Community structure and species diversity dynamics of a subtropical evergreen broad-leaved forest in China:2005 to 2020

Here,we characterize the temporal and spatial dynamics of forest community structure and species diversity in a subtropical evergreen broad-leaved forest in China.We found that community structure in this forest changed over a 15-year period.Specifically,renewal and death of common species was large,with the renewal of individuals mainly concentrated within a few populations,especially those of Aidia canthioides and Cryptocarya concinna.The numbers of individual deaths for common species were concentrated in the small and mid-diameter level.The spatial distribution of community species diversity fluctuated in each monitoring period,showing a more dispersed diversity after the 15-year study period,and the coefficient of variation on quadrats increased.In 2010,the death and renewal of the community and the spatial variation of species diversity were different compared to other survey years.Extreme weather may have affected species regeneration and community stability in our subtropical monsoon evergreen broad-leaved forests.Our findings suggest that strengthening the monitoring and management of the forest community will help better understand the long-and short-term causes of dynamic fluctuations of community structure and species diversity,and reveal the factors that drive changes in community structure.

Species’ geographical range, environmental range and traits lead to specimen collection preference of dominant plant species of grasslands in Northern China

Many different factors,such as species traits,socio-economic factors,geographical and environmental factors,can lead to specimen collection preference.This study aims to determine whether grassland specimen collection in China is preferred by species traits(i.e.,plant height,flowering and fruiting period),environmental range(i.e.,the temperature and precipitation range)and geographical range(i.e.,distribution range and altitudinal range).Ordinary least squares models and phylogenetic generalized linear mixed models were used to analyze the relationships between specimen number and the explanatory variables.Random Forest models were then used to find the most parsimonious multivariate model.The results showed that interannual variation in specimen number between 1900 and 2020 was considerable.Specimen number of these species in southeast China was notably lower than that in northwest China.Environmental range and geographical range of species had significant positive correlations with specimen number.In addition,there were relatively weak but significant associations between specimen number and species trait(i.e.,plant height and flowering and fruiting period).Random Forest models indicated that distribution range was the most important variable,followed by flowering and fruiting period,and altitudinal range.These findings suggest that future floristic surveys should pay more attention to species with small geographical range,narrow environmental range,short plant height,and short flowering and fruiting period.The correction of specimen collection preference will also make the results of species distribution model,species evolution and other works based on specimen data more accurate.

Molecular analyses display the increasing diversity of Podostemaceae in China

Podostemaceae(riverweed family),one of the largest aquatic plant families in the world,comprises about 350 species in 51 genera placed in three subfamilies,Podostemoideae,Weddellinoideae,and Tristichoideae(Koi et al.,2022).Most Podostemaceae genera(~38)are monotypic or oligotypic,with a high level of endemism(Koi et al.,2018,2022).Members of Podostemaceae adhere to rocks in fast-flowing rivers,streams,or waterfalls in the subtropics and tropics(Koi et al.,2018).As an adaptation to fastrunning currents,the morphological structure of river-weeds tends to be extremely reduced,including a loss or reduction of primary shoots or roots(Koi and Kato,2007).The vegetative mass of these plants resembles lichens or bryophytes,and are thus known commonly as“dream bryophytes”(Philbrick and Retana,1998).Podostemaceae plants flower when the water level drops during the dry season.In recent years,anthropogenic factors and climate change have severely affected river weed habitats,decreasing populations of these plants.

