Plant Extinction Research Articles

Where did they come from, where did they go? Niche conservatism in woody and herbaceous plants and implications for plant-based paleoclimatic reconstructions.

The ecological conditions that constrain plants to an environmental niche are assumed to be constant through time. While the fossil record has been used previously to test for niche conservatism of woody flowering plants, additional studies are needed in other plant groups especially since they can provide insight with paleoclimatic reconstructions, high biodiversity in modern terrestrial ecosystems, and significant contributions to agriculture. We tested climatic niche conservatism across time by characterizing the climatic niches of living herbaceous ginger plants (Zingiberaceae) and woody dawn redwood (Metasequoia) against paleoniches reconstructed based on fossil distribution data and paleoclimatic models. Despite few fossil Zingiberaceae occurrences in the latitudinal tropics, unlike living Zingiberaceae, extinct Zingiberaceae likely experienced paratropical conditions in the higher latitudes, especially in the Cretaceous and Paleogene. The living and fossil distributions of Metasequoia largely remain in the upper latitudes of the northern hemisphere. The Zingiberaceae shifted from an initial subtropical climatic paleoniche in the Cretaceous, toward a temperate regime in the late Cenozoic; Metasequoia occupied a more consistent climatic niche over the same time intervals. Because of the inconsistent climatic niches of Zingiberaceae over geologic time, we are less confident of using them for taxonomic-based paleoclimatic reconstruction methods like nearest living relative, which assume a consistent climatic niche between extant and extinct relatives; we argue that the consistent climatic niche of Metasequoia is more appropriate for these reconstructions. Niche conservatism cannot be assumed between extant and extinct plants and should be tested further in groups used for paleoclimatic reconstructions.

Insects decline with host plants but coextinctions may be limited

The loss of wild plant populations is often assumed to lead to coextinctions, particularly among specialized insects. Despite global declines in both terrestrial insects and plants, the relationship between these trends remains elusive. Here, we address this gap by analyzing the relationship between population trends of insects and their host plants in Germany, encompassing over 150,000 interactions among 3,429 plant and 2,239 insect species, including both pollinators (bees and hoverflies) and herbivores (butterflies, moths, and sawflies). Our findings reveal parallel population declines of insects and host plants across taxa, except for more generalist hoverflies. However, simulated extinctions of threatened host plants led to limited coextinctions in insects. Notably, 96% of insect species retained over 25% of their host plant diversity, and among those, 98% still retained at least one common species in their interaction portfolio. Even highly specialized insects may persist because they tend to specialize in nonthreatened plant species. While uncertainties remain regarding the interchangeability of host plants, our findings suggest that insect coextinctions are far from a 1:1 match with plant extinctions. Our findings suggest the declining abundance of many plant species can contribute to insect decline yet challenge the common assumption that the extinction of threatened plant species will necessarily trigger an imminent extinction wave of associated insects. Interaction networks seem to be more resilient.

Editorial: The adaptation, plasticity and extinction of forest plants to climate change: mechanisms behind the morphological, physiological, phenological and ecological traits

Editorial: The adaptation, plasticity and extinction of forest plants to climate change: mechanisms behind the morphological, physiological, phenological and ecological traits

Refuting the hypothesis of Centinelan extinction at its place of origin.

Scientists' limited understanding of tropical plant communities obscures the true extent of species loss caused by habitat destruction1. The Centinelan extinction hypothesis2,3 posits an extreme but widely referenced scenario wherein forest clearing causes the immediate extinction of species known only from a single geographic location. It remains unclear, however, whether the disappearance of such microendemics reflects their global extinction or insufficient collection effort at larger scales. Here we test these hypotheses by synthesizing decades of floristic data from the heavily deforested tropical cloud forest (TCF) at Centinela, Ecuador. We find that 99% of its putative microendemics have been collected elsewhere and are not extinct. Our field work also revealed new species, highlighting the enduring conservation value of TCFs and the intense efforts required to illuminate such plant diversity 'darkspots'4. Field and herbarium research remain essential to the conservation action needed to forestall large-scale plant extinctions in Earth's beleaguered cloud forests.

