KBAs)is crucial to address biodiversity loss.Human-induced disturbance in these vital sites can exacerbate species extinction and challenge the Kunming-Montreal Global Biodiversity Framework(GBF).This study delves into the human disturbance and protection in terrestrial KBAs worldwide,focusing particularly on habitat fragmentation to devise tailored conservation strategies.Our results reveal widespread human disturbance across global KBAs,with an average Human Footprint Index of 12.3 and a disturbance rate of 62%.Only one-fifth of KBAs are fully safeguarded by protected areas,and a significant portion remains unprotected,with even many highly protected sites under severe disturbance.Globally,human activities have led to substantial implicit habitat fragmentation in KBAs,resulting in a 70%average decline in habitat size,with less than half of KBAs maintaining well-connected active habitats.These findings inform the classification of KBAs for priority conservation,with 80%requiring both intensity regulation and spatial planning of human activities.Higher levels of human disturbance do not necessarily lead to more severe fragmentation,underscoring the potential for relocating or planning human activities to mitigate fragmentation.This research serves as a foundational assessment of human impacts on KBAs,providing a basis for KBA management and global conservation efforts to meet GBF goals.展开更多
Central Asia(CA)faces escalating threats from increasing temperature,glacier retreat,biodiversity loss,unsustainable water use,terminal lake shrinkage,and soil salinization,all of which challenge the balance between e...Central Asia(CA)faces escalating threats from increasing temperature,glacier retreat,biodiversity loss,unsustainable water use,terminal lake shrinkage,and soil salinization,all of which challenge the balance between ecological integrity and socio-economic development essential for achieving Sustainable Development Goals.However,a comprehensive understanding of priority areas from a multi-dimensional perspective is lacking,hindering effective conservation and development strategies.To address this,we developed a comprehensive assessment framework with a tailored indicator system,enabling a spatial evaluation of CA’s priority areas by integrating biodiversity,ecosystem services(ESs),and human activities.Combining zonation and geographical detectors,this approach facilitates spatial prioritization and examines ecological and socio-economic heterogeneity.Our findings reveal a heterogeneous distribution of priority areas across CA,with significant concentrations in eastern mountainous regions,river valleys,and oasis agricultural lands.We identified 184 key districts crucial for ecological and societal sustainability.Attribution analysis shows that natural factors like soil types,precipitation,and evapotranspiration significantly shape these areas,influencing human activities and the distribution of biodiversity and ESs.Multi-dimensional analysis indicates existing protected areas cover only 15%of the top 30%priority areas,revealing substantial conservation gaps.Additionally,a 38%overlap between ESs and human activities,along with 63.25%congruence in integrated areas,underscores significant human impacts on ecological systems and their dependency on ESs.Given CA’s limited resources,it is crucial to implement measures that strengthen conservation efforts,align ecological preservation with socio-economic demands,and enhance resource efficiency through sustainable integrated land and water resource management.展开更多
Coral reefs support a wide range of organisms in the world,including jellyfish and their benthic relatives.However,quantifying the biodiversity of these organisms in reefs is a challenge because of their uneven distri...Coral reefs support a wide range of organisms in the world,including jellyfish and their benthic relatives.However,quantifying the biodiversity of these organisms in reefs is a challenge because of their uneven distribution and cryptic early life stages,requiring the validation of alternative techniques for biodiversity assessment.Here,the biodiversity and spatial distribution patterns of jellyfish and their benthic relatives,from the Scyphozoa,Hydrozoa,and Ctenophora taxa(hereafter referred to as SHC),were investigated in the coral reefs of Xisha,China,using environmental DNA(eDNA)metabarcoding technology by collecting shallow seawater,mesophotic seawater,and sediment samples.One-hundred and eighty-eight SHC species spanning two phyla(Cnidaria and Ctenophora),three classes,11 orders,65 families,and 104 genera were identified,among which hydrozoans were the most dominant taxa,accounting for 89.81% of all SHC species.SHC species showed low connectivity between shallow and mesophotic habitats,presenting a clear vertical distribution pattern in coral reefs.In the mesophotic coral ecosystems(MCEs),140 SHC species(84.34%)were detected,of which 39.76% were exclusive to MCEs,with Zanclea sp.1,Orthopyxis integra,and Fabienna sphaerica being the dominant species.Additionally,although SHC diversity in seawater was higher than that in the sediment samples,22 species were identified only in the sediment samples,indicating that sediment eDNA may represent a valuable supplementary tool for the investigation of SHC communities in hot spots.In addition to revealing the vast diversity of SHC species occupying coral reef ecosystems in the Xisha Islands,our findings confirm the potential of eDNA metabarcoding as an advanced tool for monitoring the biodiversity of cryptic species.展开更多