Achievements and challenges of primate conservation in China

The dual impact of climate change and human activities has precipitated a sharp decline in primate biodiversity globally.China is home to the most diverse primate species in the Northern hemisphere,which face severe ecological threats due to the expansion of modern agriculture,extensive exploitation and consumption of natural resources,and excessive land development during its transition from an agricultural to a modern society.In response,China has implemented various ecological conservation measures,including habitat restoration and protection.These efforts have made substantial strides in biodiversity conservation,with certain regions witnessing an increase in primate populations.In the current study,we conducted a systematic review of historical documents and field research data related to Chinese primates,evaluating the endangered status of primate species in China.Despite improvements in the habitats of most primate species and some population growth,many species still face severe threats,including declining and small populations.Species such as the Myanmar snub-nosed monkey(Rhinopithecus strykeri),eastern black crested gibbon(Nomascus nasutus),and Hainan gibbon(N.hainanus)remain particularly vulnerable due to their limited distribution ranges and extremely small populations.Insufficient scientific data,fragmented information,and not enough studies in conservation biology further compound the challenges.Moreover,there is a notable lack of detailed population monitoring data for species such as the Bengal slow loris(Nycticebus bengalensis),pygmy slow loris(N.pygmaeus),Indochinese gray langur(Trachypithecus crepusculus),Shortridge’s langur(T.shortridgei),and capped langur(T.pileatus),which hinders the development of practical and targeted conservation management strategies.Therefore,for national biodiversity conservation,there is an urgent need for specialized primate surveys,enhancing habitat protection and restoration,and increasing focus on cross-border conservation strategies and regional cooperation.There is also a need to establish a comprehensive and systematic research database platform,conduct continuous and in-depth research in primate biology,and actively engage in the scientific assessment of ecotourism.Additionally,strengthening public awareness and education on wildlife conservation remains essential.Such integrated and systematic efforts will provide scientific support for the current and future conservation and management of primate species in China.

Molecular phylogeny and taxonomy of Phlomoides(Lamiaceae subfamily Lamioideae)in China:Insights from molecular and morphological data

Phlomoides,with 150-170 species,is the second largest and perhaps most taxonomically challenging genus within the subfamily Lamioideae(Lamiaceae).With about 60 species,China is one of three major biodiversity centers of Phlomoides.Although some Phlomoides species from China have been included in previous molecular phylogenetic studies,a robust and broad phylogeny of this lineage has yet to be completed.Moreover,given the myriad new additions to the genus,the existing infrageneric classification needs to be evaluated and revised.Here,we combine molecular and morphological data to investigate relationships within Phlomoides,with a focus on Chinese species.We observed that plastid DNA sequences can resolve relationships within Phlomoides better than nuclear ribosomal internal and external transcribed spacer regions(nrITS and nrETS).Molecular phylogenetic analyses confirm the monophyly of Phlomoides,but most previously defined infrageneric groups are not monophyletic.In addition,morphological analysis demonstrates the significant taxonomic value of eight characters to the genus.Based on our molecular phylogenetic analyses and morphological data,we establish a novel section Notochaete within Phlomoides,and propose three new combinations as well as three new synonyms.This study presents the first molecular phylogenetic analyses of Phlomoides in which taxa representative of the entire genus are included,and highlights the phylogenetic and taxonomic value of several morphological characters from species of Phlomoides from China.Our study suggests that a taxonomic revision and reclassification for the entire genus is necessary in the future.

Community Perception of Riparian Corridors Ecosystem Services and Implications for Environmental Education in Upper Oueme Catchment in Benin, West Africa

The assessment of the local community perception of the value of riparian corridors is relevant to understand their attitude towards the conservation of such ecosystem. We conducted a semi-structured survey on the perception and importance attributed to the ecosystem services (ESs) provided by riparian corridors in 368 households across 70 villages located in a buffer zone of 5 km of servitude around the permanent rivers of the Upper Oueme watershed in Benin. We found that local communities easily reported provisioning and cultural ESs than regulating and supporting ones, indicating their misunderstanding of the main role of riparian corridor. Moreover, the supply of cropping areas was perceived as the most important ES. Educated respondents and high-income households had more knowledge of regulating ESs and supporting ESs, respectively. Overall, the highly perceived importance of the provision of cropping areas indicates a potential risk of agricultural encroachment of riparian corridors. We suggest the consideration of the current local perception of riparian corridor’s role in designing a sound environmental education aiming at the change of local population’s perception. This perception shift will promote a sustainable management of the riparian corridors.