Influence of coronavirus disease 2019 on attitudes toward forest biodiversity and nature conservation

The goal of this study is to better understand public perceptions of biodiversity loss, with a focus on the connections between deforestation and the eventual extinction of plants, animals, and birds. In Malaysia, a questionnaire study covering five variables – deforestation, the extinction of mammals, birds, and plants – as well as the moderating effect of coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) on public attitudes toward biodiversity loss – was conducted. Using online survey methods, 505 valid responses in total were acquired, and SMART-PLS was used for data analysis. Deforestation (the independent variable) is significantly and positively correlated with the extinction of birds, mammals, and plants, respectively. The study also demonstrates how COVID-19 moderates animal extinction and its impact on public perceptions of biodiversity protection. However, statistical study shows that popular perceptions of biodiversity protection are not significantly impacted by the loss of birds or plants. This study adds to the body of knowledge on the importance of public attitudes in reducing environmental degradation by providing a thorough analysis of popular attitudes toward biodiversity protection. The research has important ramifications for governments and organizations working to promote environmentally friendly behaviors, improve ecosystem sustainability, and encourage environmentally friendly organizations.

Predicted community consequences of spatially explicit global change-induced processes on plant-insect networks.

Plant-insect trophic systems should be particularly sensitive to processes altering species spatial co-occurrences, as impacts on one level can cascade effectively through the strong trophic reliance to the other level. Here, we predicted the biogeography of Lepidoptera-plant communities under global-change scenarios, exploiting spatially resolved data on 423 Lepidoptera species and their 848 food plants across the German state of Baden-Württemberg (ca. 36,000 km2). We performed simulations of plant extinction and Lepidoptera expansion, and respectively assessed their cascading consequences-namely secondary extinction of Lepidoptera and change in functional distance of plants-on the interaction networks. Importantly, the simulations were spatially explicit, as we accounted for realistic landscape contexts of both processes: Plant extinctions were simulated as "regional" (a species goes extinct in the whole region at once) vs. "isolation-driven" (a species gradually goes extinct from the peripheral or isolated localities according to its real regional distribution); Lepidoptera expansions were simulated with random, northward, and upward directions according to real topography. The consequences were assessed based on empirical community composition and trophic relationships. When evaluated by regional richness, the robustness of Lepidoptera assemblages against secondary extinctions was higher under isolation-driven plant extinctions than regional plant extinction; however, this relationship was reversed when evaluated by averaged local richness. Also, with isolation-driven plant extinctions, Lepidoptera at the central sub-region of Baden-Württemberg appeared to be especially vulnerable. With Lepidoptera expansions, plants' functional distances in local communities dropped, indicating a possible increase of competition among plants, yet to a lesser extent particularly with upward movements. Together, our results suggested that the communities' composition context at the landscape scale (i.e., how communities, with respective species composition, are arranged within the landscape) matters when assessing global-change influences on interaction systems; spatially explicit consideration of such context can reveal localised consequences that are not necessarily captured via a spatially implicit, regional perspective.

Evidence for modern extinction in plants and animals

We summarise evidence of extinction reported in Red List accounts of plants (170 species) and animals (816 species) listed as extinct (EX) or extinct in the wild (EW) under different versions of the Red List. We find that types of evidence and their frequency of use are remarkably consistent across plants, animals and Red List versions. The most common evidence is ‘long time missing, fewer than half of species accounts discuss search effort, and accounts of 15 % of EX/EW plants and 27 % of animals provide no reason for the EX/EW listing. We review use of extinction probability models for EX, EW and Critically Endangered species flagged as possibly extinct, and find that 155 species have been subjects of extinction probability models. Nearly all models applied to birds and mammals agree that the species are extinct. Seventeen statistical models for estimating the probability that a species is extinct based on search effort, traits and detection rate have been published since 1993 and applied to EX, EW, or CR(PE) species. A tiny fraction (0.6 %) of Red List accounts currently include published model results; thus extinction probability modelling has been largely independent of Red Listing. This is likely to change, because since 2019, Red List guidelines provide templates for quantitative estimates of extinction likelihood. Combining statistical models with assessments of species' probability of extinction based on other criteria can strengthen extinction listings of plants and animals, and add to our understanding of the scale of modern species loss.

