Global patterns of taxonomic and phylogenetic diversity of flowering plants: Biodiversity hotspots and coldspots

Species diversity of angiosperms(flowering plants) varies greatly among regions.Geographic patterns of variation in species diversity are shaped by the interplay of ecological and evolutionary processes.Here,using a comprehensive data set for regional angiosperm floras across the world,we show geographic patterns of taxonomic(species) diversity,phylogenetic diversity,phylogenetic dispersion,and phylogenetic deviation(i.e.,phylogenetic diversity after accounting for taxonomic diversity) across the world.Phylogenetic diversity is strongly and positively correlated with taxonomic diversity;as a result,geographic patterns of taxonomic and phylogenetic diversity across the world are highly similar.Areas with high taxonomic and phylogenetic diversity are located in tropical regions whereas areas with low taxonomic and phylogenetic diversity are located in temperate regions,particularly in Eurasia and North America,and in northern Africa.Similarly,phylogenetic dispersion is,in general,higher in tropical regions and lower in temperate regions.However,the geographic pattern of phylogenetic deviation differs substantially from those of taxonomic and phylogenetic diversity and phylogenetic dispersion.As a result,hotspots and coldspots of angiosperm diversity identified based on taxonomic and phylogenetic diversity and phylogenetic dispersion are incongruent with those identified based on phylogenetic deviations.Each of these metrics may be considered when selecting areas to be protected for their biodiversity.

Optimizing Hotspot Areas for Ecological Planning and Management Based on Biodiversity and Ecosystem Services

The significance of biodiversity and ecosystem services are gradually recognized by human as an approach towards sustainability, so it is important to understand relationships and congruence between them to support conservation planning, especially in the hotspot areas with a prominent role in conservation. However, the management of most conservation hotspots mainly focused on biodiversity, and rarely concerned with ecosystem services. With the aim of proposing criteria for conservation strategies that contribute to the optimization of biodiversity and ecosystem services, in this study, a Geographic Information System(GIS)-based approach was designed to estimate and map the biodiversity and ecosystem services in Chongqing Municipality of China. Furthermore, the distributions of hotspot areas for biodiversity and ecosystem services were mapped based on the relationship between cumulative ecosystem services and areas. Finally the statistical analysis was processed focused on specific conservation objectives. The results showed that hotspot areas can conserve the most biodiversity but with the least ecosystem services under the conservation plans target to biodiversity conservation. In contrast, depending on the ecosystem services of interest, hotspot areas can conserve the largest ecosystem services but with the least biodiversity. By integrating biodiversity and ecosystem services into conservation plan, we found that the conservation and regeneration of these small areas, would contribute to a conservation of 44% of the biodiversity hotspot and 14%–42% of the ecosystem services hotspot. Moreover, the current nature reserve selection was not maximize the biodiversity and ecosystem services compared to integration strategy, indicating that hotspot areas conservation and selection is vital for optimization protection of biodiversity and ecosystem services, and has practical significance for natural resources and ecosystem management.

A Multiscale Assessment of the Risks Imposed by Plantation Forestry on Plant Biodiversity in the Hotspot Central Chile

We assessed the effects of plantations of exotic trees (Pinus radiata, Eucalyptus globulus, and Populus nigra) on plant biodiversity in the temperate zone of the biodiversity hotspot of Central Chile. This region has suffered from intense deforestation in favor of plantation establishment in the major part of the coastal area since the neoliberal turn in 1973. The approach presented aimed to analyze plant biodiversity on the α-, β- and γ-scale. Furthermore, a plantation evaluation index was applied in order to provide quantitative figures on management practices. Species richness is reduced by 50% below plantations. Diversity and evenness index values are also significantly reduced. Analyses on β-similarity indicate that plantations do not host species absent in adjacent native forests, and no additional habitat heterogeneity is gained. On the γ-scale, plantations lower the number of total species observed;especially of endemic species. The abundance of species considered as invasive is significantly higher and frequently, invasive plants dominate the understory. The evaluation index attests rather poor plantation management in Central Chile since plantations are grown as monocultures, natural elements and native species are lacking at specific sites and plantations are insufficiently connected to native plant formations at the landscape scale. Results give much concern since deforestation processes as observed in our study area is about to begin in Patagonia as well. If management practices from the temperate zone are adopted in Patagonia, a considerable decline in plant biodiversity has to be expected there.

