Dear Editor,Mountain systems have long been refuges for many species,often viewed as"islands"that promote speciation due to geographic isolation(Rahbek et al.,2019).Their high environmental heterogeneity fos...Dear Editor,Mountain systems have long been refuges for many species,often viewed as"islands"that promote speciation due to geographic isolation(Rahbek et al.,2019).Their high environmental heterogeneity fosters centers of endemism,and they harbor over 85%of global species diversity(Zhao et al.,2022).Consequently,mountains are key systems for exploring biodiversity patterns along elevational gradients,where species richness often follows four recognized models:monotonic decrease,unimodal pattern(forward and backward peak patterns),and low plateau followed by a decrease along the elevational gradient(McCain et al.,2010).展开更多
Sikkim,located in the Eastern Himalayan Region,represents one of the 36 globally recognized biodiversity hotspots and harbors an exceptional range of ecosystems within a relatively small geographic area.Over the past ...Sikkim,located in the Eastern Himalayan Region,represents one of the 36 globally recognized biodiversity hotspots and harbors an exceptional range of ecosystems within a relatively small geographic area.Over the past few decades,the region has witnessed rapid urbanization alongside other developmental activities such as hydropower construction,road expansion,mining and infrastructure development.While these processes have contributed to socioeconomic development,they have simultaneously exerted significant pressure on the fragile mountain environment.This review examines the impacts of urbanization on biodiversity in the Sikkim Himalaya drawing attention to the ways in which land-use change due to urbanization,habitat fragmentation and economic development have altered ecological dynamics and threatened biodiversity of this region.The findings of the current study suggest that unplanned urban growth has led to the degradation of forest cover,disruption of ecological corridors thereby diminishing ecosystem resilience of the region.In addition,the current study highlights the challenges of balancing developmental imperatives with environmental conservation in the study area where both ecological integrity and human livelihoods are intricately interdependent.This study highlights the urgent need for integrated land-use planning that incorporates ecological corridors,urban green spaces,and community-based conservation to mitigate biodiversity loss.Strengthened governance, sustainable tourism, invasive species control, and systematic biodiversity monitoring are essential tobalance urban development with ecological integrity. Most importantly, holistic and interdisciplinary approaches arecritical to ensuring that urban growth in the Global Biodiversity Hotspot of the Sikkim Himalaya aligns with globalbiodiversity conservation goals and the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs).展开更多
Reconciling biodiversity conservation with economic advancement represents a defining challenge of the Anthropocene epoch.Although ecotourism is widely promoted as a strategy capable of delivering both environmental a...Reconciling biodiversity conservation with economic advancement represents a defining challenge of the Anthropocene epoch.Although ecotourism is widely promoted as a strategy capable of delivering both environmental and developmental benefits,empirical evidence regarding its ecological and socioeconomic impacts remains limited.This study critically examined the Hide-in-Bird Pond(HIBP)model,a rapidly expanding,community-based avitourism framework in China that integrates targeted wildlife provisioning with concealed infrastructure for bird observation,simultaneously establishing a novel income source for economically marginalized rural regions through ecotourism.Semi-structured online interviews were conducted with 98 HIBP operators,and thematic analysis was applied to evaluate current developmental patterns,spatial distribution,and conservation outcomes.A total of 251 HIBP sites were identified across China,predominantly located in biodiversity-rich but economically marginalized regions.These sites collectively supported 524 bird species—36%of China's avifauna—including 148 species classified as nationally protected or threatened(38%of nationally listed bird taxa).These findings suggest that HIBP can serve as an integrative socio-ecological platform that aligns conservation objectives with sustainable rural development.However,the absence of standardized governance frameworks and ecological safeguards poses significant risks to biodiversity an d long-term sustainability.Implementation of science-based adaptive management systems,incorporating systematic biodiversity monitoring,inclusive stakeholder coordination,and certified sustainable tourism protocols,is critical to ensure ecological integrity and sectoral resilience.These findings offer novel insights into aligning conservation objectives with economic development across regions characterized by high biodiversity and persistent economic disadvantage.展开更多