Plant extinction in the Anthropocene

Abstract Species go extinct each day, most without notice. The current human-induced extinction rate is up to 700 times higher than the background rate. Extinctions are not different for plants, animals, or fungi, although botanical and invertebrate extinctions are much more poorly documented than those of charismatic vertebrates. In a recent book on extinct plants (Christenhusz & Govaerts, 2023), an overview of botanical extinctions since 1753 was presented, listing which species became extinct and the probable reason for their extinction. As most have a date when they were last documented, a timeline of extinction can also be compiled based on these data. This timeline shows an increase from 1890 to 1940, but a decline in new recorded extinctions after the 1980s, which is likely a result of taxonomic impediment. Extinction rates before 1800 are impacted by the lack of data (here named Berkeley extinction). It can be concluded that extinction is highest in biodiversity-rich areas with high human influence (extinction hotspots). Two new combinations and a new name are proposed here, showing the importance of taxonomy to conservation. Although anthropogenic plant extinction is a global phenomenon, areas of particular concern are the Hawaiian Islands, southern Africa, Australia, the Indian Subcontinent, Southeast Asia, and Brazil. Extinctions have been mainly caused by land clearing for agriculture and urbanization, invasive feral animals, mining, river dams, diseases, and poaching. We predict that the unusual weather patterns associated with rapid climate change may result in more plant extinctions. Reintroduction, even if a species persists in cultivation, is not always possible due to lack of suitable remaining habitat where threats are decreased or removed. Successful reintroduction cannot be guaranteed. It is costly and usually dependent on short-term funding, after which these efforts may be in vain. Protection of species in their natural habitat is much more cost-effective in the long term. Sometimes, rescued plants should be introduced in similar habitats outside their natural range where the threats are absent. This follows the programmes of assisted migration for climate change mitigation, but this can also be assisted introduction to prevent extinction. Protection of critically endangered species that have naturalized outside their native range should also be considered.

Environmental Topics in Contemporary Croatian Dystopian Proseand Prose with Dystopian Elements

Important ecological topics: climate change, pollution of air, water and soil, extinction of plant and animal species and food as a basic human need are in the corpus of dystopian texts and those with dystopian elements. The dystopian component in all of them belongs to the second wave of dystopian fiction (Matus 2009: 7). The corpus consists of a novella “White Promenade” (“Bijela promenada”, 2016) by Ed Barol and eight novels: Battlefield Istria (Bojno polje Istra, 2007) by Danilo Brozović, Centimeter from the Happiness (Centimetar od sreće, 2008) by Marinko Koščec, 2084: House of Great Misery (2084: Kuća Velikog Jada, 2012) by Ivo Balenović, Planet Friedman (2012) by Josip Mlakić, Romeo at the End of the History (Romeo na kraju povijesti, 2015) by Aljoša Babić, War for the Fifth Taste (Rat za peti okus, 2015) by Veljko Barbieri, Dedivination (Dedivinacija, 2018) by Jelena Hrvoj, and Crab’s Children (Rakova djeca, 2019) by Dalibor Perković. The theoretical perspective in the paper is ecocritical: aspects of the relationship between man and the nature that surrounds him are investigated, i.e. to what extent man perceives nature and its inhabitants as equal to himself. The last chapter gives an insight into the results and solutions that some authors offer as a way out of cataclysmic situations, and the meaning and efficiency of these solutions are valued from an ecocritical point of view.

A new cloud forest tree Lychnodiscus bali (Sapindaceae), Critically Endangered from the Bali-Ngemba Forest Reserve, NW Region, Cameroon