Recovery of threatened plant species and their habitats in the biodiversity hotspot of the Southwest Australian Floristic Region

The Southwest Australian Floristic Region(SWAFR) is a global biodiversity hotspot with high plant diversity and endemism and a broad range of threatening processes. An outcome of this is a high proportion of rare and threatened plant species. Ongoing discovery and taxonomic description of new species, many of which are rare, increases the challenges for recovery of threatened species and prioritisation of conservation actions. Current conservation of this diverse flora is based on integrated and scientific evidence-based management. Here we present an overview of current approaches to the conservation of threatened flora in the SWAFR with a focus on active management through recovery and restoration that is integrated with targeted research. Key threats include disease, fragmentation, invasive weeds, altered fire regimes, grazing, altered hydro-ecology and climate change. We highlight the integrated approach to management of threats and recovery of species with four case studies of threatened flora recovery projects that illustrate the breadth of interventions ranging from In situ management to conservation reintroductions and restoration of threatened species habitats. Our review and case studies emphasise that despite the scale of the challenge, a scientific understanding of threats and their impacts enables effective conservation actions to arrest decline and enhance recovery of threatened species and habitats.

Maintaining biodiversity will define our long-term success

Human beings are not only a part of our planet's ecosystems,but also,they are massively overusing them.This makes ecosystem protection,including biodiversity preservation,vital for humanity's future.The speed and scale of the threat are unprecedented in human history.The long arch of evolution has been confronted with such a high level of human impact,that we are now facing the sixth mass extinction event,66 million years after the last one.This threat heightens the imperative for bold human intervention.Our paper identifies three strategies for such an intervention.First,and possibly most challenging,human demand needs to be curbed so it fits within the bounds of what Earth's ecosystems can renew.Without meeting this quantitative goal,biodiversity preservation efforts will not be able to get scaled.Second,in the transition time,we must focus on those locations and areas where most biodiversity is concentrated.Such a focus on‘hotspots’will help safeguard the largest portion of biodiversity with least effort.Third,to direct biodiversity preservation strategies,we need to much better document the existence and distribution of biodiversity around the globe.New information technologies could help with this critical effort.In conclusion,biodiversity preservation is no longer just a concern for specialized biologist but is becoming a societal necessity if humanity wants to have a stable future.

Predicting the Potential Invasion Hotspots of Chromolaena odorata under Current and Future Climate Change Scenarios in Heterogeneous Ecological Landscapes of Mizoram,India

Recent trends in globalization,human mobility surge and global trade aggravated the expansion of alien species introduction leading to invasion by alien plants compounded by climate change.The ability to predict the spread of invasive species within the context of climate change holds significance for accurately identifying vulnerable regions and formulating strategies to contain their wide proliferation and invasion.Anthropogenic activities and recent climate change scenarios increased the risk of Chromolaena odorata invasion and habitat expansion in Mizoram.To forecast its current distribution and habitat suitability amidst climatic alterations in Mizoram,a MaxEnt-driven habitat suitability model was deployed using the default parameters.The resultant model exhibited that the current spatial range of C.odorata occupies 15.37%of geographical areas deemed suitable for varying degrees of invasion.Projections for 2050 and 2070 anticipated an expansion of suitable habitats up to 34.37%of the geographical area of Mizoram,specifically under RCP 2.6 in 2070 in comparison with its present distribution.Currently,the distributional range of C.odorata in Mizoram spans from lower(450 m)to mid elevational ranges up to 1700 meters,with limited presence at higher altitudes.However,the habitat suitability model extrapolates that climate changes will elevate the invasion risk posed by C.odorata across Mizoram,particularly in the North-Western and Central regions.The projection of further territorial expansion and an upward shift in altitudinal range in the future underscores the urgency of instating robust management measures to pre-empt the impact of C.odorata invasion.This study recommends the imperative nature of effective C.odorata management,particularly during the initial stages of invasion.

