In May 2019, Diversity and Distribution was accepted into DOAJ. This exciting development places the journal at the forefront of open science in the community.

Diversity and Distributions publishes papers that deal with conservation biogeography which is defined as "the application of biogeographical principles, theories, and analyses to problems regarding biodiversity conservation" (Whittaker et al. 2005; Diversity and Distributions, 16, 313-320).

Metrics:  

5 year impact factor：5.866

Cite Score：8.2

SNIP：1.496

Journal Citation Indicator (Clarivate):1.3

期刊ISSN：1366-9516

E-ISSN：1472-4642

2022年影响因子/JCR分区：5.714/Q1

文章目录

Seasonal elevational patterns and the underlying mechanisms of avian diversity and community structure on the eastern slope of Mt. Gongga

Xingcheng He, Shane DuBay, Mingyu Zhangshang, Yuwen Cheng, Zhengwei Liu, Dongrui Li, Jianghong Ran, Yongjie Wu

Abstract

Aim

Mountain ecosystems harbour significant biodiversity across elevations and seasons. This biodiversity, however, is increasingly under threat from climate change and human land use. While much work has been done to characterize biodiversity in tropical mountains, far less is known about the environmental, seasonal and spatial factors that impact diversity and community structure in subtropical and temperate regions.

Location

Mt. Gongga, Sichuan, China: the eastern-most peak in Asia above 7000-m elevation and the main peak of the Hengduan Mountains.

Method

We examined elevational patterns and ecological variables underlying taxonomic diversity (TD), phylogenetic diversity (PD), functional diversity (FD) and community structure in birds on the eastern slope of Mt. Gongga between 1100- and 4400-m elevation. We assessed biodiversity patterns between species with different elevational range sizes (small- vs. large-ranged species) and between seasons (breeding vs. non-breeding season).

Results

We recorded 230 bird species across seven field surveys. TD, PD and FD showed similar hump-shaped elevational patterns in both seasons. In the breeding season, TD, PD and FD for small-ranged species were highly correlated with climatic factors (mean daily temperature, seasonal temperature range) and vegetation factors (enhanced vegetation index), while large-ranged species were correlated with spatial factors (mid-domain effect). In the non-breeding season, TD, PD and FD for all species groupings were positively correlated with climate factors. For small-ranged species in both seasons, community structure was more overdispersed at low and high elevations, and more clustered at middle elevations. For large-ranged species, community structure differed between seasons, showing a general trend towards clustering as elevations increase in the breeding season and trends towards overdispersion and/or evenness as elevations increase in the non-breeding season.

Conclusions

We found that different factors shape elevational patterns of diversity for small- and large-ranged species in the breeding season; small-ranged species are shaped by climate and vegetation structure, while large-ranged species are shaped by spatial factors. This difference is likely explained by differences in ecological niche breadth (physiological tolerance and/or habitat specialization) between small-ranged species and large-ranged species. In the non-breeding season, however, when climate is seasonally harsher, we found that patterns of diversity for all range-size groupings were driven by climatic factors. We also found that community structure generally becomes more overdispersed as resource availability decreases and environmental conditions become harsher, like at higher elevations and in the non-breeding season, suggesting that competition for limited resources is important for shaping communities in seasonal environments. These findings highlight how avian diversity and community structure are dynamic across a local elevational gradient and seasonally, shifting across the annual cycle, which has implications for conservation strategies and land management.

Elevational patterns of amphibian functional and phylogenetic structures in eastern Nepal Himalaya

Tian Zhao, Janak Raj Khatiwada, Chunlin Zhao, Jianyi Feng, Zijian Sun

Abstract

Aim

Exploring the mechanism underlying community assembly processes is considered as one of the central topics for biogeography. As one of the biodiversity hotspots, Nepal Himalaya has attracted increasing attention during the past decade. However, the main processes shaping amphibian assemblages in this area are still unclear. Here, we examined the elevational patterns of amphibian functional and phylogenetic structures to understand the main mechanism driving amphibian assemblages along an elevational gradient in eastern Nepal Himalaya.

Location

Eastern Nepal Himalaya.

Methods

Amphibian taxonomic, functional and phylogenetic diversity were calculated, and their responses to the increasing elevations were investigated based on the linear regressions. The environmental determinants of amphibian diversity were revealed based on the incorporation of generalized linear models and hierarchical partitioning analyses. In addition, the mechanism driving amphibian assemblages from low to high elevations was tested by calculating the mean pairwise functional distance and the mean pairwise phylogenetic distance indices.

Results

Amphibian taxonomic, functional and phylogenetic diversity had contrast responses to the increasing elevations, which were strongly determined by variables such as air temperature, the number of trees, leaf litter cover and water pH. Interestingly, the trends of amphibian functional and phylogenetic diversity along an elevational gradient can be changed after controlling the effects of species richness. Moreover, determining process played a dominant role in shaping amphibian assemblages with the increasing elevations.

Conclusions

Our results revealed the elevational patterns of amphibian functional and phylogenetic structures in eastern Nepal Himalaya, associated with the change in environmental variables. We also highlighted the dominant role of determining process in shaping amphibian assemblages. Overall, our results can help ecologists and managers better understand and formulate amphibian diversity conservation. In addition, our results also enriched the fundamental knowledge to understand the general patterns of community assembly rules in montane ecosystems.

Multiple β-diversity patterns and the underlying mechanisms across amphibian communities along a subtropical elevational gradient

Xiaoyi Wang, Maojun Zhong, Shengnan Yang, Jianping Jiang, Junhua Hu

Abstract

Aim

Mountain systems offer excellent opportunities to understand β-diversity patterns and the processes driving them. However, β-diversity patterns and the underlying mechanisms that lead to dissimilarity in mountain amphibian communities across elevational gradients remain elusive. We aimed to evaluate how amphibian communities respond to environmental gradients with elevation and to explore how different ecological mechanisms drive elevational β-diversity.

Location

A 2600-m elevational gradient along Mount Emei in southwestern China.

Methods

We investigated elevational patterns and assembly processes of pairwise β-diversity across three dimensions (taxonomic, phylogenetic, and functional) in turnover (i.e., species replacement) and nestedness-resultant (i.e., species lose/gain) for amphibians. We compared multifaceted β-diversity components and assessed the extent to which β-diversity responded to environmental and elevational distances. We also quantified the standardized effect size of β-diversity and its components using null models to examine the dynamics of niche-based and neutral processes.

Results

The turnover component dominated taxonomic β-diversity, whereas nestedness was relatively more important for phylogenetic and functional dissimilarity. Moreover, taxonomic total dissimilarity and turnover were higher than their phylogenetic and functional analogues. Our results indicated a significant distance-decay effect for multifaceted β-diversity of amphibians on Mount Emei and found that effects and directions of predictors on multifaceted β-diversity were different, with temperature seasonality, annual precipitation, and elevational distance acting as the most important factors. Comparing observed patterns with null-model expectations, environmental filtering, and competitive exclusion may jointly drive elevational patterns of β-diversity.

Main conclusions

Our study emphasizes the importance of partitioning taxonomic, phylogenetic, and functional components of β-diversity and community assembly when determining β-diversity drivers. Although it is difficult to distinguish random communities from outcomes of niche-based processes, this work highlights the potential roles of environmental filtering and competitive exclusion in controlling elevational communities and provides insights into amphibian community assembly in a biodiversity hotspot.

Spatio-temporal turnover and drivers of bentho-demersal community and food web structure in a high-latitude marine ecosystem

Laurene Pecuchet, Lis Lindal Jørgensen, Andrey V. Dolgov, Elena Eriksen, Berengere Husson, Mette Skern-Mauritzen, Raul Primicerio

Abstract

Aim

Assess the spatial and temporal turnover of bentho-demersal marine fauna by integrating ecological metrics at the community and food web levels and evaluate their main environmental and anthropogenic drivers.

Location

Barents Sea.

Method

We analysed data of benthic and bentho-pelagic fish and megabenthic invertebrates caught in the Barents Sea ecosystem survey in August–September 2009–2017 to characterize the spatial and temporal variability of bentho-demersal communities and food webs. We used a

 trait dataset and highly resolved bentho-demersal food web to calculate community and food web metrics in space and time. We spatially clustered the community and food web based on their properties using archetypal analysis and investigated their co-variation with environmental and fishing pressure using (hierarchical) redundancy analysis.