SummaryWe describe and illustrate Lychnodiscus bali Cheek (Sapindaceae), a new species to science, from the Bali Ngemba Forest Reserve of NW Region Cameroon, the last major remnant of cloud forest in the Bamenda Highlands of Cameroon, recently evidenced as a Tropical Important Plant Area (TIPA or IPA). Confined on current evidence to upper submontane forest, the new species is threatened by expanding habitat clearance for farms and is assessed as Critically Endangered. A small tree, attaining 3 – 4 m height, it is the first new species to be added to this Guineo-Congolian tree genus in 50 years, the third recorded from Cameroon and takes the number of species in the genus to eight. It has the highest known altitudinal range (1700 – 1950 m alt.) of any species of the genus. We discuss its discovery in the context of other recently discovered and highly threatened or even extinct plant species in the Cameroon Highlands, and the importance of their conservation. The new species was previously identified as Lychnodiscus grandifolius Radlk., but differs in the shorter length of the distal leaflets (12 – 18 cm vs 22 – 39 cm long); in the abaxial leaf surface lacking glands (vs glands flat and conspicuous); in being sparsely hairy all over (vs glabrous except the main veins) and in its larger flowers, 8 – 11 mm long at anthesis (vs 5 – 7 mm long). We present an identification key of the species of Lychnodiscus and discuss their classification in the context of recent molecular phylogenetic and phylogenomic studies. The authors contend that Lychnodiscus Radlk., previously placed in Cupanieae by Radlkofer, should now be placed in the reconstituted Nephelieae in the revised 2021 intrafamilial classification of Buerki et al., probably close to the genera Aporrhiza Radlk. and Laccodiscus Radlk. However, until the genus is included in molecular studies this cannot be confirmed and a sister relationship remains speculative.

Influence of Temperature and Water Availability on Seed Germination of Cicer Milkvetch (Astragulus Cicer L.) and Purple Prairie Clover (Dalea Purpurea Vent. Var. Pupurea)

Global warming may leads a decrease in plant diversity and increased risk for some plant extinction does exist. The effect of temperature and water availability on seed germination were investigated in many plants, and are two of the most important factors on seed germination, for the plant survival that can result in a loss or increase under global climate change scenarios, by affecting a plant's recruitment success. Therefore, research on how climate change affects seed germination is essential for our research and ability to predict the risk for plants. To examine the possible effect of climate change on two commonly grown legumes a greenhouse experiment was run at at AAFC-SPARC. One was an introduced legume, cicer milkvetch, and the other a native legume, purple prairie clover. Our findings were: the experiment with warmer temperature and decreased soil moisture to research seed germination, the result is that reduction in the total both seed germination rate occurs, and showed the seed germination of purple prairie clover is better for the more stressful temperatures and water potentials examined in this experiment. For both legumes were examined on the control water potential the best temperature range is from 20℃ to 30℃ .

Sweet or bitter? Preliminary data on the biomechanics, physiology, and possible nutritional quality of Cretaceous gymnosperms leaves (Patagonia, Argentina)

This study provides the first data on the relationship between chemical composition and biomechanical/physiological characteristics of foliar gymnosperm compressions from the Lower Cretaceous of Santa Cruz, Argentina. Studied taxa include: Squamastrobus tigrensis, Pseudoctenis ornata, Ginkgoites tigrensis, Ruflorinia orlandoi, and Ptilophyllum micropapillosum. The properties determined include: density, tensile strength (resistance to fracture), tensile modulus of elasticity (stiffness), and leaf mass per area (metabolic cost of tissue construction). They are calculated using a 3D-multivariate model based on data obtained by Fourier transform infrared (FTIR) spectroscopy and trait relationships linking density and the properties mentioned above. Samples have a predominantly aromatic chemical composition with variable carbonyl contents. The chemical groups detected are associated with diagenetically-resistant molecules, possibly including lignins, phenylpropanoids, tannins, and resin-like compounds. The results indicate that these plant taxa may have allocated variable amounts of resources (metabolic costs) for the development of aromatic, biomechanically resistant, and relatively long-lived foliar tissues. The determined chemical, biomechanical, and physiological properties of these leaves suggest their potential as a food source for herbivores. Thus, S. tigrensis leaves might have been unpleasantly astringent, difficult to eat and digest due to their hard tissues, and possibly even hazardous. Conversely, the leaves of G. tigrensis, P. ornata, R. orlandoi, and P. micropapillosum may have been easy to eat due to their softer tissues, offering food of intermediate-high nutritional value. The use of FTIR spectroscopy proves useful to perform detailed and realistic studies on the biomechanics, physiology, and autecology of extinct plants.