海山不同水层的八放珊瑚多样性分布格局及驱动因素研究

海山是深海生物多样性的集聚地,而八放珊瑚是其中多样性高且占优势的类群,是海山脆弱海洋生态系统的指标类群,但迄今对其在全球海山的分布格局及驱动因素尚未报道。研究整理分析了全球341座海山的24352条八放珊瑚记录,探讨了八放珊瑚在200~1000 m和1000 m以深的分布格局及驱动因素。研究表明,200~1000 m水层八放珊瑚属级记录最多的网格分布在夏威夷群岛海域,1000 m以深为夏威夷群岛海域和西北大西洋。使用层级聚类分析海山群落相似性与Infomap Bioregions网络分析,可将200~1000 m的八放珊瑚划分为9个生物地理区,且阿拉斯加-加利福尼亚州海域、夏威夷群岛海域与热带太平洋海域分区明显;1000 m以深的水层可划分为11个生物地理区,加利福尼亚海域、太平洋中部与东南海域分区明显。Mantel test分析显示200~1000 m水层温度与生物地理区内的生物组成差异显著相关,层级聚类和网络分析显示溶解氧含量和流速亦为显著因子。通过T检验和Wilcoxon秩和检验分析表明200~1000 m和1000 m以深的部分八放珊瑚属对温度、溶解氧含量、盐度及流速等特定环境因子存在显著偏好,这可能是导致不同生物地理区八放珊瑚组成差异的重要原因。

舟翅桐属(锦葵科,梧桐亚科),中国植物一新分布属

【目的】文章报道了云南省勐腊县中老边境地区舟翅桐属(Pterocymbium R.Br.)及其属下热带落叶大乔木———大花舟翅桐(P.macranthum Kosterm.)在中国的分布新记录。此外,还完善了其属和种的描述,评估了境内种群规模和濒危程度。【方法】利用体视显微镜对其标本进行解剖观察,并用数码相机对关键分类特征进行拍摄记录;利用无人机航拍对大花舟翅桐境内种群进行规模快速评估;采用访谈法并结合经验对其IUCN物种受威胁等级进行评估。【结果】大花舟翅桐在中国境内约有1000株,分布区面积约2000 hm^(2),建议将其评为IUCN红色物种名录易危(VU)物种。【结论】舟翅桐属为中国新记录属,属下大花舟翅桐为中国新记录种。该发现将其分布区向北扩展至热带亚洲北缘,有助于深入理解中国与东南亚热带植物区系之间的联系。

Mapping and Floristic Diversity of the Nakpadjouak Community Forest, Tami Canton, Togo (West Africa)

Since 2015, community forests have been promoted in Togo as an alternative to protect areas from degradation and as a means of contributing to forest landscape restoration. The study focuses on the Nakpadjouak Community Forest (NCF) in Tami (Togo, West Africa) which contributes to community forests sustainable management. It aims in (i) mapping forest ecosystems and analysing their dynamic and (ii) characterizing the floristic diversity of the NCF. The ecosystems were mapped and their dynamic was evaluated based on Google Earth images of 2014 and 2020. Floristic and forestry inventories were carried out using the transect technique in a sample of 20 plots of 50 m × 20 m. The NCF was made up mainly by wooded/shrub savannahs (95.37%) and croplands/fallow (4.63%) in 2014. These two land use types undergone changes over the 6 years prior to 2020. By 2020, the NCF had 3 land use types: wooded/shrub savannahs (77.59%), open forest/wooded savannahs (22.23%), and croplands/fallows (0.18%). A total of 89 plant species belonging to 70 genera and 28 families were recorded within the NCF. The dominant species are: Heteropogon contortus (L.) P.Beauv. and Combretum collinum Fresen. followed by Pteleopsissuberosa Engl. & Diels, Annona senegalensis Pers. The most common species are: Lannea acida A.Rich. s.l., A. senegalensis, Vitellaria paradoxa C.F.Gaertner subsp. paradoxa, C. collinum and Acacia dudgeonii Craib ex Holland. Due to its small area of just 40 hectares and its diverse plant life, this community forest of Savannahs Region is a significant biodiversity hotspot and warrants conservation efforts.

