Areas For Biodiversity Conservation Research Articles

Bats (Mammalia: Chiroptera) from two priority areas for biodiversity conservation in the Brazilian Amazon and range extension for Carollia benkeithi (Phyllostomidae)

Abstract Amazonian tropical forests host the highest bat diversity in South America. The central area Brazilian Amazon encompasses one of the largest pristine areas within this biome, where Amanã and Mamirauá Sustainable Development Reserves (SDRs) are located. These two reserves hold the status of Priority Areas for Biodiversity Conservation due to their high biological relevance. The aim of this study was to identify the bat species richness within these SDRs to minimize the Wallacean shortfall of the chiropterofauna in the Amazon. A total of 274 specimens, collected 20 years ago and housed in the mammal collection at the Museu Paraense Emílio Goeldi, were sorted and identified. They are distributed across four families, 18 genera, and 26 species: Artibeus planirostris and Carollia perspicillata were the most abundant vouchers. We identified a range extension for Carollia benkeithi and a possible new taxon for the genus Micronycteris.

Second-growth forests of the Mexican tropics are reservoirs of timber species similar to old-growth forest: Perspectives for sustainable forest management

Second-growth forests represent the largest area of forest in southern Mexico and can provide relevant information on how their structural attributes in are linked to anthropogenic factors and for their forest management. However, a knowledge gap remains at national level with little scientific literature available. Therefore, this research aimed to investigate the structure and tree richness of second-growth forests in the south of Quintana Roo State, México. With stratified sampling through participatory mapping of local collaborators, secondary tropical forests of 7, 15, 27, 37, and ≥ 48 to 80 years (y) old-growth were identified. We categorized forests into three successional stage classes: 5-20 y (Class I; forests of 7 and 15 y); 25-40 y (Class II; forests of 27 and 37 y), and old-growth forest (Class III; forests 48-80 y). In each forest (7, 15, 27, 37, 48, and 80 y of time since abandonment [tSA]) three plots were randomly chosen and established within the forest. Each age class was composed of two forests and six sample plots. In total there were 18 plots of 500 m2 each. Subsequently, we: i) calculated the land use intensity (LUI) to which the sites were subjected, ii) described the following structural attributes: floristic similarity, true diversity (effective number of species), stem density, and basal area (AB), and iii) evaluated if tSA and LUI influence the aforementioned structural attributes. Tree diversity was characterized with Hill numbers associated with observed species richness (0D), richness of equally abundant species (1D), and dominant species (2D). Forest structure was analyzed by density (number of trees ha−1) and distribution of stems by diameter class ha−1 and basal area (BA, m2 ha−1). The second-growth forest was derived from the milpa agricultural system under moderate land use intensity (LUI index = 0.02 - 0.1). Floristic structure was at least similar between Class I and Class III. Forest age and LUI do not affect tree composition of the forests (p ≥ 0.1667). However, these two factors affected stem density and BA. Only the species richness (0D) of second-growth forest and old-growth forest was influenced by tSA (p = 0.0002). In second-growth forests, Classes I and II, 78 species (0D) were recorded, 8 and 8 exclusive species, 28 and 36 equally abundant species (1D), and 15 to 24 dominant species (2D). In the old-growth forest, Class III, 70 species were recorded, and 38 and 26 equally abundant (1D) and dominant species (2D), as well as 5 exclusive species. The density of stems decreased with increasing forest age and increasing BA. Second-growth forest and old-growth forest all showed a high density of small diameter stems. These results indicate that second-growth forests are important tree species reservoirs (including those for timber purposes), comparable to old-growth or mature forests, and therefore they are relevant not only as biodiversity conservation areas or carbon sinks, but also for planned sustainable forest management.