Xishuangbanna harbors valuable tropical rainforests with abundant biod iversity and it is acknowledged as a treasure house of wildlife. By describing t he characteristics of its physical geography, the authors analyze...Xishuangbanna harbors valuable tropical rainforests with abundant biod iversity and it is acknowledged as a treasure house of wildlife. By describing t he characteristics of its physical geography, the authors analyzed the habitat c omplex. The major vegetation types and rare wildlife were systematically studied to indicate the major elements and great value of the biodiversity. The present status of general biodiversity conservation was briefly appraised to reveal the potential crises and problems in the conservation practice. Based on the theori es and experience borrowed from modern conservation biology and innovations at h ome and abroad, 4 primary strategies were accordingly suggested to establish a b eneficial mutual-improvement mechanism for the better conservation so that the b iodiversity conservation and utilization can be properly integrated, the local p eople's livelihood effectively uplifted and their over-dependence on the resourc es relatively lessened.展开更多
基金Supported by Central Guiding Local Science and Technology Development Fund Project Free Exploration Basic Research(YDZJSX20231A002)Yuncheng Salt Lake Ecological Environment Background Investigation and Research Project.
文摘[Objectives]To explore biodiversity characteristics of Yuncheng Salt Lake and provide protection countermeasures.[Methods]According to the field survey data of 978 plant quadrats and cluster analysis,species diversity indicators such as Margalef richness index and Shannon-Wiener index were selected to deeply explore the structure and diversity characteristics of higher plant communities in Yuncheng Salt Lake.[Results]There were 117 species belonging to 97 genera and 35 families of higher plants in Yuncheng Salt Lake,of which Asteraceae and Gramineae were dominant families,and the North Temperate Distribution Genus accounted for 27.35%of the total genera;according to profile coefficient method,the optimal cluster number was 7,which was divided into 7 plant community types,including Artemisia capillaris community and Suaeda glauca(Bunge)community;the Lolium perenne community was the highest(d=2.537),the Artemisia scoparia community was the best(E=0.658),the Suaeda salsa(L.)Pall community was the lowest(H′=1.779),and the spatial distribution of species showed a significant aggregation pattern.[Conclusions]We put forward some countermeasures for biodiversity protection,including constructing dynamic monitoring system,implementing adaptive management strategy and promoting multi-party collaborative governance,so as to provide scientific theoretical basis and practical guidance for ecological restoration and sustainable development of Yuncheng Salt Lake.
文摘The polar regions host one of the harshest and most unique ecosystems on Earth.These habitats,encompassing the Arctic and the Antarctic and from deep-marine sediments to glacial ice/ice sheets,represent one of the final frontiers of terrestrial biological exploration.Traditionally viewed as desolate,ice-covered lands,polar regions are now recognized as vibrant,complex,and highly sensitive ecosystems.
基金financially supported by the National Key Research and Development Program of China(Grant No.2022YFF1301400)the Strategic Priority Research Program of Chinese Academy of Sciences project(Grant No.XDA19050500)。
文摘As global biodiversity continues to decline and ecosystems degrade,mountains are often regarded as crucial refuges for numerous species due to their unique montane environments and relatively unfragmented landscapes.The conservation of mountain biodiversity is a key component of the United Nations Sustainable Development Agenda.Gaining insight into the distribution of montane species and identifying priority conservation areas are essential for effective action.However,such efforts have been relatively limited in China.In this study,we evaluated the contribution of mountains to biodiversity conservation within the country.Our findings indicate that China's mountains support a remarkable percentage of the country's wildlife.They include 95%of mammal species,85%of bird species,89%of amphibian species,85%of reptile species,and 80%of higher plant species.These areas harbor over 90%of China's natural ecosystem subclasses,despite constituting only 65%of the total land area.Approximately a quarter of important sites for mountain biodiversity are covered by protected areas,but some key regions remain unprotected.It is recommended that protection be prioritized in the southeastern Qinghai-Xizang Plateau,the Hengduan Mountains and the Southeastern China Hills,with a focus on narrowly distributed ecosystems,to achieve the biodiversity target and vision.