Result

The community and food web metrics partitioned the Barents Sea into four sub-regions where different pressures act on the bentho-demersal fauna, such as sea ice loss and fisheries. Multiple community metrics (e.g. mean body length and trophic level) varied along an environmental gradient of annual mean sea bottom temperature, trawling intensity and ice-cover, whereas multiple food web metrics (e.g. nestedness and connectance) varied along an environmental gradient of depth and sediment composition. Communities had higher biomass-weighted variability in body size and omnivory values in areas where the Atlantic and Arctic water masses mix. Several food web and community metrics co-varied (e.g. food chain length and mean trophic level). We found no clear temporal trends in the ecological metrics in any of the four sub-regions, but the metrics had large inter-annual variability with some local minima or maxima coinciding with high sea temperature and ice-cover anomalies.

Conclusion

Analyses at the community and food web level are seldom integrated in ecological studies, while this integration gives complementary information to assess patterns and drivers of ecosystem state and to better prioritize conservation efforts.

Frugivore distributions are associated with plant dispersal syndrome diversity in the Caribbean archipelagos

Seokmin Kim, Lilian Sales, Daiane Carreira, Mauro Galetti

Abstract

Aim

Many plants rely on interactions with frugivores for dispersal, suggesting that animal communities may affect plant occupancy and diversity. However, the contribution of these interaction-led biotic variables on plant diversity is poorly understood, especially in archipelagic hotspots such as the Caribbean. In island ecosystems, biogeographic theories suggest that island configurations drive colonization-extinction dynamics, while macroecology argues for the importance of climatic drivers of biodiversity. Within this context, we examine how frugivore-driven biotic factors are associated with fruiting plant species richness in relation to abiotic (climatic and geologic) and island configuration characteristics.

Location

Caribbean archipelagos.

Methods

We compiled a review of the diversity and distributions of 6039 plants and 326 vertebrate frugivores across 105 islands within the Caribbean. We then identified characteristics related to plant-frugivore interactions and assigned each species as having either abiotic (wind, water, etc.) or zoochoric (frugivory-dependent) dispersal syndromes. We related plant richness and dispersal syndromes to the regional diversity and characteristics of frugivorous animals, abiotic environments and island configuration characteristics through stepwise multivariate regression with generalized linear models and model selection.

Results

We found that 44.6% of Caribbean plants are dispersed through frugivory (endozoochory). Frugivore-related characteristics, namely accumulated body mass of island bird assemblages, were the best predictors of the diversity of seed dispersal syndromes. To a lesser degree, reptile richness and soil variety were also considered important predictors for zoochoric plant distribution, while island areas affected abiotically-dispersed plants.

Main conclusion

We found that biotic characteristics of frugivore communities are important predictors of plant diversity in the Caribbean archipelagos. However, this may also be influenced by climate and colonization history. Given the importance of biotic metrics in explaining plant diversity, we suggest that fruit-frugivore interactions are important components of island biogeography and that frugivorous communities should be accounted for plant biodiversity predictions and forecast models.

Elevational patterns of phylogenetic structure of angiosperms in a biodiversity hotspot in eastern Himalaya

Lijuan Li, Xiaoting Xu, Hong Qian, Xianhan Huang, Pengju Liu, Jacob B Landis, Quansheng Fu, Lu Sun, Hengchang Wang, Hang Sun, Tao Deng

Abstract

Aims

The tropical niche conservatism (TNC) hypothesis and the out of the tropics (OTT) hypothesis propose mechanisms generating patterns of species diversity across warm-to-cold thermal gradients at large spatial scales. These two hypotheses both integrate ecological and biogeography-related evolutionary factors, but they predict opposite patterns for phylogenetic structure. Mount Namjagbarwa possesses one of the longest elevational gradients for flowering plant diversity in the world. We aim to analyse the elevational patterns of the phylogenetic structure of flowering plants in this mountain, and investigate underlying causes for the emergence of the patterns.

Location

Mt. Namjagbarwa located at the eastern edge of the Himalaya.

Methods

Species distribution data of Mt. Namjagbarwa were extracted from specimen records in online sources, literature, herbarium and our fieldwork. Bioclimatic data were extracted from the CHELSA database. Mt. Namjagbarwa was divided into 100-m elevational belts, which were grouped into three elevation segments (100–2000 m, 2000–4000 m and 4000–5200 m) for data analysis. We calculated phylogenetic metrics for each belt. The relationships of phylogenetic metrics with elevation and climatic factors were analysed using generalized additive models and structural equation models.

Results

A typical hump-shaped pattern of species richness was observed along the elevational gradient of Mt. Namjagbarwa. However, the phylogenetic structure showed a zig-zag pattern with the three elevation segments, each of which has different formation mechanisms. Temperature tolerance played important roles throughout the entire elevational gradient in species richness and phylogenetic structure.

Main conclusions

Neither TNC nor OTT alone can fully explain the patterns of floristic assembly of the entire elevational gradient of Mt. Namjagbarwa. OTT and TNC are better explanation for the patterns of low and middle elevations respectively. Potential mechanisms for species assembly of different elevation segments in Mt. Namjagbarwa region alternate between niche convergence and niche conservatism. The patterns observed in this study are likely to be common across the entire Himalaya. This is important for preserving the evolutionary potential of mountain biodiversity. However, more studies are needed to determine the underlying mechanisms generating the zig-zag pattern of the phylogenetic structure in the Himalaya.

Energy and physiological tolerance explain multi-trophic soil diversity in temperate mountains

Irene Calderón-Sanou, Lucie Zinger, Mickael Hedde, Camille Martinez-Almoyna, Amelie Saillard, Julien Renaud, Ludovic Gielly, Norine Khedim, Clement Lionnet, Marc Ohlmann

Abstract

Aim

Although soil biodiversity is extremely rich and spatially variable, both in terms of species and trophic groups, we still know little about its main drivers. Here, we contrast four long-standing hypotheses to explain the spatial variation of soil multi-trophic diversity: energy, physiological tolerance, habitat heterogeneity and resource heterogeneity.

Location

French Alps.

Methods

We built on a large-scale observatory across the French Alps (Orchamp) made of seventeen elevational gradients (~90 plots) ranging from low to very high altitude (280–3,160 m), and encompassing large variations in climate, vegetation and pedological conditions. Biodiversity measurements of 36 soil trophic groups were obtained through environmental DNA metabarcoding. Using a machine learning approach, we assessed (1) the relative importance of predictors linked to different ecological hypotheses in explaining overall multi-trophic soil biodiversity and (2) the consistency of the response curves across trophic groups.

Results

We showed that predictors associated with the four hypotheses had a statistically significant influence on soil multi-trophic diversity, with the strongest support for the energy and physiological tolerance hypotheses. Physiological tolerance explained spatial variation in soil diversity consistently across trophic groups, and was an especially strong predictor for bacteria, protists and microfauna. The effect of energy was more group-specific, with energy input through soil organic matter strongly affecting groups related to the detritus channel. Habitat and resource heterogeneity had overall weaker and more specific impacts on biodiversity with habitat heterogeneity affecting mostly autotrophs, and resource heterogeneity affecting bacterivores, phytophagous insects, enchytraeids and saprotrophic fungi.

Main Conclusions

Despite the variability of responses to the environmental drivers found across soil trophic groups, major commonalities on the ecological processes structuring soil biodiversity emerged. We conclude that among the major ecological hypotheses traditionally applied to aboveground organisms, some are particularly relevant to predict the spatial variation in soil biodiversity across the major soil trophic groups.

Demographic history, local adaptation and vulnerability to climate change in a tropical mountain bird in New Guinea

Per G. P. Ericson, Martin Irestedt, Yanhua Qu

Abstract

Aim

To investigate how and when allopatric populations of a widely spread mountain bird in New Guinea, Amblyornis macgregoriae, have diversified, how they differ genetically, and how they may respond to future climate conditions.

Location

New Guinea.

Methods

Using whole-genome resequencing data for 26 individuals of A. macgregoriae, we studied how geographically separate populations of this species have responded to past environmental change and how this may have shaped their current genomic structure. We estimated genotype–environment associations and variation in genomic offset to predict how the different populations may respond to climate change.

Results

A. macgregoriae today has six allopatric mountain populations, occupying sky-islands with limited gene flow between them. We show that these populations fall into three distinct genetic clusters. Through genotype–environment modelling, we identified annual precipitation and seasonal and day-to-night temperature fluctuations as the environmental factors that explain most of the genetic variation in A. macgregoriae. By comparing current and predicted future (RCP 8.5 greenhouse gas scenario for year 2070) genomic variation, we found that the populations close to the Strickland Gorge region in Central Range are those most heavily affected by the predicted climate conditions.

Main conclusions

The A. macgregoriae populations have fluctuated in size as the glacial cycles caused their montane habitats to repeatedly expand and contract. Low gene flow between populations promoted local adaptation and increased genetic divergence, resulting in a considerable variation in their genomic offset to future climate conditions. Understanding populations' differential response to the ongoing global warming is important for conservation strategy planning, not least for the sensitive mountainous biodiversity in New Guinea.