A cost-effective approach to identify conservation priority for 30 × 30 biodiversity target on the premise of food security

There is a growing consensus on expanding protected and conserved areas for biodiversity conservation. Nevertheless, it remains uncertain where to expand conserved areas as well as what appropriate management modalities to choose. Moreover, conserved areas expansion should be balanced with crop-related food security challenges. We developed a framework to identify cost-effective areas for expanding protected areas and other effective area-based conservation measures (OECMs), and applied it to China. By combining templates for biodiversity conservation priorities at global scale and the priority conservation areas based on 2413 vertebrates' extinction risk in China, we identified areas with high biodiversity conservation value. We then categorized the priority areas according to human impact, indicating the potential cost of management. As a result of combining the two aspects above, we identified the most cost-effective areas for expanding protected areas and OECMs while excluding both the current and predicted croplands that can be used for food security. The results show that China could expand its protected areas to 22.81 % of the country's land area and establish OECMs in areas accounting for 9.82 % and 17.37 % of the country's land area in a cost-effective approach in two scenarios. In the ambitious scenario, protected and conserved areas would account for a maximum of 40.18 % of terrestrial area, with an average 62.67 % coverage of the 2413 species' suitable habitat. To achieve the goals of protected and conserved areas in Kunming-Montreal Global Biodiversity Framework, countries could apply this framework to identify their protected areas and OECM expansion priorities.

Diversity Patterns of Eukaryotic Phytoplankton in the Medog Section of the Yarlung Zangbo River

As one of the important biodiversity conservation areas in China, the ecosystem in the lower reaches of the Yarlung Zangbo River is fragile, and is particularly sensitive to global changes. To reveal the diversity pattern of phytoplankton, the metabarcode sequencing was employed in the Medog section of the lower reaches of the Yarlung Zangbo River during autumn 2019 in present study. The phytoplankton assemblies can be significantly divided into the main stem and the tributaries; there are significant differences in the phytoplankton biomass, alpha and beta diversity between the main stem and the tributaries. While both the main stem and the tributaries are affected by dispersal limitation, the phytoplankton assemblages in the entire lower reaches are primarily influenced by heterogeneous selection. Community dissimilarity and assembly process were significantly correlated with turbidity, electrical conductivity, and nitrogen nutrition. The tributaries were the main source of the increase in phytoplankton diversity in the lower reaches of the Yarlung Zangbo River. Such diversity pattern of phytoplankton in the lower reach may be caused by the special habitat in Medog, that is, the excessive flow velocity, and the significant spatial heterogeneity in physical and chemical factors between stem and tributaries. Based on the results and conclusions obtained in present study, continuous long-term monitoring is essential to assess and quantify the impact of global changes on phytoplankton.

Empirical assessments of small-scale ecosystem service flows in rural mosaic landscapes in the Ethiopian highlands

Human activities have rapidly altered natural ecosystems worldwide, resulting in fragmented ecosystems that are either culturally or formally protected. These ecosystem patches can be critical for ecosystem services (ES) that support human well-being. In the Ethiopian highlands, the remaining church forests and wetlands have a unique conservation status and are part of the global priority areas for biodiversity conservation. ES flows from these ecosystems to surrounding benefiting areas lack local-scale field evidence data and are not well-understood. Here, we empirically quantify the distance-dependent flows for four ES: grass biomass, microclimate regulation, crop pollination, and soil erosion retention since they exhibit considerable variation in spatial scales and processes of ES flows. The effect of spatial distance on each ES benefit flow was analysed using spatially explicit empirical models. The key findings are as follows: (1) The benefit of ES varies significantly with distance to the source ecosystems. (2) ES supply is determined by the extent (fragmentation) and condition of ecosystems, together with ecosystem type. (3) The quantity and number of ES provided decreases with distance from the source, and beneficiaries up to 3 km of the source only receive one type of ES (grass biomass). Approximately 80 % of the benefiting areas are within a radius of 200 m from forests and wetlands. Bundles of multiple ES types are received at the frontiers of service-providing ecosystems, where number of benefits are compared at particular locations from the source point. The investigated ecosystems (440 km2) provided benefits to 8,770 km2 for the four types of ES. Our findings imply that non-linear effects of key ecosystem variables need to be considered when mapping the distance-dependent ES flows. This study helps to understand the spatial connectivity between ecosystems and beneficiaries in the human-nature interdependency, which is useful for developing different strategies for ES conservation.

Biodiversity dataset and atlas of the special area of conservation Montesinho/Nogueira, Portugal.