文摘The insect order Thysanoptera is used as an indicator of the vulnerability to foreign insect invasions of New Caledonian ecosystems—both the unique natural systems, and the agricultural and horticultural systems on which the economy is dependent. A total of 103 species in 67 genera of Thysanoptera are here listed from New Caledonia, in contrast to the 68 species in 44 genera that were recorded 23 years ago. Of the 103 species, 22 are not known from anywhere else in the world. Thus, up to 80% of these insect species have arrived in New Caledonia from other countries, with a very high proportion likely to have been introduced through modern trading patterns, despite vigorous efforts by quarantine services.
基金Funding for this research was provided by the TAČR SS06010420the Czech University of Life Sciences Prague(grant no.IGA A_13_23).
文摘Anthropogenic activities have significantly contributed to the loss and fragmentation of primary forests across the globe,which has accelerated biodiversity decline,particularly among highly specialised species dependent on unique forest structures.Nevertheless,comparative studies between primary and managed forests are scarce,despite their importance for effective monitoring and conservation planning.To address this knowledge gap,we conducted a comparative study using a unique dataset of permanent study plots established across some of the best-preserved,mixed-beech primary forests and their adjacent managed counterparts in the Western Carpathian Mountains.We assessed the effects of forest structure and tree age—determined through extensive dendrochronological reconstructions—on contemporary lichen communities.Lichen species richness and the richness of red-listed species were 26%and 50%higher in primary forests than in managed forests,respectively,highlighting the outstanding conservation importance of primary forests.Generalised least squares(GLS)modelling demonstrated that in managed forests,lichen species richness was strongly associated with structural attributes:It increased with maximum tree age and the diameter of standing deadwood,and decreased with higher basal area(BA)of living trees,likely due to reduced understory light.In contrast,no structural variables significantly explained richness in primary forests,likely due to structural saturation and widespread microhabitat availability.Elevation emerged as the sole variable with significant explanatory strength.These findings underscore the critical role of structural complexity in supporting lichen diversity under different management regimes and provide a robust evidence base for promoting elements such as old trees,deadwood—especially large standing deadwood—and reduced canopy density.At the same time,they reaffirm the irreplaceable value of primary forests as biodiversity refuges and highlight the need for landscape-level conservation strategies that integrate both intact primary and structurally enriched managed forests.
基金funded by the National Overseas High-level Talent Program China(Grants No.41180953 and 41180944)Guangdong Provincial Special Research Grant for the Creation of National Parks(Grant No.2021GJGY034).
文摘China has executed large-scale ecological restoration projects(ERPs)to meet the goals of environmental pro-tection and economic development.Yet,the integrated outcomes of these projects on the biodiversity-eco-environment-society dimensions remain unclear,but when available could be insightful for adaptation and ad-justments,particularly in this United Nations Decade on Ecosystem Restoration(2021-2030).Based on multi-source data,we identified the categories and quantities of large-scale ERP implementation in the county-level.By comparing the time-series multiple factors of implemented vs unimplemented counties,we quantify the con-tributions and compare the relative effects of up to six different ERPs.Combining random forest,spatial autocor-relation,and network analysis,we explore the key factors that affect the contributions of ERPs.Here,we show that the triple dimensions in the low ERP group(regions implementing 0-2 projects)produced better outcomes than the high ERP group(regions implementing 3-5 projects)in relatively developed regions,while the high ERP group has more gains than the low ERP group in relatively less-developed regions.Notably,regional character-istics and different social assets mediate the ERP contributions,while human capital and financial capital have important roles.Overall,the ERPs generated positive contributions and could increase the network stability of multi-dimensions in relatively less-developed regions,but it may lead to imbalances in some factors(i.e.,mam-mal species conservation,and human capital).To continue to minimize the negative effects from past,and to improve the returns of ERP policy and investments,more timely and adaptive management of ERPs are needed,especially in relatively less-developed regions.