南海深海生物多样性国际研究态势与热点分析

南海是西太平洋边缘海,有陆架、陆坡、岛礁、深海平原、海山、冷泉等多种生境,近10年来南海逐渐成为世界深海研究的热点。南海是中国海洋生物多样性最高的区域,与作为海洋生物多样性中心的印太珊瑚大三角区具有一定的环境与生物连通性,对南海的深海生物探测研究可丰富对西太平洋及印太交汇区生物多样性及地理分布格局的认知。目前有关南海的生物多样性研究主要集中在北部陆架浅海及岛礁,对于深海生物多样性认知明显不足。本研究梳理了全球深海生物多样性的主要国际战略布局,并对南海深海生物多样性SCIE论文发表情况进行了综合分析,探讨了南海深海生物多样性研究态势,对未来南海深海生物多样性调查与研究提出了研究展望和建议。

东海及其邻近海域受胁鱼类保护空缺分析

本研究以88种受胁鱼类为研究对象,基于公开数据和最大熵模型(maximum entropy models,Max Ent)预测其空间分布规律,进而对东海及其邻近海域开展系统的保护空缺分析,并提出了相应的规划建议。研究结果表明,东海及邻近海域受胁鱼类的热点区面积为1.58×10^(11)m^(2),主要分布于长江口以南的近海和中国台湾海峡海域,其中前10%热点区域面积为5.68×10^(10)m^(2),主要分布在中国台湾岛近岸、澎湖列岛邻近海域、福建和广东沿岸海域。对其分布规律的进一步探究发现,目前东海受胁鱼类的分布可分为6个区域,而已有保护区主要集中在I区和Ⅳ区中,Ⅱ区和Ⅲ区则尚未设置任何相关的保护区,并且大部分受胁鱼类的栖息地均未受到有效保护。本研究结果将为东海及其邻近海域生物多样性保护策略的升级与优化提供科学支撑。

广东省陆地生物多样性热点区域及其胁迫因素

生物多样性热点区域的识别及其胁迫因素的分析为生物多样性的保护和恢复提供了有效途径。当前研究大多将物种多样性及其受威胁状况结合起来确定需优先保护的热点区域,缺乏在识别生物多样性热点区域的基础上对其胁迫状况的深入分析。文章基于广东省动植物物种、生态系统林分类型、土地利用等多源数据,利用植物物种多样性、动物物种多样性和景观多样性构建陆地生物多样性热度指标,进而识别生物多样性热点区域,并在此基础上根据生物多样性面临的主要威胁分析了生物多样性受胁迫程度及主导胁迫因子。结果表明:1)广东省陆地生物多样性热度高值区主要分布在人类干扰相对较小的山区,基于热度值分区识别出云雾山、南岭、罗浮山、莲花山4个生物多样性热点区域,总面积达59931.82 km^(2),占广东省陆域面积的33.58%。2)热点区域内各类保护区面积合计6594.39 km^(2),约为广东省所有陆域保护区面积的61.33%,涉及广东省全部204个陆域保护区中的122个。热点区域内保护区的面积仅为热点区域总面积的11.00%,生物多样性仍有大量潜在的保护需求。3)在4个热点区域中,云雾山生物多样性普遍受到中度至重度胁迫,主导胁迫因子为经济发展强度;其他3个热点区域生物多样性广泛受到轻度至中度胁迫,最主要的胁迫因子均为地质灾害风险。

Patterns of floristic inventory and plant collections in Myanmar

Myanmar is one of the most biodiverse countries in the Asia-Pacific region due to a wide range of climatic and environmental heterogeneity.Floristic diversity in Myanmar is largely unknown,resulting in a lack of comprehensive conservation plans.We developed a database of higher plants in Myanmar derived from herbarium specimens and literature sources,and analyzed patterns of diversity inventories and collection inconsistencies,aiming to provide a baseline floristic data of Myanmar and act as a guide for future research efforts.We collected 1,329,354 records of 16,218 taxa.Results show that the collection densities at the township level was variable,with 5% of townships having no floristic collections.No ecoregion had an average collection density of greater than 1 specimen/km2and the lowest collection density was found in the Kayah-Karen Montane Rainforests,which covered 8% of Myanmar’s total area.The highest sampling densities were found in Mandalay Region,Chin State,and Yangon Region.Despite floristic collections over the past three centuries,knowledge of the distribution of the vast majority of plant taxa remained limited,particularly for gymnosperms,pteridophytes,and bryophytes.More botanical surveys and further analyses are needed to better describe Myanmar’s floristic diversity.An important strategy to promote knowledge of the biodiversity patterns in Myanmar is to improve the collection and digitalization of specimens and to strengthen cooperation among countries.