The special area of conservation Montesinho/Nogueira (SAC-MN) is a key area for biodiversity conservation in the Iberian Peninsula. Covering an area of approximately 1081 km² in the northeast of Portugal mainland, the SAC-MN is home to a wide range of species, including several endemic and endangered species and priority habitats. Despite its ecological significance and importance for conservation, there is a lack of publicly available biodiversity data, which urges the need to create a comprehensive and up-to-date biodiversity dataset for the SAC-MN. To bridge the knowledge gap on biodiversity in SAC-MN, we undertook a thorough data collection process, including species occurrence records and conservation status information at regional (Portugal) and European levels, from multiple sources. We collected and compiled this information for five major taxonomic groups (amphibians, birds, flora - vascular plants, mammals and reptiles) in SAC-MN, resulting in a total of 31,871 records with 1,312 documented species. In addition, we developed an easy-to-navigate web-based geographic information system (Web GIS). In this article, we present an in-depth report on the process of compiling and preparing data, as well as the development and design of our Web GIS to increase awareness and enhance understanding of the importance of preserving biodiversity in SAC-MN.

Conserving diversity, distinctiveness and connectivity in the Sunshine Coast heathlands, Queensland, Australia

AbstractAustralia is committed to global area‐based conservation targets whilst ensuring its National Reserve system is representative of ecosystem types. However, concern remains for the increasing habitat loss and fragmentation, and the possible impacts of loss of connectivity between remnant vegetation. This study uses a range of diversity metrics to examine the biodiversity conservation status of the Sunshine Coast heathlands, in the South Eastern Queensland bioregion. The pre‐clearing and remnant extent, and the protection status of the nine heath Regional Ecosystems were calculated. Fragmentation and connectivity were examined by comparing heath patch sizes, and by calculating the distance between patches, from pre‐clearing estimates, until 2019. Diversity metrics for the Regional Ecosystems, including phylogenetic metrics, were tested for correlation with habitat extent, patch size, patch number and distance between patches. Of the pre‐clearing extent, 62% of Sunshine Coast heathlands remain and 46% is protected in National Parks. Levels of protection in National Parks vary across the Local Government Areas, and between Regional Ecosystems, and the priority Regional Ecosystems for further protection were identified. There has been habitat loss resulting in reduced patch sizes, and fragmentation due to urbanization, but the number of patches of heath remains intact, and connectivity in terms of distance between patches remains stable. Phylogenetic dispersion, but not diversity, was correlated with the extent of heath and the number of patches. This highlights the opportunity to maintain biodiversity in these heathlands, with the value of small patches of heath identified as key to maintaining connectivity in the coastal lowlands, distinctiveness in the montane heaths and dunes, and overall phylogenetic dispersion. This study has shown how a variety of diversity metrics and landscape analyses can inform on priority areas for biodiversity conservation in the heathlands of an increasingly urbanized region.

Habitats Heterogeneity Affects Bee Species Assemblage in an Urban Green Space: A Case Study of Nairobi Museum Botanic Garden, Kenya

The conversion of natural landscapes into human-dominated areas has been identified as one major threat to the existence of biodiversity. However, properly managed anthropogenic biomes can act as areas of biodiversity conservation with the potential to provide ecosystem services similar to those obtained in natural habitats. Classic examples are botanic gardens that have become popular in urban centres as examples of nature-based solutions to landscape loss and degradation. To assess the importance of botanic gardens as biodiversity habitats, a study was carried out in the Nairobi Museum Botanic Garden (NMBG). Bees were sampled using pan traps and sweep nets in four habitats classified as gardens, including the Herbal Garden (HG), Memorial Garden (MG), Succulent Garden (SG), and Quarry Garden (QG). A total of 286 individual bees were collected, with MG having 83 individuals, QG (75), SG (66), and HG (62). Though HG recorded the lowest abundance of bees, it recorded the highest number of bee species (14), MG (13), SG (12), and QG (5). The diversity of bees was highest in the HG (H’=1.89), SG (1.88), MG (1.67), and QG (1.15). Meanwhile, high bee abundances and richness were strongly correlated with diverse flowering plants per habitat, with HG having the highest number of flowering plants (23), MG (16), SG (13) and QG (7). The study found that different flowering plants provided habitats that supported unique assemblages of bee communities, a scenario attributed to enhanced habitat heterogeneity. The findings demonstrated that botanic gardens can act as important habitats and refugia for bees in human-dominated landscapes. Therefore, the establishment and conservation of botanic gardens in urban areas is one way to contribute to Sustainable Development Goal 11 of ensuring sustainable cities and human settlements