基金supported by grant klifW018 of the Bavarian State Ministry for Food,Agriculture and Forestry for funding.
文摘1.In recent years,climate change has led to drought and severe bark beetle infestations,affecting Norway spruce(Picea abies)across Europe,with detrimental consequences for forest owners,the forestry sector and associated industries.As a result,silviculture now faces the challenge of identifying tree species more resilient to these stressors to mitigate the impacts on forest management,forest-dependent economies and rural livelihoods.The North American Douglas-fir(Pseudotsuga menziesii)has emerged as a promising conifer species,better suited to future climate conditions and capable of producing high timber yields.2.Non-native tree species may affect native biodiversity,yet the impacts of Douglas-fir on native forest biodiversity are not clear.A comprehensive review evaluating the impact of Douglas-fir on faunal and floral biodiversity in European forests is lacking.3.Here,we present the results of a systematic literature review on Douglas-fir effects on native biodiversity,focusing on studies conducted in Europe.For arthropods,sufficient studies were found to do more detailed quantitative assessments.For fungi,birds,plants and soil fauna some studies existed,but only qualitative evaluations could be made.Other taxa were not investigated.4.In the present literature,the effects of Douglas-fir inclusion in stands on native biodiversity,compared to stands of solely native tree species,were mostly non-significant(78.6%,based on 32 studies).Positive effects were noted in 12%of cases,while negative effects were observed in 9.4%(total of 1,936 effects).Above-ground fauna was more extensively studied than below-ground fauna.Mechanisms proposed to explain taxa responses were often discussed but not always formally tested.For arthropods,there were varying effects on diversity between studies evaluating different scales(i.e.,tree-scale vs.stand-scale).In general,differences in effects depended on a range of factors,including stand composition and structure,season,and sampling site and period.5.Our review indicates limited evidence of adverse effects of Douglas-fir on biodiversity in European forests,highlighting a significant knowledge gap due to the scarcity of studies.Douglas-fir's impact on biodiversity likely varies depending on the forest type and management practices.Further research in diverse contexts is crucial to determine optimal levels of admixture and guide forest management.
文摘The Polar Regions host one of the harshest and most unique ecosystems on Earth,harboring a diverse array of micro-and macro-organisms.These inhabitants showcase remarkable taxonomic and genetic originality,presenting unparalleled opportunities for bioprospecting,alongside demonstrating extraordinary adaptation mechanisms for survival.Furthermore,polar organisms play crucial roles in facilitating organic matter decomposition,carbon fixation and sequestration,and biogeochemical cycling.Moreover,these organisms serve as pivotal indicators of global climate shifts.Therefore,exploring the polar organisms and ecosystem holds profound and significant implications for gaining deeper insights into scientific frontiers such as global biodiversity,elementary cycling,climate change,resource utilization,and the awe of life in extreme environments.
基金supported by grants from the Strategic Priority Research Program of the Chinese Academy of Sciences (XDA20050201)the National Natural Science Foundation of China (31861143023,31872250 and 31872252)。
文摘Global framework for nature management requires identifying areas of high priority for biodiversity conservation and restoration.The unique environments of Qinghai-Xizang Plateau(QXP) provide irreplaceable habitats for biodiversity which is prominent under future climate change.Despite the recent increase in research interest on conservation priorities,there is a lack of comprehensive and targeted protection strategies for pandemic species under climate change.Here,we compiled an exhaustive dataset with the variables of extinction risk and occurrence records of ectothermic lizards to investigate the conservation priorities in the QXP.We assessed the conservation status of the QXP lizards and identified the priority protected areas within the QXP under future climate scenarios using phylogenetic generalized least squares and ensemble species distribution models.Our analyses suggested nine lizard species to be prioritized for protection,with the most critical priority species being Dopasia gracilis,D.harti,and Phrynocephalus putjatai.Moreover,the priority protected areas covered~4.7%area of the QXP,mostly in the southern QXP and southeastern Hengduan Mountains.Protecting these regions would achieve a conservation effectiveness of≥95%for species richness,phylogenetic and functionaldiversity under climate change.Our findings provide realistic guidance for improving the conservation effectiveness of specific-lizard and-regions in the QXP under climate change.Our“bottom-up”approach could help the conservation efforts of other regions and species as an alternative to“top-down”global maps.