Socioenvironmental Drivers of Farmers’ Perceptions of Climate Change Risk in Agroforestry Parklands of West Atacora in Benin (West Africa)

Throughout the world, climate change is threatening the human population. In West Africa, smallholder farmers in indigenous agricultural societies typically hold considerable knowledge. Therefore, this study was conducted in West Atacora of Benin Republic to assess the drivers of farmers’ perceptions of climate change risk. We used a random sampling technique to select 360 households’ heads who were interviewed regarding different climate change risks perception. Binomial logistic regression was used to assess the drivers of farmers’ perceptions of climate change risks. The results showed that the farmers in drier areas had a higher perception of the global risk of climate change than those in humid areas. The same trend was observed for the seven different individual’s climate change risk investigated. The study identified also membership of farm organizations as main sociodemographic characteristic that explains farmers’ perception of climate change risk perception. These findings are helpful tools to sensitize the local people on climate change risk and cope with the risk in agricultural lands.

Diversity and Structure of the Woody Stand in a Sudano-Sahelian Transition Zone in Senegal

The main objective of the study was to investigate the diversity of the woody stratum of the vegetation in intercommunity rangelands in the department of Koungheul based on an ecological inventory using vegetation surveys. The results indicate a rich flora of 70 species divided into 54 genera and 27 families where Ceasalpiniaceae and Rubiaceae are dominant (5 genera each). They are followed by Combretaceae and Euphorbiacea (4 genera each) and by Capparaceae, Fabaceae and Mimosaceae (3 genera for each family). But at the specific level, it is the Combretaceae which dominates with 10 species and Rubiaceae (7 species). It is more representative at the level of the rural community of Lour Esacale. The different values of vegetation parameters from one site to another indicate variability in community rangeland management practices. The woody stand, dominated by small Combretaceae, shows a relatively stable level of organization with an average equitability of about 45% for the two rural communities studied. Species such as Cordyla pinnata, Sclerocarya birrea, Adansonia digitata and Sterculia setigera contributed strongly to the basal and aerial cover of the overall stand. The regeneration of the stand is very good (about 85% on average) but it represents very few species, especially of the Combretaceae family. This shows a tendency to a progressive loss of species richness in the woody stratum.

Evaluation of Agricultural Contamination Level by Heavy Metals and Pesticides in Sediments of Rivers and Water Bodies for Shrimp Fishing in the Lower Ouémé: Case of the Aguigadji, Ahlan and Sele Stations in Benin

This study assessed sediment contamination by heavy metals and pesticide active ingredients linked to chemical inputs used in agricultural activities in the lower Ouémé. Pesticide residues from the organochlorine, pyrethroid and organophosphorus families were investigated by gas chromatography, and heavy metals (Cd, Pb, As, Ni, Zn, Fe, Mg, Cr and Hg) by atomic absorption spectrophotometry. The metallic pollution indices, the contamination factor (CF) and the ecological risk index were calculated. The results revealed 8 active ingredients in the rainy season and 9 in the dry season. Glyphosate was the active ingredient with the highest concentration at all stations, 9.65 ± 0.84 mg/kg recorded in the dry season at the Aguigadji station. All glyphosate values were above the EQS. DDT, Atrazine and Endosulfan also showed high concentrations in the dry and rainy seasons. Emamectin, Abamectin and Lambda Cyhalothrin also showed high concentrations in the dry season at Aguigadji, Ahlan and Sele. Only glyphosate was recorded at the control station (Toho), but in very low concentrations. Lead showed the highest concentrations at all the stations, 265.96 ± 21.02 mg/Kg in the rainy season and 255.38 ± 79.09 mg/Kg in the dry season, all detected at the Aguigadji station and above the EQS. Zn, Ni, Fe, Cu and Cr were all representative in both the dry and rainy seasons at the contaminated stations. Manganese showed high concentrations in the rainy season. Pb showed very high contamination (FC ≥ 6) at the Aguigadji and Ahlan stations and significant contamination (3 ≤ FC 6) at the Sele station in both the rainy and dry seasons. Ni, Hg and Cd, showed either moderate or significant contamination at the contaminated stations. The risk values showed a considerable ecological Ri (190 ≤ Ri < 380) in the rainy season and a moderate ecological Ri (95 ≤ Ri < 190) in the dry season at these contaminated stations.