Importance of ecosystem services and ecological security patterns on Hainan Island, China

The identification and restoration of damaged ecosystems are key to achieving ecological conservation and sustainable. Hainan Island is experiencing a serious crisis of biodiversity and habitat degradation. Therefore, its ecological conservation has become a priority and challenge for China. This study aimed to construct a multi-level ecological security pattern (ESP) based on the synergy of multiple ecosystem service functions and identify important ecological elements and ecological restoration areas. Based on the InVEST model, the circuit theory model, and a series of GIS spatial analysis methods, the importance of ecosystem functions (biodiversity maintenance, water conservation, carbon sequestration, and soil conservation) was evaluated, and ecological sources, ecological corridors, ecological pinch points, and ecological barrier points were identified. The results are as follows: 1) The best habitats in Hainan Island were distributed in the central mountainous area with diverse ecosystems, with an area of 10982.5 km2, accounting for 34.25% of the total suitable habitats. Low-level habitats are mainly distributed on tableland and coastal zones. Human disturbance is the direct cause of landscape patch fragmentation in low-level habitat areas. 2) A total of 65 large ecological sources with a total area of 8238.23 km2 were identified, which were concentrated in the biodiversity and water conservation areas in the central part of the island. 3) Crucial areas in Hainan Island mainly comprised forests and water bodies. Ecological corridors radiated across the entire area in the form of a spider web and connected all important ecological patches, including 138 ecological corridors (73 primary ecological corridors and 65 secondary ecological corridors), 222 ecological pinch points, and 198 ecological barrier points. In addition, the identified areas for restoration are primary areas in urgent need of protection and restoration. In general, the ecological pinch points are natural conservation areas supplemented by anthropogenic restoration, and the ecological barrier points demand equal attention for anthropogenic restoration and nature conservation. The ecosystem protection plan developed in this study will enrich the theoretical achievements of territorial spatial ecological planning in Hainan Island, and provides clear guidance for alleviating the contradiction between land use and economic development in Hainan Island.

An analysis on the spatial heterogeneity characteristics of landscape ecological risk in Qilian Mountain National Park

As a key ecological function area and a priority area for biodiversity conservation in China, Qilian Mountain National Park is facing a severe test of its ecological environment, and the study of its landscape ecological risk is of great significance to the construction and high-quality development of the Qilian Mountain National Park. In this research, based on land use data from six periods (i.e., year in 1995, 2000, 2005, 2010, 2015, and 2020) in the Qilian Mountain National Park, we divided the ecological risk plots, calculated the landscape pattern, and constructed the landscape ecological risk index to deeply explore the temporal and spatial heterogeneity of landscape ecological risk in Qilian Mountain National Park by using ArcGIS, Fragstats and GeoDa. The results showed that: Grassland is the predominant land use type, the area covered by woodland and grassland have exhibited a significant increase since 1995. Landscape fragmentation and disturbance indices exhibit fluctuations across different years, but showed an overall decreasing trend, and landscape stability was improved in the study area. There were obvious differences in the disturbance indices of different landscape types, with grassland and bare land having the highest values. Ecological risk in the study area is heterogeneous, with an overall low ecological risk and a shift to a lower risk level, and a decreasing trend in ecological risk, which is positively correlated spatially and mainly manifested as a “low-low” aggregation. Global warming and unreasonable human activities have exacerbated the ecological degradation of Qilian Mountain National Park, but a series of ecological restoration strategies after the establishment of the national park have gradually improved the regional ecological environment.