New patterns of the tree beta diversity and its determinants in the largest savanna and wetland biomes of South America

Clear and data-driven bioregionalizations can provide a framework to test hypotheses and base biodiversity conservation.Here we used occurrence and abundance data in combination with objective analytical methods to propose two bioregionalization schemes for tree species of the Cerrado and the Pantanal in South America.We also evaluated the contribution of three sets of determinants of the occurrence-and abundance-based subregions.We compiled data on tree species composition from 894 local assemblages based on species occurrences,and from 658 local assemblages based on species abundances.We used an unconstrained community-level modelling approach and clustering techniques to identify and map tree subregions for the occurrence and the abundance data sets,separately.Hierarchical clustering analyses were conducted to investigate floristic affinities between the subregions and to map broader floristic regions.We used multinomial logistic regression models,deviance partitioning,and rank-sum tests to assess the main subregion correlates.We identified 18 occurrence-and four abundance-based subregions in the Cerrado-Pantanal.The hierarchical classifications grouped the occurrence-based subregions into nine floristic zones and abundance-based subregions into two broad floristic zones.Variation in subregions were explained mainly by environmental factors and spatial structure in both occurrence and abundance data sets.The occurrence-and abundance-based subregions are complementary approaches to disentangle macroecological patterns and to plan conservation efforts in the Cerrado and the Pantanal.Our findings based on occurrence data revealed more complex and interdigitated boundaries between subregions of tree species than previously reported.The environment,historical stability,and human effects act in a synergetic way on the distribution of the subregions.Finally,the relevance of contemporary environmental factors to the subregion patterns we found alert us to the profound impact global warming may have on the spatial organization of the Cerrado-Pantanal tree flora.

The potential drivers in forming avian biodiversity hotspots in the East Himalaya Mountains of Southwest China

Little has been published to describe or interpret Asian biodiversity hotspots,including those in the East Himalayan Mountains of Southwest China(HMSC),thus making necessary a review of the current knowledge.The Pliocene and Pleistocene geological and glacial histories of the Asian continent differ from those of Europe and North America,suggesting different mechanisms of speciation and extinction,and,thus,different responses to climate changes during the Quaternary glaciations.This short review summarizes potential drivers in shaping and maintaining high species richness and endemism of birds in the HMSC.The geographical location at the junction of different biogeographical realms,the wide range of habitats and climates along the extensive elevational range,the complex topography and the distinct geological history of this region have probably contributed to the evolution of an exceptionally species-rich and endemic-rich,specialized montane avian fauna.The Mountain systems in the HMSC may have provided refugia where species survived during the glacial periods and barriers for preventing species dispersal after the glacial periods.More studies are required to further test this refugia hypothesis by comparing more cold-tolerent and warm-tolerent species.

全球国家公园时空动态格局及发展趋势

为应对全球变化危机,我国提出了建设以国家公园为主体的保护地体系规划。全面收集整理了多个公开保护地矢量数据,包括世界保护区数据以及北极、北美、澳大利亚和中国的区域数据,按照世界自然保护联盟(IUCN)对国家公园的定义筛选出符合标准的国家公园,进而分析全球国家公园的时空动态,揭示各大洲国家公园的发展趋势,以期为我国国家公园建设与保护地空间优化提供有益参考。结果表明,全球国家公园的发展以20世纪70年代为界,分为发展期和合作期。发展期间,国家公园的概念从美国传递到世界各国中,并按照各国国情发展形成了各具特色的空间格局,如美洲以及大洋洲的国家公园相对聚集,亚洲、欧洲与非洲的国家公园则相对分散;而在合作期内,由于各国环境保护意识的增强以及IUCN等国际组织的共同努力下,国家公园增速加快,其中在生物多样性热点区域分布的国家公园数量已近半数。结合昆蒙框架、中国自然保护地体系建设等政策,研究提出可将国外“共管机制”纳入我国国家公园管理中,并建议未来在位于印缅生物多样性热点的广西南部地区增设国家公园,以充分发挥国家公园公益性与共享性等多生态服务功能。