Quantifying adaptive divergence of the snowfinches in a common landscape

Huishang She, Zhiyong Jiang, Gang Song, Per G. P. Ericson, Xu Luo, Shimiao Shao, Fumin Lei, Yanhua Qu

Abstract

Aim

Species living in a shared environment face similar selective pressures and often evolve adaptive divergence to avoid competition. Quantifying phenotypic divergence and its genetic parallelism among sympatric species is important for understanding of ecologically moderated biodiversity. Here, we integrate ecologic, phenotypic and genomic datasets to study to what extent three sympatrically snowfinches (Montifringilla adamsi, Pyrgilauda ruficollis and Onychostruthus taczanowskii) differ in their adaptations in order to co-exist in a shared environment.

Location

Qinghai–Tibetan Plateau.

Methods

We used principal component analysis to summarize and compare environmental and phenotypic divergence. We compared phenotypes relevant to body and beak sizes (n = 68) because they are indicators of niche and food segregation, thus critical for establishing co-existence of sympatric birds. We used comparative genomics (n = 33) to identify genetic loci that are highly divergent between species as well as loci unique for each of species. Using vector analyses, we integrated correlation and permutation to quantify parallelism between phenotypic and genetic divergences.

Results

We found that body and beak sizes are significantly different among three snowfinches. The phenotypic differentiations are greater in species that share similar ecological conditions than in those that do not. We showed that genes related to developmental process are over-represented within highly divergent genomic regions and unique genetic loci of each species. We found that the extent of phenotypic divergence between snowfinch pairs is more strongly correlated with the magnitude of divergence in developmental genes than in the whole genome.

Main conclusions

Adaptive divergence of sympatric snowfinches is highly constrained on developmental genes. As this genetic divergence is strongly correlated with divergence of the traits related to segregation in niche and food resources, this correlation reflects either causal effects or indirect consequences of ecological mediated changes. Our study provides novel insights into the mechanisms underlying evolutionary versatility and ecological success among sympatric species.

Ancient introgression underlying the unusual mito-nuclear discordance and coat phenotypic variation in the Moupin pika

Deyan Ge, Anderson Feijó, Zhixin Wen, Andrey Lissovsky, Dezhi Zhang, Jilong Cheng, Chaochao Yan, Danping Mu, Xinlai Wu, Lin Xia, Qisen Yang

Abstract

Aim

The mechanisms by which global biodiversity hotspots harbour and conserve high genetic and morphological diversity of endemic species remain unexplored. Relic species of ochotonids in the genus Ochotona are confined to alpine habitats and highly sensitive to environmental changes. We studied the genomic and ecological mechanisms underlying the divergence and adaptive evolution of the Moupin pika (O. thibetana) and its closely related species to infer its diversification, adaptive evolution and demographic history in response to historical and recent environmental changes.

Location

Hengduan Mountain Region, China.

Methods

We integrated morphological, genomic and ecological data to interpret the phylogeographic structure, adaptive evolution, demographic history and range shift of O. thibetana. Phylogenetic reconstruction was based on Cytochrome b (CYTB), the mitochondrial genome and single-copy orthologues of the whole genome. Gene flow among extant lineages, as well as from extinct species, was inferred by multiple algorithms. Demographic history was inferred using the pairwise sequential Markovian coalescent and high-resolution analysis of linkage disequilibrium. We also predicted the range shift of this species by using ecological niche modelling.

Results

Phylogenetic reconstruction revealed an unusual mitochondrial lineage of O. thibetana from the western Sichuan Basin, which was named O. qionglaiensis in previous studies. Extensive gene flow was detected among genetic lineages of O. thibetana, which has distinct phenotypic variation in hair thickness and colouration, as well as notable morphological differentiation in external and craniodental measurements. Multiple members of the keratin gene family were identified as introgressed loci from some ancient species to O. thibetana. The Moupin pika underwent dramatic population shrinkage in the late Quaternary, with a clear trend of population growth in approximately the last 70 generations. The potential distribution range of O. thibetana showed a clear trend of expansion in the future.

Main conclusions

The unusual mitochondrial phylogenetic pattern of O. thibetana resulted from “extended ghost introgression,” a new evolutionary model proposed in the present study, and thus rejected the validity of O. qionglaiensis as an independent species. Ancient introgression of keratin genes likely underlies the prominent coat phenotypic variation among genetic lineages. Clear population growth and range expansion of the Moupin pika in recent generations probably benefitted from recent global warming and vegetation recovery, which not only contributed to the conservation of large mammals but was also beneficial to small mammals endemic to alpine habitats.

Phylogenomics of Northeast Asian Pungitius sticklebacks

Yingnan Wang, Yu Wang, Yahui Zhao, Alexandra Yu Kravchenko, Juha Merilä, Baocheng Guo

Abstract

Aim

Understanding the phylogeography of a species complex can provide important insights into its evolutionary history. However, phylogeographic inference often faces the dilemma of regionally inadequate sampling. Pungitius sticklebacks are a case in point: although the highest species diversity is found in Northeast Asia, their phylogeography in this region is still poorly understood.

Location

Northeast Asia.

Methods

With the aid of whole-genome resequencing data, we investigated the phylogeography of Northeast Asian Pungitius sticklebacks, with newly sampled 83 worldwide Pungitius individuals from 11 locations including eight Chinese locations reported to host only P. sinensis.

Results

We discovered that three of the eight Chinese locations hosted populations of P. kaibarae and P. bussei, species new to the fauna of China. Phylogeographic analyses further clarified the sequence and timing of colonization of Northeast Asia by different Pungitius species, shedding new light on their origins and current distribution ranges. Colonization of inland Northeast Asia by Pungitius sticklebacks occurred in multiple waves, and the widespread P. sinensis expanded its range relatively late in the Pleistocene.

Main conclusions

This study complements our understanding of the phylogeography of Pungitius sticklebacks by extending sampling to cover an area that comprises nearly half of the known distribution area of this genus in Northeast Asia. The discovery of three Pungitus species from China is of particular interest, as translocations to support locally declining populations have occurred under the assumption that all sticklebacks in China—except the endangered P. stenurus—are P. sinensis, raising conservation concerns associated with unintentional translocations and possible admixture.

Comparative phylogeography in a marine biodiversity hotspot provides novel insights into evolutionary processes across the Atlantic-Indian Ocean transition

Alicia Dalongeville, Erica S. Nielsen, Peter R. Teske, Sophie von der Heyden

Abstract

Aim

Intraspecific genetic variation is a key component of biodiversity, with higher diversity indicating greater resilience and population substructuring suggesting unique evolutionary histories. Comparative approaches, in which intraspecific genetic variation is assessed across multiple species, are powerful tools to identify evolutionary hotspots, but are still rarely applied at spatial scales relevant to conservation planning. Here, we use comparative phylogeography to understand patterns and potential drivers of genetic variation within a biodiversity and ocean warming hotspot.

Location

The South African coastline, Indian/Atlantic Oceans.

Methods

A literature search was conducted to obtain mitochondrial DNA cytochrome oxidase c subunit I and cytochrome b sequence data for 17 marine fish and invertebrate species. From these data, we compared averages of haplotype and nucleotide diversity, and within-region ΦST between four biogeographic provinces in the region. Mixed linear models tested whether environmental variability, habitat preference, or geographic location significantly influence genetic variation.

Results

Average diversity values differed between haplotype and nucleotide diversity, but both broadly displayed highest diversity levels within the South-West bioregion, which is also a region of high levels of within-region ΦST. Range in sea surface temperatures (SSTs) was the only significant fixed-effect term in the haplotype diversity mixed linear models. Mean SST, stability in SSTs since the Mid-Holocene and position within the species' geographic distribution all had no significant effect on genetic variation.

Main conclusions

Along this coastline characterized by high environmental heterogeneity, we find that variation in temperature is a prominent source of intraspecific variation. Genetic diversity differs between bioregions, but does not display higher levels within the core of each species’ range when assessed across multiple species. With elevated levels of genetic diversity, the South-West region of the South African coast is highlighted as a conservation priority area, representing both high genetic diversity and differentiation across taxa.

Reptile richness and genetic divergence patterns were shaped by current and past climate in and around the Irano-Anatolian global biodiversity hotspot: Implications for conservation

Masoud Yousefi, Anooshe Kafash, Michaël P. J. Nicolaï

Abstract

Aim

The Irano-Anatolian biodiversity hotspot is among the least-known biodiversity hotspots on earth. In this study, we aim to map the richness and genetic divergence of lizards in the biodiversity hotspot and its surrounding areas and identify the most important determinants of the richness and genetic divergence patterns.