Nesting Animals in the Lumbok Seminung Biodiversity Park, West Lampung, Indonesia

Lumbok Seminung Biodiversity Park is a biodiversity conservation area in Lumbok Seminung District, West Lampung Regency of Lampung Province, Indonesia. The park that was established in 2015 is intended to preserve the biodiversity of flora in the region that has the potential to attract and preserve various types of animals, especially pollinators and seed dispersers. This study conducted to presence of nest-building animals indicating the support function of the park in preserving biodiversity. Study approach used was descriptive intended to contact as many types of nest-building animals as possible that are actually present. Observation made by direct sighting thoroughly, either with or without visual aids, along established trails in the park. There were 41 animal nests found during the monitoring, comprise 33 nests of insect, 6 nests of birds and 2 nests of mammals. Totally there were 10 types of nesting animals identified, consisting of 7 species of insects, 2 species of birds and 1 species of mammal. Some of these nesting animals are known to have ecological roles as pollinators (bees and wasps) and seed dispersers (birds and squirrels). The plants used as nesting sites by animals in the park totally are 14 species. In conclusion, the Lumbok Seminung Biodiversity Park already has support functions for the regional biodiversity.

Dendrochronological studies in North Africa: reality and prospects

The southern Mediterranean region, particularly North Africa, is a crucial area for biodiversity conservation. However, the impacts of climate change on plant species in this region are not well understood. Dendroecology, the study of tree rings, is a valuable technique for analyzing the effects of environmental changes on woody plants over time. In this study, we intend to assess the state of the art in dendrochronological research in North Africa and identify knowledge gaps and limitations in the field. The period of analysis spans from 1979 to 2023. We used all the available literature in Dendrobox and Google Scholar during this period. Our study revealed several research gaps in the region, including the need for more studies on the history of forest fires and their relationship to climate conditions in Morocco, Algeria, and Tunisia, the impact of climate on the anatomical characteristics of growth rings, and the effects of climate change on tree species diversity and forest health. Applying this technique in the future would allow for detailed insights into the effect of climate on the internal structure and growth of forest trees. The findings of this study will help guide future research and contribute to a better understanding of the climate-growth relationship of woody plants in North Africa.

Taxonomic dissection based on molecular evidence of the Eriosycecurvispina complex (Cactaceae): identifying nine endemic species from Central Chile.

Chile's distinctive flora, geographical isolation, and complex topography collectively contribute to a notable endemic species diversity, particularly within central regions identified as critical areas for biodiversity conservation. The cactus genus Eriosyce, as currently circumscribed, encompasses seven sections, with Eriosycesect.Horridocatus presenting a notably complex species group. This study investigates the E.curvispina complex, a member of the Notocacteae tribe common in central Chile, by incorporating new populations and examining phylogenetic relationships using four plastid and one nuclear molecular marker. The phylogenetic analysis of sampled individuals identified nine independent lineages, each warranting recognition at the species rank. Despite minimal morphological differences among taxa, morphological characters were utilized to support and stabilize the DNA-based phylogenetic hypothesis. The results highlight the high taxonomic diversity in these cactus lineages and have implications for the classification of the E.curvispina complex, including new combinations and proposals of conservation status.

Defining priority areas for conservation based on multispecies functional connectivity

Habitat fragmentation poses a significant challenge to biodiversity conservation. Well-designed ecological corridors can effectively enhance connectivity between habitat areas, particularly within Protected Areas (PAs), thereby mitigating biodiversity loss. Herein, we proposed a methodological approach for identifying Priority Areas for Conservation (PACs) of biodiversity based on functional connectivity for different species of birds and terrestrial mammals. We applied the proposed methodology in a biodiverse region in Brazil that harbors a mosaic of PAs and remaining areas of natural vegetation under anthropogenic pressure, primarily from mineral extraction activities. We used ecological corridor simulations as input data and a set of geographic information systems tools to delineate the priority areas. In total, we identified 24 priority areas for the conservation of 10 bird and 5 mammal species under different extinction threat levels and preferential habitat types, which varied among seasonal semideciduous forests, savannas, and rupestrian grasslands. The sizes of the priority areas identified ranged from 834.42 to 7954.36 ha. The proposed methodology can be applied to define priority areas for biodiversity conservation at a regional scale for different species or groups of species worldwide.