基金supported by the National Natural Science Foundation of China(Grants No.42471287 and 32201422)the Chinese Academy of Sciences。
文摘The share of wind and solar energy in global energy mix is rising rapidly.Despite their great potential for reducing carbon emissions,poorly planned wind and solar farms may encroach on socio-ecologically sensitive areas,threatening biodiversity and Indigenous people's traditional land uses.However,these potential risks associated with wind and solar farm development worldwide are poorly understood.Here,we evaluate the potential biodiversity and Indigenous risks from wind and solar energy development by examining the extent to which global wind and solar farms are situated within or adjacent to socio-ecologically sensitive areas.Our analysis revealed that 13,699 wind and solar farms or 14.4%of the farms'total footprint area are within protected areas,critical habitats,and Indigenous people's lands,occupying a total of 26,840 km^(2)of those socio-ecologically sensitive areas.Wind and solar farms overlap with the distribution ranges of 2,310 threatened amphibians,birds,mammals,and reptiles,accounting for 36.3%of the world's 6,362 threatened vertebrate species.The encroachment of solar and wind farms on sensitive areas mostly occurs in economically developed countries with substantial wind and solar energy facilities,while many developing countries in the tropics tend to have a higher proportion of such farms situated within sensitive areas.Compared to wind farms,solar farms pose greater risks to biodiversity and Indigenous people's lands.These findings provide valuable insights into the socio-ecological risks of wind and solar energy development and highlight the urgent need for strategic planning to mitigate the risks.
文摘Having sown the first seeds of Zoological Research:Diversity and Conservation(ZRDC)in 2024,fond memories of nurturing it to full blossom over the last year now warm our hearts.With revigorated spirits at the advent of spring in 2025,we are now readying ourselves to embark on an intellectually stimulating journey to bring into fruition our vision of delivering a magnificent journal that will open new frontiers in biodiversity conservation.
基金supported by Joint Research Project of Chinese Academy of Sciences and Qinghai Provincial People’s Government on Three-River-Source National Park(E2X2931601)the National Natural Science Foundation of China(42230510)the Second Qinghai-Tibet Plateau Scientific Expedition and Research Program(2019QZKK0401).
文摘Biodiversity mainstreaming remains among the most persistent gaps in global environmental governance.China’s national park reforms provide a large-scale empirical test of mainstreaming in practice.By unifying fragmented protected areas,consolidating governance mandates,aligning cross-sector policies,and formalizing inclusive stewardship,the reforms have delivered measurable gains in flagship species recovery,ecosystem service resilience,and community participation.Yet its transformative potential is constrained by limited penetration into non-conservation sectors,uneven adaptive capacity,and incomplete social integration.We distill three transferable principles-coherence,consolidation,and co-production-and outline instruments to embed biodiversity imperatives beyond protected areas into infrastructure,agriculture,and regional planning.Achieving the Kunming-Montreal Global Biodiversity Framework will require moving beyond isolated conservation enclaves toward integrated policy ecologies that can durably reconcile biodiversity outcomes with equitable human well-being.