Location

Iran and Turkey (Irano-Anatolian biodiversity hotspot).

Methods

Here, we mapped the distribution of 211 lizard species in Iran and Turkey using existing occurrence data and generated the first genetic divergence pattern map of the lizard species in the two countries to identify areas of high species diversity and genetic divergence in the Irano-Anatolian biodiversity hotspot. We also identified determinants of lizard richness and genetic divergence patterns.

Results

Results showed that the Zagros Mountains, Central Iranian Plateau and the northern Persian Gulf have the highest lizard richness. The Zagros Mountains, Central Iranian Plateau, the northern Persian Gulf and the regions around the Lut Desert and Jazmourian Plain have the highest total genetic divergence in Iran. Alborz and Kopet Dag mountains and south western parts of Turkey have the highest average genetic divergence. The annual temperature was the most important predictor of lizard richness, and temperature change velocity was the most influential determinant of genetic divergence pattern. Much to our surprise, species diversity and most areas with high genetic divergence are located outside of Irano-Anatolian biodiversity hotspot.

Main conclusions

This study showed that lizard richness and genetic divergence patterns are associated with current and past climate. In particular, this study highlights the legacy of past climate changes on lizard genetic divergence distribution patterns. We showed that most of the species-rich and genetically diverse regions are located outside of the biodiversity hotspot. So conservation efforts that are concentrated inside the biodiversity hotspot may not benefit lizard biodiversity conservation. Thus, future studies and conservation programs on the biodiversity hotspot should also consider its surrounding areas.

Large mountains make small barriers: Species composition and spatial dynamics history of the Odorrana schmackeri complex in the karst area of Guizhou, China

Yu Jiang, Shasha Yan, Tao Luo, Ning Xiao, Huaiqing Deng, Jiang Zhou

Abstract

Aim

Species delimitation is the basis for identifying diversity, and the genetic structure and demographic history of species can shed light on the effects of geological and historical climate change, thus allowing us to develop appropriate conservation and management strategies. In this study, we aimed to clarify the species composition and geographic distribution of the Odorrana schmackeri complex in the karst areas of Guizhou, explore the influence of geological and climatic events on its evolutionary and demographic history, predict the impact of future climate on the distribution area, and investigate the ecological niche differentiation of the complex.

Location

Karst areas of Guizhou Province, China.

Methods

Using three mitochondrial (12S, 16S, and ND2) and four nuclear gene (BDNF, RAG1, RAG2, and Tyr) sequences as genetic markers, Bayesian inference (BI) was used to infer phylogenetic relationships and BEAST was used to assess divergence times. We assessed and estimated demographic histories using neutrality tests, mismatch distributions, and Bayesian skyline plots (BSPs). Using a species distribution prediction model, past and future suitable ranges were assessed. Niche equivalency and similarity of the three species of the complex were examined using the R package “ecospat.”

Results

The O. schmackeri complex in Guizhou Province consists of three species: O. kweichowensis, O. huanggangensis, and O. hejiangensis. Demographic analyses indicated that population expansion of O. kweichowensis and O. huanggangensis occurred during the late Pleistocene, coinciding with the expansion of suitable habitat during the last ice age and the mid-Holocene. Our projections suggest that potentially suitable habitat for all three species will contract under all future climate scenarios. The ecological niche similarity test showed significant climatic ecological niche differentiation between O. huanggangensis and O. kweichowensis, and between O. kweichowensis and O. hejiangensis.

Main conclusions

The Guizhou distribution of the O. schmackeri complex comprises three species, most of whose recent common ancestors diverged at the early Miocene (ca. 14.30 Ma) and split at the late Miocene (ca. 8–9 Ma). The Miaoling Mountains were not a geographical barrier to the dispersal of O. kweichowensis and O. huanggangensis, and the Dalou Mountains, Foding-Wuling-Leigong-Yueliang Mountains were geographical distribution boundaries in the formation of the current distribution of the three species in Guizhou Province. No population expansion was detected within O. hejiangensis. Population expansion in the late Pleistocene for O. kweichowensis and O. huanggangensis was less affected by the glacial period, and was related to the presence of refugia. Considering future climate change, the focus should be on suitable habitats, mainly in nature reserves. In conclusion, this study highlights the importance of the use of genetic markers for the identification of species in the complex, the small geographical barrier of the Miaoling Mountains, and the conservation of amphibians in karst areas.

Genomic evidence for adaptive differentiation among Microhyla fissipes populations: Implications for conservation

Long Jin, Wen Bo Liao, Juha Merilä

Abstract

Aim

Amphibians require both terrestrial and aquatic environments to complete their life cycles. Thus, they are subject to complex selection pressures stemming from different environments, and these selection pressures are likely to vary geographically with variation in temperature and precipitation. Studies of genetic differentiation along geographical clines allow identification of footprints of these selection pressures.

Location

China.

Methods

To identify possible signatures of local adaptation to particular environmental conditions, we conducted a genome-scan with 20,572 single-nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) obtained with restriction site-associated DNA sequencing of pooled samples from 10 Microhyla fissipes populations spanning a 1,398 km long latitudinal gradient in China.

Results

The results revealed significant genetic differentiation among populations (FST =0.090). Numerous outlier SNPs associated with variation in both annual average temperature (n = 69) and precipitation (n = 248) were detected.

Main conclusions

The degree and pattern of population differentiation in the SNPs supported the hypothesis that these SNPs have been subject to directional natural selection associated with temperature and precipitation and, hence, are reflective of geographically varying local adaptation. Hence, conservation and management plans for Microhyla fissipes should take into account this heterogeneity in genetic constitution in its populations.

Detecting the phylogenetic signal of glacial refugia in a bryodiversity hotspot outside the tropics

Ernest T. Y. Wu, Yang Liu, Linda Jennings, Shanshan Dong, T. Jonathan Davies

Abstract

Introduction

Glacial refugia have likely been important in shaping diversity gradients outside the tropics. Many taxa that have high extratropical diversity in the present day, such as mosses, may have persisted in glacial refugia. However, the biogeographical histories of most species within refugia remain unclear.

Location

Haida Gwaii archipelago, north-west coast of British Columbia, Canada.

Taxa

Bryophyta (mosses).

Methods

We reconstructed the regional phylogeny of the mosses of Haida Gwaii, a putative glacial refugium and ‘hotspot’ of moss diversity, and used phylogenetic comparative methods to examine the macroecological imprint of glacial refugia on the geographic range structure and phylogenetic attributes of present-day moss assemblages.

Results

We found that many mosses have widespread, but disjunct, distributions, with few close relatives on the islands. We suggest that these features reflect the imprint of glacial history, whereby species within refugia represent isolated populations of previously more widespread species that may have diversified elsewhere. We also observed evidence for phylogenetic overdispersion of species within high-elevation habitats, which best match the climatic regime of the historical glacial refugium. Our results are consistent with the filtering of evolutionarily distinct glacial relicts within these habitats, which contrasts markedly with the patterns of phylogenetic clustering observed across other non-refugial habitat types.

Main conclusions

The islands of Haida Gwaii represent an extratropical hotspot of bryophyte diversity. Our study illustrates how the present-day phylogenetic structure of mosses on Haida Gwaii may have been shaped by glacial history, and highlights the importance of glacial refugia in maintaining extratropical moss diversity.

New insights into the formation of biodiversity hotspots of the Kenyan flora

Qiang Zhang, Jian-Fei Ye, Chi-Toan Le, Dennis Mwithukia Njenga, Narindra Romer Rabarijaona, Wyckliffe Omondi Omollo, Li-Min Lu, Bing Liu, Zhi-Duan Chen

Abstract

Aim

This study aimed to investigate the distribution patterns of plant diversity in Kenya, how climatic fluctuations and orogeny shaped them, and the formation of its β-diversity.

Location

Kenya, East Africa.

Taxon

Angiosperms.

Methods

We quantified patterns of turnover and nestedness components of phylogenetic β-diversity for angiosperm species among neighbouring sites using a well-resolved phylogenetic tree and extensive distribution records from public databases and other published sources. We applied clustering methods to delineate biota based on pairwise similarities among multiple sites and used a random assembly null model to assess the effects of species abundance distribution on phylogenetic β-diversity.

Results

The phylogenetic turnover of the Kenyan flora, intersecting with the biodiversity hotspots Eastern Afromontane, Coastal Forests of Eastern Africa, and Horn of Africa, shows a non-monotonic pattern along a latitudinal gradient that is strongly structured into volcanic and coastal areas. The other areas are mainly dominated by phylogenetic nestedness, even in the eastern part of the equatorial region parallel to the volcanic area. Phylogenetic diversity and phylogenetic structure analyses explain the mechanism of the observed phylogenetic turnover and nestedness patterns. We identified five phytogeographical regions in Kenya: the Mandera, Turkana, Volcanic, Pan Coastal and West Highland Regions.