Fluctuating Asymmetry of Elopes lacerta (Valenciennes, 1847) Otoliths in the Western African Waters

The importance of this study lies in the in-depth exploration of the ecological diversity of otoliths in Elopes lacerta, based on the analysis of data from 260 individuals collected from various sites, including the Porto Novo lagoon, the Cotonou lagoon, Lake Nokou, and the Atlantic coast in southern Benin. The results highlight significant variations in otolith morphology, establishing relevant links with the biological parameters of the fish at each site. Exploration of the asymmetry between the right and left sides reveals notable distinctions between these two aspects. Analysis of otolith shape thus emerges as a valuable tool for discriminating between stocks and providing a better understanding of ecological variations. The local diversity observed highlights the crucial importance of implementing adaptive management strategies to ensure effective conservation of the species and its habitat.

Analysis of Otolith Shape as a Tool for Discriminating Stocks of Cassava Croaker (Pseudotolithus senegalensis) in Beninese Waters

This study examined the right and left otoliths of 174 individuals of Pseudotolithus senegalensis from the Porto-Novo lagoon, Lake Nokoué and the Atlantic coast. The results show a significant variation in the population according to geographic location. Mixed-effects linear analysis showed no significant variation by site, side or sex (p > 0.05). Analysis of otolith shape using ANOVA showed significant differences for length, width and area (p 0.05). Canonical discriminant analysis revealed significant differences between sites (p < 0.05). Finally, shape analyses showed significant differences between sites (p = 0.0001) and between right and left sides (p = 0.007), but no difference by sex (p = 0.395). The study of otolith morphology is therefore proving to be a valuable tool for differentiating stocks and understanding ecological variations.

Growth of the Earthworm Millsonia omodeoi and Its Capacity to Accumulate Five Heavy Metals (HM) in Soils along a Toll Highway in Côte d’Ivoire

The roads in correlation with the traffic linked to their existences are at the origin of the emission of numerous polluting substances likely to induce disturbances of the growth and the behavioral changes in the organisms living in their vicinities. The purpose of this study is to analyze the growth and capacity accumulation of a common earthworm species (Millsonia omodeoi) in Cu, Cr, Ni, Pb and Zn in soils along a main road called “Autoroute du Nord” in C?te d’Ivoire. Thus, the earthworms were harvested in soils from a distance of 0 m (just after the sidewalk) to a distance of 200 m from the toll highway and in a control soil sampled in Lamto reserve (C?te d’Ivoire). The study was carried out in the soil laboratory at the ecological station of Lamto reserve. The Ford-Walford technique was used to determine the model and parameters most appropriated for describing the growth of earthworms. A pairwise comparison of the growth parameters was carried out using the Kruskal-Wallis test with the STATISTICA 7.1 software. The heavy metals contained in the cultivated soils and earthworms were detected and quantified using a Scanning Electron Micro-scope (MEB FEG Supra 40 VP Zeiss) and an Atomic Absorption Spectrometer SPECTRA 110 (VARIAN). The capacity accumulation of heavy metals in earthworm was determined by the bioaccumulation factor (BAF) calculation. The results of this study showed that Gompertz is the most appropriated model to describe the growth of M. omodeoi. The life cycle of M. omodeoi shows that this earthworm adopts a K type demographic strategy. Cu is the most accumulated heavy metals in M. omodeoi, when Cr is the least accumulated. Concerning heavy metal content in the earthworms, it decreases while moving away from the pavement. These results highlight a possibility of choice of M. omodeoi as 1) indicators of heavy metals pollution and 2) target of biological organisms for environmental impact studies.