文摘Biodiversity is closely related to human well-being and is an important foundation for human survival and development.Currently,there is a significant funding gap in biodiversity conservation in various regions.How to leverage financial resources in key areas such as financial support for biodiversity conservation,value conversion of ecological products,and green inclusive finance has become an increasingly concerned field and an actively explored direction.This article reviews the relevant policies that have been issued in Jilin Province regarding biodiversity conservation,providing guidance for the formulation of investment and financing policies.In practice,Jilin Province has explored investment and financing models through multiple channels.In terms of finance,it has strengthened the coordination of financial resources at all levels in accordance with the principle of matching fiscal powers and expenditure responsibilities,and increased support for biodiversity conservation through existing funding channels.At the same time,it has actively studied the establishment of market-oriented and socialized investment and financing mechanisms and encouraged the participation of social capital.Through the research on the investment and financing policies and practices for biodiversity in Jilin Province,this article analyzes the existing bottlenecks in green finance support for biodiversity,aiming to provide reference for further improving relevant policies,optimizing the allocation and use of funds,and enhancing the level of biodiversity conservation.
基金funded by the National Natural Science Foun-dation of China(Grant No.41925005)the National Key R&D Pro-gram of China(Grant No.2024YFF1306103)the Second Tibetan Plateau Scientific Expedition and Research Program(STEP)(Grant No.2019QZKK0307).
文摘The Qinghai-Xizang Plateau serves as an extensive gene pool for plateau species and a crucial focal point for global biodiversity conservation.Being a climate-sensitive region,the impacts of climate change have led to habitat loss,population extinction,and ecological imbalances,posing formidable challenges to the sustained ef-fectiveness of existing protected areas.Despite substantial advancements in understanding species distribution,assessing habitat changes,and evaluating the efficiency of protected areas in recent decades,comprehensive evaluations encompassing all protected species are lacking,impeding conservation strategies.In this study,we gathered 137,856 observations,encompassing 2,605 species,and utilized the MaxEnt model to simulate changes in the current distribution patterns of endangered species and suitable habitats under future scenarios.We further proposed a climate smart approach to optimize the boundaries of protected areas in response to climate change.Key findings indicate that(1)the Qinghai-Xizang Plateau harbors 2,605 endangered species,constituting 34.04%of the total endangered species catalog in China;(2)current high-adaptation habitats of Qinghai-Xizang Plateau cover a mere 7%of the plateau,showing minimal alteration in protected efficiency under climate change sce-narios(0.50%increase);(3)incorporating the effects of climate change in adjusting protected area boundaries enhances their efficiency by an average of 20.52%.Our proposed methodology holds promise for safeguard-ing endangered species on the Qinghai-Xizang Plateau and offers significant implications for analogous regions worldwide.
基金supported by the National Key Research and De-velopment Program(Grant No.2023YFE0122300)the Hunan Provin-cial Natural Science Foundation of China(Grant No.2024JJ8351)the Fundamental Research Funds for the Central Universities(Grant No.S20230127).
文摘Effective preservation of Key Biodiversity Areas(KBAs)is crucial to address biodiversity loss.Human-induced disturbance in these vital sites can exacerbate species extinction and challenge the Kunming-Montreal Global Biodiversity Framework(GBF).This study delves into the human disturbance and protection in terrestrial KBAs worldwide,focusing particularly on habitat fragmentation to devise tailored conservation strategies.Our results reveal widespread human disturbance across global KBAs,with an average Human Footprint Index of 12.3 and a disturbance rate of 62%.Only one-fifth of KBAs are fully safeguarded by protected areas,and a significant portion remains unprotected,with even many highly protected sites under severe disturbance.Globally,human activities have led to substantial implicit habitat fragmentation in KBAs,resulting in a 70%average decline in habitat size,with less than half of KBAs maintaining well-connected active habitats.These findings inform the classification of KBAs for priority conservation,with 80%requiring both intensity regulation and spatial planning of human activities.Higher levels of human disturbance do not necessarily lead to more severe fragmentation,underscoring the potential for relocating or planning human activities to mitigate fragmentation.This research serves as a foundational assessment of human impacts on KBAs,providing a basis for KBA management and global conservation efforts to meet GBF goals.
基金funded by the Joint CAS-MPG Research Project(HZXM20225001MI)this research was also supported partly by the key program of National Natural Science Foundation of China(42230708)the Tianshan Talent Project of Xinjiang Uygur Autonomous Region,China(2022TSYCLJ0056).
