Linking worldwide past and present conifer vulnerability

Abstract

Inventories of species recently extinct or threatened with extinction may be found in global databases. However, despite the large number of published fossil based-studies, specific databases on the vulnerability of species in the past are not available. We compiled a worldwide database of published fossil records of plant range losses over the last 30 ka across all continents. Widespread range losses of plant taxa across all latitudes were identified, with the majority representing gymnosperms. Focusing on conifers, a group of plants with well understood distribution and conservation status, we found that past range losses often overlapped areas where species are endangered at present, suggesting that such areas have been prone to biodiversity loss through time. During phases of past rapid climate change, even areas that currently have low levels of endangered species were affected by plant range losses, in some cases with disappearance of taxa from entire continents, islands or major geographic regions. Integration of modern and palaeoecological data enhance our understanding of the complex processes underlying the modes, rates, and extent of threats to plants under changing climate and increasing human pressure, which is vital information for effective conservation actions.