Forest fragments matter: a look into the species richness and diversity patterns of birds in a small, isolated, Protected Landscape in Mindanao Island, Philippines

The establishment of Protected Areas is deemed of critical importance in global conservation initiatives, particularly in biodiverse regions and global biodiversity hotspots, such as the Philippines. However, the crucial role played by smaller Protected Areas in biodiversity conservation is frequently overlooked, making this a particular area of research interest. The Initao-Libertad Protected Landscape and Seascape (hereinafter – ILPLS) is one of the last remaining karst forests with natural vegetation and refuge for wildlife conservation on the island of Mindanao, the Philippines. However, the landscape component of this Protected Area is very small (ca. 506 000 m2), bisected by a road, and heavily disturbed by illegal logging and frequent tourist visits. From 2014 to 2018, we assessed the community structure and revealed patterns of bird diversity in ILPLS. We recorded a total of 814 individuals of birds from 36 species and nine feeding guilds from a total sampling effort of 558 230.40 mist-net hours in the Protected Areas' two management zones, namely the Special Protection Zone (SPZ) and Tourism Zone (TZ). ILPLS has a high level of endemism at 33% (12 species), including nine Philippine endemics and three Mindanao Island endemics. We also recorded Gorsachius goisagi, a globally threatened species categorised by IUCN as Vulnerable. Species richness was higher in the SPZ than in the TZ (p = 0.012), whereas no significant differences were observed in the Shannon index values (p = 0.101) and mean capture rates (p = 0.378) between the two management zones. Species and feeding guild assemblages did not differ between the two management zones (p = 0.939) but varied between vertical strata (p = 0.001). Here, we show how this small, protected landscape harbours a comparatively diverse bird community, including restricted-range species and species with high conservation priority. This suggests that forest fragments, even of this size, are important habitats for bird conservation efforts and should not be undervalued. We recommend extending such studies to other fragments, especially those that are still not protected, to improve our biodiversity database, further our understanding of biodiversity and fragment dynamics, and make a case for the protection of other forest fragment habitats.

Enhancing environmental sustainability and biodiversity conservation in agrarian-oriented districts of Bryansk Oblast

The paper presents the results obtained from analysis of spatial disproportions arising due to distribution of ecosystems with protective and destabilizing features during agricultural development in Bryansk Oblast. The goal of the research is to reveal a contemporary ratio of such ecosystems at the intra-regional level on the basis of approaches that minimise vulnerability for the environment. Also, to set the tasks for strengthening biodiversity conservation in areas involved in agricultural use. It was determined that environmental sustainability of agroecosystem can be achieved by means of increasing of territories with protective features. Protective ecosystems are viewed as ecological cores of the ecological framework supporting landscape sustainability and preventing loss of biodiversity during agricultural activities. In total, 110 sites or ecological cores have been identified by comparing they spatial distribution in all agrarian-oriented districts of Bryansk Oblast. Since agricultural activity leads to environmental instability and affects biota, ecological cores can enhance environmental sustainability. The significance of this study is to find natural-based solutions that have to be grounded on calculation method applied in this research. A more detailed picture of environmental sustainability is highlighted via location of ecological belts consisting of high-priority sites for biodiversity conservation.

Modelling Distribution of Onthophagus Species (Coleoptera: Scarabaeidae) in Sarawak

Dung beetles (Genus: Onthophagus) are members of the family Scarabaeidae and the subfamily Scarabaeinae. Despite their small size and unattractive appearance, dung beetles play an important role in the ecosystem, and they are widely recognised as one of the most effective bioindicators of ecosystem health. Although there has been an increase in dung beetle studies in Peninsular Malaysia, there are very few ecological studies of dung beetles conducted in Sarawak, despite being the largest state of Malaysia. Therefore, this study aims to provide recent information on the distributions of dung beetles from the genus Onthophagus in Sarawak. A total of 32 occurrences data for eight selected Onthophagus species representing 11 localities were successfully recorded. All analyses were performed using the Maximum Entropy Modelling Version 3.4.4 (MaxEnt) and Quantum Geographic Information Systems 3.28.2 (QGIS) software. It is revealed that most dung beetles’ distributions are strongly influenced by temperature and precipitation which suggests its capabilities as a bioindicator to identify high biodiversity areas. In conclusion, this study could be beneficial to identify the potential hotspot areas for biodiversity conservation and effective management practices in Sarawak.