文摘Central Asia(CA)faces escalating threats from increasing temperature,glacier retreat,biodiversity loss,unsustainable water use,terminal lake shrinkage,and soil salinization,all of which challenge the balance between ecological integrity and socio-economic development essential for achieving Sustainable Development Goals.However,a comprehensive understanding of priority areas from a multi-dimensional perspective is lacking,hindering effective conservation and development strategies.To address this,we developed a comprehensive assessment framework with a tailored indicator system,enabling a spatial evaluation of CA’s priority areas by integrating biodiversity,ecosystem services(ESs),and human activities.Combining zonation and geographical detectors,this approach facilitates spatial prioritization and examines ecological and socio-economic heterogeneity.Our findings reveal a heterogeneous distribution of priority areas across CA,with significant concentrations in eastern mountainous regions,river valleys,and oasis agricultural lands.We identified 184 key districts crucial for ecological and societal sustainability.Attribution analysis shows that natural factors like soil types,precipitation,and evapotranspiration significantly shape these areas,influencing human activities and the distribution of biodiversity and ESs.Multi-dimensional analysis indicates existing protected areas cover only 15%of the top 30%priority areas,revealing substantial conservation gaps.Additionally,a 38%overlap between ESs and human activities,along with 63.25%congruence in integrated areas,underscores significant human impacts on ecological systems and their dependency on ESs.Given CA’s limited resources,it is crucial to implement measures that strengthen conservation efforts,align ecological preservation with socio-economic demands,and enhance resource efficiency through sustainable integrated land and water resource management.
基金Supported by the National Science&Technology Fundamental Resources Investigation Program of China(No.2022FY100603)the Key Project of the NSFC-Shandong Joint Fund(No.U2106208)+1 种基金the National Key Research and Development Program of China(No.2023YFC3108200)the Taishan Scholars Program(No.tsqn202211263)。
文摘Coral reefs support a wide range of organisms in the world,including jellyfish and their benthic relatives.However,quantifying the biodiversity of these organisms in reefs is a challenge because of their uneven distribution and cryptic early life stages,requiring the validation of alternative techniques for biodiversity assessment.Here,the biodiversity and spatial distribution patterns of jellyfish and their benthic relatives,from the Scyphozoa,Hydrozoa,and Ctenophora taxa(hereafter referred to as SHC),were investigated in the coral reefs of Xisha,China,using environmental DNA(eDNA)metabarcoding technology by collecting shallow seawater,mesophotic seawater,and sediment samples.One-hundred and eighty-eight SHC species spanning two phyla(Cnidaria and Ctenophora),three classes,11 orders,65 families,and 104 genera were identified,among which hydrozoans were the most dominant taxa,accounting for 89.81% of all SHC species.SHC species showed low connectivity between shallow and mesophotic habitats,presenting a clear vertical distribution pattern in coral reefs.In the mesophotic coral ecosystems(MCEs),140 SHC species(84.34%)were detected,of which 39.76% were exclusive to MCEs,with Zanclea sp.1,Orthopyxis integra,and Fabienna sphaerica being the dominant species.Additionally,although SHC diversity in seawater was higher than that in the sediment samples,22 species were identified only in the sediment samples,indicating that sediment eDNA may represent a valuable supplementary tool for the investigation of SHC communities in hot spots.In addition to revealing the vast diversity of SHC species occupying coral reef ecosystems in the Xisha Islands,our findings confirm the potential of eDNA metabarcoding as an advanced tool for monitoring the biodiversity of cryptic species.
文摘Xishuangbanna harbors valuable tropical rainforests with abundant biod iversity and it is acknowledged as a treasure house of wildlife. By describing t he characteristics of its physical geography, the authors analyzed the habitat c omplex. The major vegetation types and rare wildlife were systematically studied to indicate the major elements and great value of the biodiversity. The present status of general biodiversity conservation was briefly appraised to reveal the potential crises and problems in the conservation practice. Based on the theori es and experience borrowed from modern conservation biology and innovations at h ome and abroad, 4 primary strategies were accordingly suggested to establish a b eneficial mutual-improvement mechanism for the better conservation so that the b iodiversity conservation and utilization can be properly integrated, the local p eople's livelihood effectively uplifted and their over-dependence on the resourc es relatively lessened.