Impact of Dewatering on the Spatio-Temporal Distribution of Benthic Macroinvertebrate Communities in the Okpara River, Benin

Surface watercourses are areas of very high ecological and heritage value. Macroinvertebrates are bioindicators of the health of aquatic ecosystems. The aim of this study was to assess the effects of dewatering and re-watering cycles on benthic macroinvertebrate (BMI) communities. Two data collections were carried out at two stations (Okpara 1 and Okpara 2) on the Okpara river before and after dewatering. Thus, 8 samples of benthic macroinvertebrates and 12 physico-chemical parameters (T°C, pH, Transparency, Depth, Conductivity, Dissolved Oxygen that were measured in situ, and BOD5, COD, NH4+, NO3-, NO2- and PO43-) were assayed in the laboratory. Canonical Correspondence Analysis (CCA) was used to match physico-chemical data to MIB families. Shannon and Piélou diversity indices were used to determine the effects of dewatering on MIBs. The increase in temperature values of pH, BOD5, COD, NH4+, NO3-, NO2- and PO43-, after re-watering indicates the effect of dewatering on the quality of Okpara aquatic ecosystems. The benthic macrofauna collected consisted of 62.42% insects, 0.65% crustaceans, 6.48% molluscs, 0.72% worms and 0.14% arachnids. Whereas after re-watering, 21.67% insects, 0% crustaceans, 0.22% molluscs, 7.56% worms and 0.29% arachnids were recorded. Insects, crustaceans and molluscs were more abundant before dewatering than after. This was revealed by low abundances and taxonomic richness, as well as low Shannon index values of samples collected after re-watering.

Altitude as environmental filtering influencing phylogenetic diversity and species richness of plants in tropical mountains

Elucidating how multiple factors affect biodiversity and plant community assembly is a central issue in ecology,especially in vulnerable ecosystems such as tropical mountains.These studies are more relevant in global warming scenarios that induce the upward displacement of plant species towards reduced habitats and hostile environments in tropical mountains.This study aimed to analyze how altitude affects taxonomic and phylogenetic diversity in plant communities of tropical mountains.Thus,we tested if(i)increased altitude works as an environmental filtering promoting decreased species richness,decreased phylogenetic diversity,and increased phylogenetic clustering in these tropical mountains;and if(ii)plant communities of high altitude in tropical mountains are also result of recent diversification with plant species recently split shortening phylogenetic distances between closest related species.We tested effects of altitude on species richness and phylogenetic metrics using linear mixed-effects models.Mount Haleakala presented 114 species,Mount Kilimanjaro presented 231 species and Mount Purace presented 280 species.We found an environmental filtering effect with increasing altitude causing phylogenetic clustering,decreased phylogenetic diversity and decreased species richness.The decreasing phylogenetic distances between closest relatives are congruent with neo-endemics,suggesting recent plant diversification in high altitudes of tropical mountains,possibly driven by geographic isolation and environmental heterogeneity.Consequences of global warming should be monitored in tropical mountains focusing on distribution shifts.

Effect of Anthracene on the Interaction Between Platymonas helgolandica var. tsingtaoensis and Heterosigma akashiwo in Laboratory Cultures