Conclusions

Variations in turnover gradient and coexistence are highly dependent on the regional biogeographical history resulting from climatic fluctuations and long-lasting orogeny, which jointly shaped the biodiversity patterns of the Kenyan flora. The nestedness component dominated climatically unstable regions and is presumed to have been caused by heavy local species extinction and recolonization from the Volcanic Region. The high turnover component in climatically stable regions may have preserved old lineages and the prevalence of endemic species within narrow ranges.

Conservation prioritization based on past cascading climatic effects on genetic diversity and population size dynamics: Insights from a temperate tree species

Yang Liu

Abstract

Aim

The biogeographic history affects adaptive evolution by altering the pattern of genetic variation and provides the background upon which other evolutionary processes are operating. Assessment of the consequence of such eco-evolutionary interactions is crucial to population's genetic diversity maintenance. Yet, considering how biogeographic and multiple evolutionary processes interact in complex environments to alter genetic diversity in conservation planning remains unresolved.

Location

The Pacific Northwest.

Methods

Herein I document the impact of geographic landscapes and past climatic fluctuations on the evolutionary processes that drive population divergence of Populus trichocarpa by assembling genomic, climatic and species occurrence data.

Results

Based on inferences of demographic history of the species and tests for niche divergence, results show that the British Columbia (BC)-North and BC-South populations are ancestral and subject to more recent bottlenecks than the Oregon population. Consistently, ecological niche modelling illustrates that compared to the Last Glacial Maximum (~21 Ka), the present niche suitability of the BC-North and -South populations is overall marginally inferior to that of the Oregon population. However, genomic analysis demonstrates that the Oregon harbours the lowest genetic diversity, possibly due to an extended bottleneck experienced by the population. Model prediction indicates that in the 2050s, the impact of climate change is minor compared to the niche suitability of the species as a whole, but climate change will likely result in considerable genetic shifts over two generations especially in the Oregon and BC-South populations, which will attenuate along a northward gradient.

Main conclusions

This study underpins the long-lasting impact of demographic histories and natural selection on genetic diversity, rather than highlighting the consequence of recent demographic events (e.g. bottleneck in the Holocene epoch; ~12 Ka) potentially cascading to eroding genetic diversity and yielding conservation urgency.

Marine mammal hotspots across the circumpolar Arctic

Charmain D. Hamilton, Christian Lydersen, Jon Aars, Mario Acquarone, Todd Atwood, Alastair Baylis, Martin Biuw, Andrei N. Boltunov, Erik W. Born, Peter Boveng, Tanya M. Brown, Michael Cameron, John Citta, Justin Crawford, Rune Dietz, Jim Elias, Steven H. Ferguson, Aaron Fisk, Lars P. Folkow, Kathryn J. Frost, Dmitri M. Glazov, Sandra M. Granquist, Rowenna Gryba, Lois Harwood, Tore Haug, Mads Peter Heide-Jørgensen, Nigel E. Hussey, Jimmy Kalinek, Kristin L. Laidre, Dennis I. Litovka, Josh M. London, Lisa L. Loseto, Shannon MacPhee, Marianne Marcoux, Cory J. D. Matthews, Kjell Nilssen, Erling S. Nordøy, Greg O’Corry-Crowe, Nils Øien, Morten Tange Olsen, Lori Quakenbush, Aqqalu Rosing-Asvid, Varvara Semenova, Kim E. W. Shelden, Olga V. Shpak, Garry Stenson, Luke Storrie, Signe Sveegaard, Jonas Teilmann, Fernando Ugarte, Andrew L. Von Duyke, Cortney Watt, Øystein Wiig, Ryan R. Wilson, David J. Yurkowski, Kit M. Kovacs

Abstract

Aim

Identify hotspots and areas of high species richness for Arctic marine mammals.

Location

Circumpolar Arctic.

Methods

A total of 2115 biologging devices were deployed on marine mammals from 13 species in the Arctic from 2005 to 2019. Getis-Ord Gi* hotspots were calculated based on the number of individuals in grid cells for each species and for phylogenetic groups (nine pinnipeds, three cetaceans, all species) and areas with high species richness were identified for summer (Jun-Nov), winter (Dec-May) and the entire year. Seasonal habitat differences among species’ hotspots were investigated using Principal Component Analysis.

Results

Hotspots and areas with high species richness occurred within the Arctic continental-shelf seas and within the marginal ice zone, particularly in the “Arctic gateways” of the north Atlantic and Pacific oceans. Summer hotspots were generally found further north than winter hotspots, but there were exceptions to this pattern, including bowhead whales in the Greenland-Barents Seas and species with coastal distributions in Svalbard, Norway and East Greenland. Areas with high species richness generally overlapped high-density hotspots. Large regional and seasonal differences in habitat features of hotspots were found among species but also within species from different regions. Gap analysis (discrepancy between hotspots and IUCN ranges) identified species and regions where more research is required.

Main conclusions

This study identified important areas (and habitat types) for Arctic marine mammals using available biotelemetry data. The results herein serve as a benchmark to measure future distributional shifts. Expanded monitoring and telemetry studies are needed on Arctic species to understand the impacts of climate change and concomitant ecosystem changes (synergistic effects of multiple stressors). While efforts should be made to fill knowledge gaps, including regional gaps and more complete sex and age coverage, hotspots identified herein can inform management efforts to mitigate the impacts of human activities and ecological changes, including creation of protected areas.

Conservation hotspots of insular endemic mammalian diversity at risk of extinction across a multidimensional approach

Camille Leclerc, Camille Magneville, Céline Bellard

Abstract

Aim

Islands are one of the most threatened worldwide biotas. Based on their taxonomic diversity, some insular regions have been identified as key areas of conservation. Recently, systematic conservation planning has advocated for the use of multiple biodiversity facets to protect unique evolutionary and functional processes. Here, we identified priority areas for threatened insular endemic mammals across three key dimensions of biodiversity (taxonomic, phylogenetic, and functional), as well as their protection level and threats affecting them.

Location

Worldwide.

Methods

We applied diversity–area relationships to identify insular regions that harbored a disproportionately high rate of threatened endemic mammal diversity (whether taxonomic, phylogenetic, or functional) given their area for 1,799 islands across 19 insular regions. We also assessed the level of protection and the threats affecting biodiversity within each insular region.

Results

We showed a fairly good congruence between top-ranked insular regions based on taxonomic, phylogenetic, and functional diversity. Specifically, we identified four hotspots for endemic mammalian conservation through the three diversity facets: Indo-Burma, Madagascar and the Indian Ocean Islands, Mesoamerica and Galápagos Islands, and Wallacea. Except for Mesoamerica and Galápagos Islands, the protected areas coverage is low (<8%) within the hotspots. We also showed that most of the mammal species occurring in the hotspots was prone to either direct threats that affect their mortality or indirect threats that only alter their habitat, while mixed threats such as biological invasions or climate change were less represented in those regions.

Main conclusions

Our findings reinforce the importance of investigating the multiple diversity facets in a conservation concern and to link with the associated threats to ensure an effective conservation strategy.

A hotspot of groundwater amphipod diversity on a crossroad of evolutionary radiations

Špela Borko, Florian Altermatt, Maja Zagmajster, Cene Fišer

Abstract

Aim

Groundwater harbours an exceptional fauna and provides invaluable ecosystem services, yet is among the least explored and consequently least protected ecosystems. Successful protection of its biodiversity depends on complete species inventories, knowledge of species spatial distribution, and quantification of biodiversity patterns, as well as disentanglement of the processes that shaped biodiversity patterns. We studied the hyper-speciose amphipod genus Niphargus as a model system within a global subterranean biodiversity hotspot. We linked the biodiversity patterns with possible underlying processes and discuss the needs to include information on different origins of biodiversity into conservation approaches.

Location

Europe, Western Balkans.

Methods

We analysed biodiversity patterns of Niphargus using two biodiversity metrics, species richness and phylogenetic diversity, on a grid-based approach. To account for high cryptic diversity, we replaced nominal species with taxonomic units identified in unilocus delimitations (MOTUs). We built a time-calibrated multilocus phylogeny of 512 Niphargus MOTUs from within and outside the study area, and calculated Faith's phylogenetic diversity, standardized effect sizes of phylogenetic diversity, and residual of phylogenetic diversity regressed onto species richness.