Sacred forest biodiversity conservation: A meta‐analysis

AbstractSacred forests offer co‐benefits of protecting both cultural traditions and forested areas. However, sacred forests' contribution to biodiversity conservation is often undervalued. Several reviews discuss biodiversity conservation in sacred forests, but large‐scale studies that quantify the effect of sacred forests on biodiversity conservation are scarce. Many studies on the effectiveness of sacred forests in protecting biodiversity are limited to single‐location censuses or lack comparisons against non‐sacred forests that serve as controls. To quantify the impact of sacred forests on biodiversity conservation, we conducted a global meta‐analysis that compares sacred forests with nearby non‐sacred forests (i.e., control areas). Using 35 studies from 17 different countries, we found that sacred forests harbored similar levels of biodiversity as nearby forested areas. When comparing taxonomic groups, we found that the positive benefits to biodiversity in sacred forests compared to non‐sacred forests were higher for plants compared to non‐plant taxa. Our meta‐analysis provides quantitative evidence that sacred forests can be effective areas of biodiversity conservation. Based on our results, we suggest that researchers interested in sacred forest biodiversity compare sacred forests with other land use types, collect standardized metadata from sacred forests and nearby areas that serve as comparisons, and extend monitoring to include more non‐plant taxa. Sacred forests can preserve ecosystem function, provide social benefits, and play a role in fighting against climate change, and should not be overlooked.

Potentilla parvifolia strongly influenced soil microbial community and environmental effect along an altitudinal gradient in central Qilian Mountains in western China.

The Qilian Mountains (QLMs) form an important ecological security barrier in western China and a priority area for biodiversity conservation. Potentilla parvifolia is a widespread species in the mid-high altitudes of the QLMs and has continuously migrated to higher altitudes in recent years. Understanding the effects of P. parvifolia on microbial community characteristics is important for exploring future changes in soil biogeochemical processes in the QLMs. This study found that P. parvifolia has profound effects on the community structure and ecological functions of soil microorganisms. The stability and complexity of the root zone microbial co-occurrence network were significantly higher than those of bare soils. There was a distinct altitudinal gradient in the effect of P. parvifolia on soil microbial community characteristics. At an elevation of 3204 m, P. parvifolia promoted the accumulation of carbon, nitrogen, and phosphorus and increased sucrase activity and soil C/N while significantly improving the community richness index of fungi (p < .05) compared with that of bacteria and the relative abundance of Ascomycota. The alpha diversity of fungi in the root zone soil of P. parvifolia was also significantly increased at 3550 m altitude. Furthermore, the community similarity distance matrix of fungi showed an evident separation at 3204 m. However, at an altitude of 3750 m, P. parvifolia mainly affected the bacterial community. Potentilla parvifolia increased the bacterial community richness. This is in agreement with the findings based on the functional prediction that P. parvifolia favors the growth and enrichment of denitrifying communities at 3550 and 3750 m. The results provide a scientific basis for predicting the evolutionary trends of the effects of P. parvifolia on soil microbial communities and functions and have important implications for ecological governance in the QLMs.

Combining Spatial–Temporal Remote Sensing and Human Footprint Indices to Identify Biodiversity Conservation Hotspots

Considering Inner Mongolia as the study area, the ecological theory of climate change, and human activities affecting a wide range of biodiversity patterns, MODIS multi-timeseries remote sensing image data were used and the interannual variation index was obtained by the method of fitting the curve to obtain the annual phenological and seasonal indicators. At the same time, the Landsat 8 standard deviation image was calculated to obtain the spatial variation index and generate spatial–temporal remote sensing indices to quantify the threat of climate change to biodiversity. In addition, the impact of human activities on biodiversity was quantified by generating a map of the human footprint in Inner Mongolia. The spatial–temporal remote sensing index and the human footprint index were integrated to identify areas protected from climate change and human activities, respectively. Eventually, the hotspot areas of biodiversity conservation in Inner Mongolia were obtained and priority protected area planning was based on the hotspot identification results. In this study, remote sensing technology was used to identify biodiversity conservation hotspots, which can overcome the limitations of insufficient species data from the past, improve the reliability of large-scale biodiversity conservation analyses, and be used for targeted management actions that have practical significance for biodiversity conservation planning.