基于系统保护规划方法东北生物多样性热点地区和保护空缺分析

根据东北地区生物多样性特征,利用系统保护规划方法和国际上常用的保护规划软件C-plan,计算了规划单元的不可替代性值,确定了区域生物多样性热点地区,并根据保护区分布现状进行了生物多样性保护空缺分析。结果显示,东北地区不可替代性较高的热点地区有4个,分别是:(1)长白山西北部林区,(2)大兴安岭北段山地区,(3)大兴安岭南部森林与草原过渡区,(4)松嫩平原中部湿地区.在优先、一般、非优先3个等级中,需要优先保护地区的总面积是19.49×104km2,约占区域总面积的20.91%。同时,根据已建保护区分布情况研究发现,区域内存在3个明显的保护空缺,即长白山西北部林区、大兴安岭北段山地区和大兴安岭南段森林草原过渡区。建议新建和扩建保护区,同时建立生态廊道把相应的保护区关联起来,以实现区域内生物多样性保护目标。

中国自然保护区分布现状及合理布局的探讨

为了保护中国丰富的生物多样性,我国已经建立了大量的自然保护区。评价这些保护区的布局对于生物多样性的有效保护无疑是十分重要的。本文收集了截至2007年底我国建立的2,047个保护区的有关资料,利用地理信息系统技术,分析了这些保护区的分布现状和生物多样性的保护状况,包括保护的植被类型、野生保护物种以及热点地区。结果表明:我国自然保护区的覆盖面积达到145.7万km2,占中国陆地面积的15.2%,超过世界平均水平(13.4%);在我国47种自然植被类型中,有21种植被类型的被保护面积比例低于10%,说明这些类型可能没有得到充分的保护。应用Dobson筛除算法对216个保护区中的保护物种进行筛除分析,发现仅西双版纳、武夷山、长白山、高黎贡山、祁连山5个保护区即包含了381个保护物种(约占总数783种的50%);前21个保护区可包含占总数75%的保护物种(590种)。根据不同方案划分的生物多样性热点保护地区仍存在一些保护空缺地,如新疆北部、四川与长江以南地区,因此,我国的保护区布局有待进一步改进。

基于物种的大尺度生物多样性热点研究方法

生物多样性热点是建立保护区、制定保护决策的依据,是生物保护研究的热点问题之一。基于物种的研究方法是大尺度陆地生物多样性热点的主要研究方法,但数据的缺乏限制了直接根据物种丰富度确定热点的方法,因此研究中经常采用其他方法间接的反映物种情况,介绍了4种主要的基于物种的替代方法:指示种、高级分类单元、环境模型和景观异质性,详细阐述了各种方法存在的利弊,并从数据的可获取性、操作的便捷性和对物种特征的反映3个方面对各种方法进行了评价。任何单一的方法都无法准确反映出生物多样性热点的真实分布。合适的研究方法是权衡研究目的、时间和资金的结果,建议选择优势互补的多种方法。

汶川地震灾区生物多样性热点地区分析

汶川地震灾区位于长江上游,是我国大熊猫(Ailuropoda melanoleuca)的主要分布区,被保护国际认定的25个全球生物多样性热点地区之一。2008年5月12日发生的汶川大地震导致该区域生态环境遭受严重破坏,需要识别生物多样性热点地区,指导灾后生物多样性保护。选取物种生境质量、植被景观多样性指数和物种多样性指数作为评价指标,其中生境质量采用InVEST生物多样性模型计算,然后利用空间相关分析中G系数进行热点地区分析,探测出灾区生物多样性的热点区,并在此基础上与现有保护区分布、物种生境分布以及Marxan模型计算出的优先区进行对比验证。结果显示:热点区范围涉及到现有76%的保护区,且保护区内的热点区面积达到灾区所有保护区面积的55%;在选取的69个指示物种中有60个物种位于热点区的生境面积占这些物种在灾区的总生境面积的50%以上,有32个物种在80%左右,热点区内的所有指示物种生境总面积占整个灾区指示物种生境总面积的70%以上。基于空间相关分析方法得出的热点地区基本上与Marxan模型输出的优先保护区范围结果基本一致。但空间相关分析的热点区划分克服了Marxan模型优先保护区分布过于离散,孤岛效应明显的不足。