Results

Within the study area, we recognized 245 MOTUs, belonging to different Niphargus clades. Species richness is highest in a north-western hotspot, although some species-rich cells were detected also in the south-east. High phylogenetic diversity coincides with high species richness in the north-west, while in the south-east it is lower than expected.

Main conclusions

We have shown that species richness does not predictably correlate with phylogenetic diversity. This difference suggests that different processes have led to the formation of species-rich areas in the Western Balkans: through a combination of dispersal and speciation in the north-west, and local radiation in the south-east, respectively. This calls for caution in conservation strategies relying solely on number of species and may change the view on conservation priorities within this region.

Identifying hotspots and priority areas for xenarthran research and conservation

Anderson Feijó, Deyan Ge, Zhixin Wen, Lin Xia, Qisen Yang

Abstract

Aim

Limited funds for conservation and research require the development of prioritization schemes. Traditionally, biodiversity metrics were used to delineate priority areas; however, a growing realization emphasizes that logistic factors should be also considered. Here, we combine species richness, past collection efforts, degree of habitat loss and accessibility to define priority areas and spatially orient fieldwork in a cost-effective manner for xenarthrans.

Location

Neotropics.

Methods

We assessed spatial patterns of species richness in Xenarthra and identified diversity hotspots based on species distribution models. Spatial patterns and biases in the Xenarthra past collection efforts were analysed using a comprehensive database including 33,464 individual records for 34 species of Xenarthra. Finally, we produced priority area indices relating species richness and collection efforts with levels of habitat loss and accessibility (roads and rivers network) to highlight important but neglected areas.

Results

Collection efforts were concentrated to a small portion of the Neotropics (central-western Brazil, eastern Bolivia and north-western Argentina) and were biased towards access routes. Only 4% of the Neotropics can be considered well sampled. Major xenarthran diversity hotspots include the Amazonian lowlands of Bolivia and the dry Chaco of Paraguay and Argentina. Priority areas for research varied depending on the metric analysed. Amazon holds a high diversity that remains poorly explored. Central Argentina and eastern Brazil are priority areas for research and conservation given the low sampling efforts, high diversity and endemic species, high levels of habitat loss and a dense road network.

Main conclusions

Most areas of the Neotropics lack a proper assessment of the xenarthran assemblage, reflecting extensive knowledge shortfalls. Sites close to roads tend to be better sampled, but many areas with a dense road network are undersampled, being good candidates for low-cost studies. Xenarthra diversity hotspots facing the highest levels of habitat alteration are the least protected and are priority for both research and conservation. Simultaneous efforts of data collection and conservation actions across most of the xenarthran range should be stimulated.

An analytically derived delineation of the West African Coastal Province based on bivalves

José Antonio Caballero-Herrera, Jesús Olivero, Rudo von Cosel, Serge Gofas

Abstract

Aim

To assess the pattern of biotic regions (BR) and their boundaries, to detect chorotypes and to relate these patterns to key environmental factors.

Location

Eastern Atlantic Ocean.

Time period

Recent.

Taxon studied

Bivalvia.

Methods

Distributions were scored for 595 species. Operational geographical units are classified hierarchically using Baroni-Urbani & Buser similarity index, clusters were assessed for statistical significance with the ‘RMacoqui 1.0’ software using G tests of independence, and chorotypes were inferred likewise from similarity between species distributions.

Results

Three strong biotic boundaries delimit four BR: (1) European Atlantic and Mediterranean; (2) West African, from western Sahara to southern Angola; (3) Baia dos Tigres/Namibia; and (4) Saint Helena/Ascension. The West African BR is subdivided by two weak boundaries into three subordinate BR: the tropical region proper, the north-western African transition zone and the cluster (southern Angola/São Tomé/Cape Verde Islands). Of the 429 species present in West Africa, 261 (60.7%) are endemic, and 19 genera (7.2%) are endemic. Sixteen chorotypes were identified; the European BR is correlated with chorotypes C5 (149 species mostly European and Mediterranean) and C3 (38 species mostly in northern Europe), whereas the West African BR is mainly characterized by chorotype C6 (221 species). Some discontinuous distribution patterns of tropical West African species were identified as chorotypes, but subordinate to chorotype C6. The West African BR is mainly characterized by sea surface temperature and chlorophyll; characterization without the islands also involved the extensive sandy coast. The north-western African transition region is characterized by an arid climate and few rivers and influenced by seasonal upwelling. The cluster of southern Angola, Sao Tomé and Cape Verdes contrasts with the remainder of West Africa in having a predominantly rocky shore.

Main conclusions

The present analyses provide an objective regionalization based on species occurrences, which supports the traditional recognition of West Africa as a major biotic region with a high level of endemism. Attention is called on that the unique endemic component is insufficiently represented in current marine protected areas.

Habitat suitability of neotenic net-winged beetles (Coleoptera: Lycidae) in China using combined ecological models, with implications for biological conservation

Tong Liu, Haoyu Liu, Junbo Tong, Yuxia Yang

Abstract

Aim

China has dozens of well-recognized biodiversity hotspots, but many more potential areas have not been estimated thoroughly, which is unfavourable for biodiversity conservation. Neotenic net-winged beetles with limited dispersal ability generally occur in restricted ranges but rarely occur in China, which makes them ideal models for biogeographical studies to define biodiversity hotspots. This study will explore the potential distribution patterns of neotenic Lycidae in China to provide basic data for the implementation of biological conservation.

Location

China.

Methods

We conducted maximum entropy (MaxEnt) and random forest (RF) modelling to simulate the habitat suitability for neotenic Lycidae occurring in China under different climate scenarios by using all available distribution information in Southeast Asia (a total of 305 occurrence records) and several environmental variables. The dynamic changes in the potentially suitable habitats and centroids of neotenic Lycidae were simulated under all climate scenarios.

Results

The results indicated that potentially suitable habitats for neotenic Lycidae were mostly located in the montane areas and mountainous islands in southern China, including the eastern Himalayas, Gaoligong Mountains, Ailao Mountains, Hengduan Mountains, Wumeng Mountains, Miaoling Mountains, Daba Mountains, Wu Mountains, Yunkai Mountains, Wuzhi Mountains and Central Mountains. In addition, the dynamic analyses showed that their changes also occurred in montane areas, whose affinity and significance were confirmed in the biological conservation.

Main conclusions

Taking the unique neotenic Lycidae as the subject, we verify that several montane areas are biodiversity hotspots that have already been well-recognized, while it is determined that some additional mountains could be potential hotspots. Therefore, more attention and biological conservation efforts should be used in these areas. In addition, using the ensemble modelling approach to identify potential distributions is a helpful tool to develop strategies for biological conservation, even if it has several limitations.

Diversity and conservation of endemic true bugs for four family groups in China

Kun Jiang, Xue Dong, Jiaqing Zhang, Zhen Ye, Huaijun Xue, Gengping Zhu, Wenjun Bu

Abstract

Aim

Protected areas (PAs) in China have typically been designed by considering one or several focal taxa (e.g., relict plant and vertebrate species), but the effectiveness of these “protective umbrellas” in safeguarding insects remains unclear. In this study, we aim to investigate the distribution and diversity of endemic true bugs for four family groups (i.e., Miridae, Lygaeoidea, Pentatomidae, and Reduviidae) in China, the environmental factors shaping these diversity patterns, and the effectiveness of China's PAs in safeguarding their diversity.

Location

China.

Methods

We mapped the spatial distributions of 1028 endemic true bugs in China using stacked species distribution models and pixel grids of observed points. The environmental factors that influence diversity patterns across China were explored by generalized linear models and random forest models. The effectiveness of PAs in safeguarding species distributions was evaluated by the Zonation platform.

Main results

We found that most (84.9%) diversity hotspots for total species were located in mountainous areas of southern China. Additionally, the diversity patterns are shaped by the combined effects of different environmental factors, with the minimum temperature of the coldest month, annual precipitation, and elevation showing the strongest effects. On average, Chinese PAs covered 10.2% of the distribution areas of these endemic true bugs.

Main conclusions

In general, our research identifies the important roles of mountainous areas in southern China in maintaining species diversity. Moreover, our research also suggests that PAs in China could not provide sufficient protection for this diversity. Protecting these endemic true bugs diversity should be valued more in mountainous areas of southern China.

DNA barcoding of Chironomidae from the Lake Skadar region: Reference library and a comparative analysis of the European fauna

Piotr Gadawski, Matteo Montagna, Bruno Rossaro, Wojciech Giłka, Vladimir Pešić, Michał Grabowski, Giulia Magoga

Abstract

Aims

The main aim of this study was to fill a gap in barcoding data of the European Chironomidae of the Balkan region, developing and testing the efficiency of a reference DNA barcode library for ancient Lake Skadar basin species (Montenegro/Albania), a region of Europe never before subjected to barcoding studies on Chironomidae. Another aim was to test the efficiency of DNA barcoding for the identification of European Chironomidae, including the estimation of optimal identification thresholds, using >12,000 barcodes.