Two species of marine phytoplankton, Platymonas helgolandica var. tsingtaoensis and Heterosigma akashiwo, were cul- tivated in bi-algal cultures to investigate the effect of anthracene （ANT） on the interaction between them. Without ANT, H. akashiwo out-competed P. helgolandica at low initial biomass ratios （P. helgolandica （P）： H. akashiwo （H） = 1：4 and 1 ： 1）, but not at the highest （P：H=4：I）. This observation was consistent with the description in Lotka-Volterra two species competition model. It was found that P. helgolandica was excluded at low initial biomass ratios, while the unstable equilibrium between two species was predicted at the highest. For both species, carrying capacity and maximal specific growth rate decreased in bi-algal cultures compared to those in monocultures. H. akashiwo exhibited a higher sensitivity to ANT than P helgolandica. This resulted markedly in a reduced cell den- sity of H. akashiwo but an increased cell density ofP. helgolandica. Carrying capacity ofP. helgolandica was consistently higher in bi-algal cultures with ANT than those without ANT, suggesting that ANT, through the elimination of H. akashiwo, generated the dominance of P helgolandica independently of initial biomass ratios. This study showed a density-dependent effect of harmful alga （H. akashiwo） on dietary alga （P helgolandica）, and indicated that ocean pollutant ANT could induce the succession of marine phytoplankton.

Spatio-temporal Evolution of Urban Expansion Based on a Novel Adjusted Index and GEE: A Case Study of Central Plains Urban Agglomeration, China

It is crucial to investigate the urban agglomerations spatio-temporal evolution patterns and driving factors for analyzing the urban spatial structure-functional division and promoting the coordinated development of urban agglomerations.In this study,a novel vegetation-building-nighttime light-adjusted index(VBNAI)was established for rapid and effective mapping of urban construction land(UCL)in Central Plains Urban Agglomeration(CPUA),China during 2000–2020 based on Google Earth Engine(GEE)platform.Compared with traditional indices,VBNAI can significantly decrease the blooming effect,Normalized Difference Vegetation Index(NDVI)saturation,and soil background of nighttime light data.In addition,the urban expansion indices and standard deviation ellipse model were synthetically adopted to analyze the spatio-temporal evolution pattern of urban expansion.The gravity model and the geographically weighted regression model were employed to determine the spatial interaction forces and drivers of urban expansion,respectively.The results showed that the VBNAI index has obvious advantages in efficiency and accuracy to extract UCL with the overall accuracy of more than 91%.The UCL of CPUA had increased by 4489.84 km2 during 2000–2020 with the gravity center moving towards southeast continuously.From 2000 to 2010,the urban expansion was in a‘center-hinterland’pattern which had benefit from the favorable effect of the traffic shaft belt.During 2010–2020,the urban network structure had basically established.Urban expansion had been influenced by a variety of socio-economic and demographic factors,and the impact degree varied from region to region.This study could provide scientific references for facilitating the intensive utilization of urban resources and optimizing the spatial development pattern of urban agglomeration.

Variaiton in the composition of small molecule compounds in the egg yolks of Asian Short-toed Larks between early and late broods

The egg yolks of birds contain most of the maternally derived materials required for embryo development and are an important factor influencing embryo development and offspring viability.Individual variation in egg-laying date frequently occurs in passerines inhabiting highly seasonal environments.Females laying in early and late stages of the breeding season encounter different environment temperatures and food conditions,which can affect the levels of metabolities in their bodies,thereby altering the transmission of these materials to the eggs.We test a hypothesis that yolk small molecule compounds of Asian Short-toed Lark(Alaudala cheleensis)could vary between early(mid-May)and late(mid-June)broods.Using the UHPLC-MS/MS method,683 compounds belonging to 21 compound groups are detected in the yolks.The contents of 18 compounds are significantly different between early and late broods.Ten differential compounds are significantly higher in the early laid eggs,among whichγ-aminobutyric acid,creatine,prostaglandins,palmitoleic acid,linoleic acid,and trans linoleic acid are related to low environment temperature response.The eggs laid in late stage exhibit significantly higher levels of 5-L-glutamyl-L-alanine andγ-glutamate-leucine,1,3-dimethyluric acid and mannose,which may be attributed to females in the late group consuming more insects.We suggest conducting a comprehensive investigation to reveal the yolk small molecule compounds mediated maternal effects on offspring phenotypes under varying ecological conditions.

