Aloe dichotoma (Quiver tree) occurs in the arid regions of Namaqualand and Bushman land in South Africa, and in arid regions of southern Namibia. The Quiver trees are not only threatened by agricultural expansion, ove...Aloe dichotoma (Quiver tree) occurs in the arid regions of Namaqualand and Bushman land in South Africa, and in arid regions of southern Namibia. The Quiver trees are not only threatened by agricultural expansion, overgrazing, and mining;but also by climate changes and droughts. Previous studies show that Quiver trees are very sensitive to environmental changes, and do not respond well to extreme hot and dry conditions. This study investigates the current status of the Quiver tree within its existing environment, and also assesses the projected future changes of the Quiver tree habitat under different climatic scenarios. It provided evidence regarding the importance of the study to understanding the climate change impacts on the Quiver tree and its geographical response to climate changes.展开更多
A significant research focus is placed on identifying animal species and areas at future risk to human-induced alterations of the environment and long-term changes in climatic conditions.Yet,the extent to which exposu...A significant research focus is placed on identifying animal species and areas at future risk to human-induced alterations of the environment and long-term changes in climatic conditions.Yet,the extent to which exposure to extreme climatic events and intense human pressure can increase the risk of harmful impacts on species remains poorly investigated.Focusing on terrestrial mammals in China,one of the world’s megadiverse countries,we investigated patterns of contemporary exposure to floods and human pressures and determined their taxonomic representation and distribution across three major area-based conservation schemes,namely,national nature reserves(NNRs),priority areas for biodiversity conservation(PABCs),and key biodiversity areas(KBAs).Among the 440 species assessed with moderate or high exposure to floods,327(∼75%)also qualified as moderate or high in exposure to intense human pressure.These species mainly belong to the orders Chiroptera,Eulipotyphla,and Rodentia.Likewise,there were 305,311,and 311 species with moderate or high exposure to flood and intense human pressure represented across NNRs,PABCs,and KBAs,respectively.Our findings support the prioritization of KBAs for expansion of site-based protection efforts such as NNRs in China,considering threats to species from exposure to adverse effects from both extreme climate and human pressure.展开更多
文摘Aloe dichotoma (Quiver tree) occurs in the arid regions of Namaqualand and Bushman land in South Africa, and in arid regions of southern Namibia. The Quiver trees are not only threatened by agricultural expansion, overgrazing, and mining;but also by climate changes and droughts. Previous studies show that Quiver trees are very sensitive to environmental changes, and do not respond well to extreme hot and dry conditions. This study investigates the current status of the Quiver tree within its existing environment, and also assesses the projected future changes of the Quiver tree habitat under different climatic scenarios. It provided evidence regarding the importance of the study to understanding the climate change impacts on the Quiver tree and its geographical response to climate changes.
基金supported by a research fund from Beijing Normal University to E.I.A.which supports the studentship of R.S.
文摘A significant research focus is placed on identifying animal species and areas at future risk to human-induced alterations of the environment and long-term changes in climatic conditions.Yet,the extent to which exposure to extreme climatic events and intense human pressure can increase the risk of harmful impacts on species remains poorly investigated.Focusing on terrestrial mammals in China,one of the world’s megadiverse countries,we investigated patterns of contemporary exposure to floods and human pressures and determined their taxonomic representation and distribution across three major area-based conservation schemes,namely,national nature reserves(NNRs),priority areas for biodiversity conservation(PABCs),and key biodiversity areas(KBAs).Among the 440 species assessed with moderate or high exposure to floods,327(∼75%)also qualified as moderate or high in exposure to intense human pressure.These species mainly belong to the orders Chiroptera,Eulipotyphla,and Rodentia.Likewise,there were 305,311,and 311 species with moderate or high exposure to flood and intense human pressure represented across NNRs,PABCs,and KBAs,respectively.Our findings support the prioritization of KBAs for expansion of site-based protection efforts such as NNRs in China,considering threats to species from exposure to adverse effects from both extreme climate and human pressure.