Nereididae is a prolific annelid family widely distributed in the world oceans,especially in the Indo-Pacific Convergence Zone(IPCZ).However,its biogeographic pattern remains unexplored in IPCZ.To contribute to the un...Nereididae is a prolific annelid family widely distributed in the world oceans,especially in the Indo-Pacific Convergence Zone(IPCZ).However,its biogeographic pattern remains unexplored in IPCZ.To contribute to the understanding of biodiversity and biogeography of Nereididae in the IPCZ,we integrated historical data of species distributions with those of model-predicted ones to determine the biogeographic patterns of nereid species,from which we projected to its future distribution patterns for 2090-2100 under different climate scenarios(SSP1-1.9 and SSP5-8.5).Functional diversity within IPCZ was assessed using functional richness,functional evenness,and functional disparity.Divergence times within Nereididae were estimated using three DNA marker genes(COI,16S,and 18S rRNA),and a time tree was constructed based on a strict molecular clock model.The IPCZ was established as a key Nereididae biodiversity hotspot through distribution modelling of 256 species(44 genera),and temperature emerging as the predominant climatic driver of species distribution patterns.The distribution of species and functional diversity is notable for its non-centralized pattern.We projected that by the end of the century,areas of medium-to-high species richness will expand significantly under the low-emission SSP1-1.9 climate scenario.However,under the high-emission SSP5-8.5 scenario,the suitability of these regions significantly declines,posing an increasingly severe threat to biodiversity.In addition,by molecular clock analysis,we revealed that the evolutionary divergence of extant nereidid species occurred mainly in the Cretaceous and Jurassic,suggesting that paleogeographical and environmental events,such as oceanic anoxic events,might have played a pivotal role in shaping the evolutionary trajectory and ecological adaptations of marine annelids.These findings highlight the importance of considering both current biodiversity patterns and historical contexts in conservation planning,and provided insights into the potential factors on the biogeographic distribution and evolutionary processes of Nereididae.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
[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
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
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
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
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
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
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
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
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
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
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
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
基金supported by grants from the National Natural Science Foundation of China(Grant No.32360333)the Guizhou Provincial Science and Technology Projects(Grant Nos.ZK[2022]540 and[2023]099)+1 种基金the Survey of Amphibian and Reptile Resources in Leigongshan National Nature Reserve and Literature Publishing Services(P5226002023000019)the Guizhou Provincial Science and Technology Innovation Talent Team Construction Project 2024[Qian Ke He Talent CXTD(2025)053].
文摘Dear Editor,Mountain systems have long been refuges for many species,often viewed as"islands"that promote speciation due to geographic isolation(Rahbek et al.,2019).Their high environmental heterogeneity fosters centers of endemism,and they harbor over 85%of global species diversity(Zhao et al.,2022).Consequently,mountains are key systems for exploring biodiversity patterns along elevational gradients,where species richness often follows four recognized models:monotonic decrease,unimodal pattern(forward and backward peak patterns),and low plateau followed by a decrease along the elevational gradient(McCain et al.,2010).
文摘Sikkim,located in the Eastern Himalayan Region,represents one of the 36 globally recognized biodiversity hotspots and harbors an exceptional range of ecosystems within a relatively small geographic area.Over the past few decades,the region has witnessed rapid urbanization alongside other developmental activities such as hydropower construction,road expansion,mining and infrastructure development.While these processes have contributed to socioeconomic development,they have simultaneously exerted significant pressure on the fragile mountain environment.This review examines the impacts of urbanization on biodiversity in the Sikkim Himalaya drawing attention to the ways in which land-use change due to urbanization,habitat fragmentation and economic development have altered ecological dynamics and threatened biodiversity of this region.The findings of the current study suggest that unplanned urban growth has led to the degradation of forest cover,disruption of ecological corridors thereby diminishing ecosystem resilience of the region.In addition,the current study highlights the challenges of balancing developmental imperatives with environmental conservation in the study area where both ecological integrity and human livelihoods are intricately interdependent.This study highlights the urgent need for integrated land-use planning that incorporates ecological corridors,urban green spaces,and community-based conservation to mitigate biodiversity loss.Strengthened governance, sustainable tourism, invasive species control, and systematic biodiversity monitoring are essential tobalance urban development with ecological integrity. Most importantly, holistic and interdisciplinary approaches arecritical to ensuring that urban growth in the Global Biodiversity Hotspot of the Sikkim Himalaya aligns with globalbiodiversity conservation goals and the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs).