Location

Lake Skadar basin and adjacent area (Montenegro/Albania).

Methods

Through this study, 770 individuals of Chironomidae from the Lake Skadar region were barcoded, both at adult and pre-imaginal stages. Adults were morphologically identified, while larvae were assigned to species by molecular identification, using different methods, of which the efficiency was tested, for a total of 97 different barcoded species.

Results

The identification efficiency of the reference dataset developed for the Lake Skadar region was 98.6%, a value in line with that obtained when the identification efficiency for European Chironomidae was evaluated (95.8%), which confirms the accuracy of DNA barcoding for the identification of these insects. Moreover, we found that the optimal threshold for the molecular identification of the family is 1.6% nucleotide distance, though more specific thresholds are suggested for the identification of species belonging to Chironomidae subfamilies, since they are related to lower identification errors than to the use of a general threshold. The analysis of inconsistency between molecular and morphological identification shed light on taxonomic issues within European Chironomidae. Previously postulated species synonyms were confirmed, and also further cases requiring deeper investigation were detected.

Main conclusions

Our de novo DNA barcode library was shown to have a high identification efficiency. Taxon-specific thresholds increase the efficacy of molecular identification. Hypothesized species synonyms could be validated through molecular techniques.

Delineating biogeographic regions in Indian Ocean deep-sea vents and implications for conservation

Yadong Zhou, Chong Chen, Dongsheng Zhang, Yejian Wang, Hiromi Kayama Watanabe, Jin Sun, Dass Bissessur, Ruiyan Zhang, Yuru Han, Dong Sun, Peng Xu, Bo Lu, Hongchang Zhai, Xiqiu Han, Chunhui Tao, Zhongyan Qiu, Yanan Sun, Zhensheng Liu, Jian-Wen Qiu, Chunsheng Wang

Abstract

Aim

The pattern of biodiversity and biogeography is crucial to informing management and conservation strategy. But a lack of study across multiple ridge systems, especially for the Carlsberg Ridge, has hampered the conception of the overall picture for the Indian Ocean vents, a top target for deep-sea exploration of massive sulphides. Here, we aim to characterize fauna from three new vent fields on the Carlsberg Ridge for the first time, and answer 1) what is the biogeographic pattern for vent fauna within the Indian Ocean and 2) how does this pattern guide the future environmental management on the Indian Ocean ridges.

Location

Vents on the Carlsberg Ridge (CR), Central Indian Ridge (CIR), and Southwest Indian Ridge (SWIR).

Taxon

Macrofauna.

Methods

Samples, still images and videos were collected from vent fields by either submersible or TV-guided grab. A comprehensive dataset of 11 fields on Indian Ocean ridges were obtained based on taxa identification and compilation. Genetic connectivity was analysed for six species using COI sequences. A framework for identifying biogeographic regions based on beta diversity measurement βsim was employed to reveal species turnover along the Indian Ocean ridges.

Results

Faunal assemblages at three new vents on the CR hosted a total of 34 species. Significant genetic differentiation was detected between southern SWIR and CIR (plus Tiancheng) for three species, and between CIR (plus Tiancheng) and CR for four species. Hierarchical clustering of βsim support division of the Indian Ocean vents into three clades.

Main conclusions

Species turnover along the ridges supported the separation of Indian Ocean vents into three discrete biogeographic units, boundaries between which largely corresponded to genetic breaks for shared species with lower dispersal capabilities. The results clearly show that the conservation of Indian Ocean vents must target three provinces, simultaneously.

Linking evolutionary dynamics to species extinction for flowering plants in global biodiversity hotspots

Quansheng Fu, Xianhan Huang, Lijuan Li, Yi Jin, Hong Qian, Xinyuan Kuai, Yaojun Ye, Hengchang Wang, Tao Deng, Hang Sun

Abstract

Aim

Biodiversity hotspots are regions with the highest species richness, and the most threatened species. Previous studies have shown that the extinction risk may be more related to evolutionary history than to species' traits. However, there is a knowledge gap on the relationship between evolutionary history and species extinction risk in biodiversity hotspots. Here, we link evolutionary history to species extinction risk for flowering plants (angiosperms) in global biodiversity hotspots.

Location

Global biodiversity hotspots.

Methods

We calculated historical evolutionary measures (family species richness, family age, family diversification rate and the ratio of crown age to stem age) of angiosperms from 36 global biodiversity hotspots, which were grouped into 27 regions. Bayesian binomial-logit univariate and multivariable regression models in conjunction with phylogenetic control and null models were used to identify the evolutionary history predictors of extinction risk for the 27 regions as a whole and for each of the regions.

Results

Family species richness, family age and family diversification rate are all good indicators for predicting extinction risk. Specifically, when all the 27 regions were considered as a whole, families with higher species richness, older age and/or faster diversification rates have a higher risk of species extinction. However, high extinction risk in some regions, especially in temperate regions, tends to occur in families with low species richness and low diversification rates.

Main conclusions

Geographic origin and evolutionary history of species should be jointly taken into account in conservation planning. In general, protection priority should be given to families with high species richness, ancient origins and fast diversification rate because these families seem to be prone to higher extinction risk. Additionally, different strategies should be applied to protect biodiversity in temperate versus tropical regions given that factors affecting extinction risk are different between these regions.

Land-use changes conservation network of an endangered primate (Rhinopithecus bieti) in the past 30 years in China

Xukun Su, Yu Shen, Wei Zhou, Yuqing Liu, Hao Cheng, Murong Yang, Su Zhou, Junyan Zhao, Lingfan Wan, Guohua Liu

Abstract

Aim

This study aims to propose a conservation network that contains suitable habitat and connectivity corridors for mitigation due to habitat transformation and fragmentation of Yunnan snub-nosed monkeys (Rhinopithecus bieti). Further, we also aim to understand the effects of land-use changes on the conservation network of R. bieti from 1990 to 2020.

Location

Three Parallel Rivers Region (TPRR) on the Qinghai–Tibetan Plateau (QTP) of China.

Methods

We used a GIS-based niche model to predict habitat suitability and extracted highly suitable habitats with an area above 30 km2 as potential core habitats (PCH patches). We designed a normalized importance value index (NIVI) to select PCH patches with the top 5 NIVI values designated as priority protection habitats (PPHs), and we selected a circuit model to build connectivity corridors among PPHs and five protected areas (PAs) from 1990 to 2020.

Results

Unsuitable areas and lowly suitable habitats increased 69.3 and 46.8 km2, respectively, from 1990 to 2020. In particular, the area of PPHs dramatically decreased from 212.1 km2 in 1990 to 101.6 km2 in 2020. Average length of connectivity corridors among PCH patches and PPHs decreased from 75.9 km in 1990 to 56.8 km in 2020.

Main conclusion

Habitat loss and fragmentation are common phenomena as evidenced by decreasing in highly and moderately suitable habitats of R. bieti and increasing in lowly suitable habitats and unsuitable areas. Five PAs are central to build a conservation network and to protect populations and wild groups of R. bieti. Land use changes the conservation network of R. bieti in the past 30 years. Based on re-planning boundaries of PAs to incorporate all protection network of R. bieti, it has practical significance to re-adjust the system of PAs that conservation network of R. bieti should be as fundamental management unit for PA development.

Climate change is expected to restructure forest frugivorous bird communities in a biodiversity hot-point within the Atlantic Forest

Flávio Mariano Machado Mota, Neander Marcel Heming, José Carlos Morante-Filho, Daniela Custódio Talora

Abstract

Aim

Changes in climatic conditions are predicted to impact species distribution and hence alter their diversity patterns. Modifications in the composition of biological communities are expected as a result of the loss and replacement of species due to global warming. Forest frugivorous birds already suffer from habitat loss and may disappear locally due to suitable area contraction or range shifts to novel areas, disrupting seed dispersal and consequently the functioning of natural ecosystems. Here, we investigate the impacts of different climate scenarios on alpha and beta diversities of forest frugivorous birds.

Location

Central Corridor of the Atlantic Forest (CCAF), Brazil.

Methods

We used ecological niche models to project species distribution of 68 frugivorous birds for the baseline and future (2050 and 2070) scenarios. We generated binary maps of suitable areas for each species by climate scenario to calculate alpha and beta diversities.