Patterns of species richness and beta diversity of vascular plants along elevation gradient in Brazilian páramo

Understanding the relationships between plant diversity and the environment is an important step towards conservation of species and ecosystems.In this study,we hypothesize that community species richness decreases and species composition change along the elevation gradient,with a greater contribution of species turnover than nestedness to beta diversity.We surveyed plant species in 300 plots(1 m×1 m)in four elevational bands(2100 m,2300m,2500 m,and 2700 m)in the CaparaóNational Park,Southeastern Brazil.The samples presented a great number of species(97 spp.,59 genera,27families),however,74%of the species were considered rare with their relative abundance being<1%.Among the four bands along the gradient,we detected two distinct communities with few species in common.The transition between the two communities occurred at 2500 m,and this elevation band also had the highest species richness in total.A non-metric multidimensional scaling(NMDS)showed floristic differences between the bands even though they had similar richness.In 89%of the plot pairs,using pairwise comparison of species composition,only half of the species that occurred in one did occur in the other plot.The dissimilarity among the plots and elevational band reflects a significant contribution of spatial species turnover to the species richness and beta diversity on the Caparaómountain.Beta diversity increased with spatial scale(from plot to elevational-band).The dissimilarity(βSOR=0.907)in the area was due almost exclusively to spatial species turnover(βSIM=0.879),with very low contribution of species nestedness(βSNE=0.028).Our research showed that species richness does not decrease with elevation in the study area,but the floristic composition changes.The clear distinction of species along the gradient show that spatial species turnover is the major diversitygenerating process in the studied area.

Climate change impacts the distribution of Quercus section Cyclobalanopsis(Fagaceae),a keystone lineage in East Asian evergreen broadleaved forests

East Asian evergreen broadleaved forests(EBFLs) harbor high species richness,but these ecosystems are severely impacted by global climate change and deforestation.Conserving and managing EBLFs requires understanding dominant tree distribution dynamics.In this study,we used 29 species in Quercus section Cyclobalanopsis-a keystone lineage in East Asian EBLFs-as proxies to predict EBLF distribution dynamics using species distribution models(SDMs).We examined climatic niche overlap,similarity,and equivalency among seven biogeographical regions’ species using’ecospat’.We also estimated the effectiveness of protected areas in the predicted range to elucidate priority conservation regions.Our results showed that the climatic niches of most geographical groups differ.The western species under the Indian summer monsoon regime were mainly impacted by temperature factors,whereas precipitation impacted the eastern species under the East Asian summer monsoon regime.Our simulation predicted a northward range expansion of section Cyclobalanopsis between 2081 and 2100,except for the ranges of the three Himalayan species analyzed,which might shrink significantly.The greatest shift of highly suitable areas was predicted for the species in the South Pacific,with a centroid shift of over 300 km.Remarkably,only 7.56% of suitable habitat is currently inside protected areas,and the percentage is predicted to continue declining in the future.To better conserve Asian EBLFs,establishing nature reserves in their northern distribution ranges,and transplanting the populations with predicted decreasing numbers and degraded habitats to their future highly suitable areas,should be high-priority objectives.

Honoring a legend: Celebrating the life and legacy of Professor Heng Li

Professor Heng Li(李恒,March 9,1929-January 12,2023)was a legendary plant taxonomist and phytogeographer at the Kunming Institute of Botany,Chinese Academy of Sciences(Fig.1).She made important contributions to our understanding of China's flora,including the biodiversity and biogeography of Dulong Valley and the Gaoligong Mountains,as well as the vegetation of plateau lakes and wetlands in Southwest China.Professor Heng Li received her Bachelor's degree in Russian from Beijing Foreign Studies University in 1956 and immediately joined the Institute of Geography(now Institute of Geographic Sciences and Natural Resources Research),Chinese Academy of Sciences,as a Russian translator.In 1961,Prof.