基金supported by the Gaoligong Mountain Ecological Function Enhancement and Sustainable Development Technology Research(202303AC1000120303)Gaoligong Mountain Ecological Function Enhancement and Invasive Plant Species Prevention and Control Technology Project(2022YFF130240304)National Key R&D Program of China(2022YFC2602500)。
文摘Reconciling biodiversity conservation with economic advancement represents a defining challenge of the Anthropocene epoch.Although ecotourism is widely promoted as a strategy capable of delivering both environmental and developmental benefits,empirical evidence regarding its ecological and socioeconomic impacts remains limited.This study critically examined the Hide-in-Bird Pond(HIBP)model,a rapidly expanding,community-based avitourism framework in China that integrates targeted wildlife provisioning with concealed infrastructure for bird observation,simultaneously establishing a novel income source for economically marginalized rural regions through ecotourism.Semi-structured online interviews were conducted with 98 HIBP operators,and thematic analysis was applied to evaluate current developmental patterns,spatial distribution,and conservation outcomes.A total of 251 HIBP sites were identified across China,predominantly located in biodiversity-rich but economically marginalized regions.These sites collectively supported 524 bird species—36%of China's avifauna—including 148 species classified as nationally protected or threatened(38%of nationally listed bird taxa).These findings suggest that HIBP can serve as an integrative socio-ecological platform that aligns conservation objectives with sustainable rural development.However,the absence of standardized governance frameworks and ecological safeguards poses significant risks to biodiversity an d long-term sustainability.Implementation of science-based adaptive management systems,incorporating systematic biodiversity monitoring,inclusive stakeholder coordination,and certified sustainable tourism protocols,is critical to ensure ecological integrity and sectoral resilience.These findings offer novel insights into aligning conservation objectives with economic development across regions characterized by high biodiversity and persistent economic disadvantage.
基金Supported by the Strategic Priority Research Program of the Chinese Academy of Sciences(No.XDB42000000)the National Natural Science Foundation of China(No.42376092)the Marine S&T Fund of Shandong Province for Pilot National Laboratory for Marine Science and Technology(No.2022QNLM030004)。
文摘Nereididae is a prolific annelid family widely distributed in the world oceans,especially in the Indo-Pacific Convergence Zone(IPCZ).However,its biogeographic pattern remains unexplored in IPCZ.To contribute to the understanding of biodiversity and biogeography of Nereididae in the IPCZ,we integrated historical data of species distributions with those of model-predicted ones to determine the biogeographic patterns of nereid species,from which we projected to its future distribution patterns for 2090-2100 under different climate scenarios(SSP1-1.9 and SSP5-8.5).Functional diversity within IPCZ was assessed using functional richness,functional evenness,and functional disparity.Divergence times within Nereididae were estimated using three DNA marker genes(COI,16S,and 18S rRNA),and a time tree was constructed based on a strict molecular clock model.The IPCZ was established as a key Nereididae biodiversity hotspot through distribution modelling of 256 species(44 genera),and temperature emerging as the predominant climatic driver of species distribution patterns.The distribution of species and functional diversity is notable for its non-centralized pattern.We projected that by the end of the century,areas of medium-to-high species richness will expand significantly under the low-emission SSP1-1.9 climate scenario.However,under the high-emission SSP5-8.5 scenario,the suitability of these regions significantly declines,posing an increasingly severe threat to biodiversity.In addition,by molecular clock analysis,we revealed that the evolutionary divergence of extant nereidid species occurred mainly in the Cretaceous and Jurassic,suggesting that paleogeographical and environmental events,such as oceanic anoxic events,might have played a pivotal role in shaping the evolutionary trajectory and ecological adaptations of marine annelids.These findings highlight the importance of considering both current biodiversity patterns and historical contexts in conservation planning,and provided insights into the potential factors on the biogeographic distribution and evolutionary processes of Nereididae.
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.
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 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.
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 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 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.
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.