Results

Most forest frugivorous birds were projected to lose suitable area, as a consequence of climate change, reducing alpha diversity in future scenarios and increasing temporal beta diversity, which is dominated by the nestedness component. In addition, species richness decreased from the east to the west portion of the CCAF, while differentiation of bird communities increased in the same direction, a pattern consistent across all climate scenarios evaluated.

Main conclusions

Climate change may exert drastic alterations in the composition of frugivorous bird communities in the CCAF. As forest frugivorous birds are critical to seed dispersal of forest plant species, impoverishment of their communities can drastically affect forest regeneration, diversity, and structure in the decades to come. Therefore, a better comprehension of spatio-temporal changes in diversity patterns of frugivorous birds can help us to avoid the disruption of seed dispersal and its consequences, such as cascading effects that will trigger biodiversity loss in the CCAF.

Anthropogenic pressures coincide with Neotropical biodiversity hotspots in a flagship butterfly group

Maël Doré, Keith Willmott, Boris Leroy, Nicolas Chazot, James Mallet, André V. L. Freitas, Jason P. W. Hall, Gerardo Lamas, Kanchon K. Dasmahapatra, Colin Fontaine, Marianne Elias

Abstract

Aim

The biodiversity crisis has highlighted the need to assess and map biodiversity in order to prioritize conservation efforts. Clearwing butterflies (tribe Ithomiini) have been proposed as biological indicators for habitat quality in Neotropical forests, which contain the world's richest biological communities. Here, we provide maps of different facets of Ithomiini diversity across the Neotropics to identify areas of evolutionary and ecological importance for conservation and evaluate their overlap with current anthropogenic threats.

Location

Neotropics.

Methods

We ran species distribution models on a data set based on 28,986 georeferenced occurrences representing 388 ithomiine species to generate maps of geographic rarity, taxonomic, phylogenetic and Müllerian mimetic wing pattern diversity. We quantified and mapped the overlap of diversity hotspots with areas threatened by or providing refuge from current anthropogenic pressures.

Results

The eastern slopes of the Andes formed the primary hotspot of taxonomic, phylogenetic and mimetic diversity, with secondary hotspots in Central America and the Atlantic Forest. Most diversity indices were strongly spatially correlated. Nevertheless, species-poor communities on the Pacific slopes of the Andes also sheltered some of the geographically rarest species. Overall, tropical montane forests that host high species and mimetic diversity as well as rare species and mimicry rings appeared particularly under threat.

Main conclusions

Remote parts of the Upper Amazon may act as refuges against current anthropogenic pressures for a limited portion of Ithomiini diversity. Furthermore, it is likely that the current threat status may worsen with ongoing climate change and deforestation. In this context, the tropical Andes occupy a crucial position as the primary hotspot for multiple facets of biodiversity for ithomiine butterflies, as they do for angiosperms, tetrapods and other insect taxa. Our results support the role of ithomiine butterflies as a suitable flagship indicator group for Neotropical butterfly diversity and reinforce the position of the tropical Andes as a flagship region for biodiversity conservation in general, and insect and butterfly conservation in particular.

Effects of land use and climate change on functional and phylogenetic diversity of terrestrial vertebrates in a Himalayan biodiversity hotspot

Ugyen Penjor, Samuel A. Cushman, Żaneta M. Kaszta, Sherub Sherub, David W. Macdonald

Abstract

Aim

The synergy between human land use and climate change is accelerating the global decline of biodiversity. In the fragile Himalayas, this trend has a strong ecological impact on wildlife communities, and a better understanding is needed to discern changes in the mechanisms. This study aims to understand the effects of land use and climate change on the functional (FD) and phylogenetic diversity (PD) of mammal and bird communities across the land use gradient.

Location

Eastern Himalayan biodiversity hotspot, Bhutan.

Methods

Mammal data were gathered from a camera trap survey and bird data from point counts. We used morphological and ecological traits of 45 mammal species and 336 bird species to construct functional trait space. We quantified FD and PD using standardized effect size of functional richness, functional dispersion, mean pairwise distance and mean nearest taxon distance. We used linear regression to evaluate the relationship between FD and PD and land use/climate variables.

Results

The functional space of mammals was structured by body mass (small–large) and diet (herbivore–carnivore) as one major axis, and habitat breadth (generalist-specialist) as the other, whereas bird functional space was structured by beak shape and size (large and long–small and short), body mass (small–large), foraging strata (canopy–ground) and diet (ectotherm–scavenge) along four axes. Land use (agriculture and road) negatively affected mammal FD, whereas both land use (tree cover and built-up area) and climate (temperature and precipitation) affected PD, although the effects were highly variable. Climate (temperature) had a pronounced negative effect on bird FD while land use (agriculture, built-up area and settlement) on PD.

Main conclusions

The realized functional space of the vertebrate groups can be represented by different planes on which species are clumped around a small number of functional strategies. The loss of species at the edge of functional space is non-random and could result in the loss of irreplaceable traits impacting long-term ecological and evolutionary processes. Our study demonstrates the filtering effect of anthropogenic pressure and climate change on vertebrate FD and PD. However, the association with land use suggests the potential for ecosystem services (particularly by birds). Our findings reveal nuances of dimensions of biodiversity and provide novel insights into the structure and drivers of vertebrate assemblages in the eastern Himalayas.

Protected areas have remarkable spillover effects on forest conservation on the Qinghai-Tibet Plateau

Yu Shen, Guohua Liu, Wei Zhou, Yuqing Liu, Hao Cheng, Xukun Su

Abstract

Aim

Although protected areas (PAs) are assumed to reduce natural threats within boundaries, their spillover effects remain equivocal. It is necessary to determine whether PAs truly achieve conservation targets and whether they promote or inhibit natural habitat degradation in adjacent areas by blockage or leakage spillover. This study aims to choose 54 nature reserves (NRs) focusing on forest protection as a case study to assess PA conservation effectiveness and spillover prevalence.

Location

PAs on the Qinghai-Tibet Plateau (QTP).

Methods

We used matching methods to compare deforestation rates inside PAs and their 20 km buffer zones with matched control areas based on the Global Forest Change dataset from 2001 to 2019. We contrasted the effects of NRs with different management levels, ages and areas. We designed five concentric buffer zones to assess spillover change with distance and estimated potential drivers of the spillover effect to explain its directions and magnitudes.

Results

75.9% of the NRs were effective in preventing deforestation within their boundaries. NRs with different properties showed similar performance on forest conservation. Spillover effects were heterogeneous around NRs. One hundred and twenty-two buffer zones had positive spillover ranging from 0.1% to 5.3%. One hundred and nineteen buffer zones had leakages from −8.84% to −0.1%. Blockages slightly outnumbered leakages at different distances, while leakages happened more frequently when we treated buffer zones as a whole spillover area. The linear model indicated NR age and population density of buffer zones were the most relevant predictors to spillover value.

Main conclusions

Most PAs performed well in forest conservation. Leakages could undermine or offset PA conservation efforts and were related to multiple natural or socio-economic factors. We recommend considering the plurality of PAs as well as spillover effect and incorporating a social-ecological framework in further PA establishment and management.

Forest regeneration may reduce the negative impacts of climate change on the biodiversity of a tropical hotspot

Vinicius Tonetti, Bernardo Brandão Niebuhr, Milton Ribeiro, Marco Aurélio Pizo

Abstract

Aim

Evaluate how large-scale forest regeneration based on a low-cost restoration method may mitigate the effects of habitat loss and fragmentation associated to future climate changes on the distribution of birds and arboreal mammals in a tropical biodiversity hotspot; find areas with different current and future potential species richness and assess how passive restoration can reduce the risk of species extinction.

Location

Brazilian Atlantic Forest (BAF).

Methods

We built a forest regeneration scenario via a model of seed dispersal based on the potential movement of frugivorous fauna and projected the potential distribution of 356 bird species and 21 arboreal mammals based on Species Distribution Models (SDM) which employed 79,462 occurrence records and four algorithms for different climate and landscape scenarios. SDM were based on climate and landscape predictors separately and the results were combined into maps of species richness. Finally, we assessed the species’ risk of extinction based on the species–area relationship.

Results

Without considering the effects of climate change, the potential distribution area for each species increases on average by 72.5% (SD = 8%) in the scenario of potential regeneration. Climate change decreases the area of potential occurrence of 252 species, which may suffer a mean reduction of 74.4% (SD = 9.3%) in their current potential distribution areas. BAF regions with the largest amounts of forest had the greatest potential richness of species. In future climate scenario, 3.4% of species may become extinct, but we show that large-scale regeneration may prevent these extinctions.

Main conclusions

Despite the possible negative impacts of climate change on the distribution of 67% of the studied species, which would increase the risk of species extinction, our analysis indicated that promoting large-scale BAF restoration based on natural regeneration may prevent biodiversity loss.