Species diversity and extinction risk of vertebrate pollinators in India

Animal pollinators underpin the functioning and persistence of ecosystems globally. However, the vital role of pollination is being progressively eroded by the worldwide decline of pollinator species caused by human-induced environmental degradation, resulting in rising costs to biodiversity, agriculture, and economy. Most studies quantifying pollinator diversity and declines have focused on insects, whereas vertebrate pollinators remain comparatively neglected. Here, we present the first comprehensive study quantifying the macroecological patterns of species richness and extinction risk of bird and mammal pollinators in India, a region of extremely high biodiversity and increasing anthropogenic pressure. Our results reveal that hotspots of mammal pollinator diversity are restricted to the south of the Western Ghats, whereas bird pollinator diversity hotspots are scattered throughout the country. Analyses of hotspots of threatened species (based on the IUCN Red List) show that only mammal pollinators are currently classified as threatened in India, whereas multiple hotspots of population declines were observed for birds, and primarily in the Southwest for mammal pollinators. Our analyses failed to identify a role for species traits as drivers of these patterns, whereas most pollinators appear to be threatened by agriculture, logging and hunting for food, and medicinal purposes. Pollinator endangerment has widescale ecological and economic implications such as reduced food production, plant extinction, loss of functional and genetic diversity, and economic damage. We suggest protection of vertebrate pollinators should be emphasised in active conservation agendas in India.

Migration of Fupingopollenites in the Cenozoic: Contribution from Turkish palynoflora and paleoclimatic implications

Fupingopollenites, an extinct plant, has been suggested to belong to a family that originated in eastern Asia, where it was recovered from the early middle Eocene. It developed throughout the Oligocene in eastern Asia, expanding its geographical range and reaching maximum distribution and probably species diversity in the Miocene. In this study, we present the Fupingopollenites occurrences from different regions and ages in Türkiye: the middle-late Eocene transition from the Hatıldağ area (NW Türkiye), the middle-late Eocene transition from the Niğde-Ulukışla area (central Türkiye), the early Oligocene from the Ankara-Şereflikoçhisar area (central Türkiye), the Miocene from the Muğla area (SW Anatolia), and the Pliocene from the Isparta-Şarkikaraağaç area (southern Anatolia). Based on all new findings and published records, we suggest that the migratory route of this plant into Europe is across Türkiye. Furthermore, we can conclude that the suitable palaeoclimatic and palaeoenvironmental conditions for the flourishment of this pollen existed in Türkiye during the Eocene-early Oligocene. According to the numerical climatic estimates, the favorable mean annual temperature and the mean annual prepitation was ∼16 °C and 1000–1100 mm respectively. In addition, we suggest that the microclimatic conditions driven by the intense local tectonics in different depositional areas exerted a significant role in the distribution of this plant. In this study, the botanical relationship of Podocarpium podocarpum with Fupingopollenites has not been fully determined. However, it is noteworthy that both plants were identified in the macro- and micro-flora of Muğla and its surroundings in the Middle Miocene.

Pterophyllum fossils from the Middle Jurassic Yaojie Formation, Gansu Province and its paleogeographical significance in China

Pterophyllum, an extinct plant of Bennettitales, constitutes a significant component of the Mesozoic flora. In this study, we identified four fossil species of Pterophyllum from the Middle Jurassic Yaojie Formation in the Yaojie Basin and the Baojishan Basin in Gansu Province, Northwest China. Through analysis of macroscopic and macroscopic characteristics, these specimens were identified as Pterophyllum xinjiangensis Zhao, P. subaequale Hartz, P. ptilum Harris, and P. angustum (Braun) Gothan. These findings bridge gaps in the study of Bennettitales fossils in the region, affirming the warm and humid climate of the Yaojie Basin and the Baojishan Basin during the Middle Jurassic. Moreover, a comprehensive analysis of 598 reported Pterophyllum fossil records in China revealed that their occurrences from the Late Triassic to the Early Cretaceous was constrained by ancient climates and tectonic. The Late Triassic exhibited the highest diversity, with 83 species, which were widespread across warm-humid and tropical-subtropical zones in China; however, their diversity decreased sharply in subsequent periods, increased slightly in the Early Cretaceous, and then disappeared. In this paper, we further examined the habitat characteristics of this genera based on its spatiotemporal distribution and the paleogeographic and paleotectonic features of its origins, elucidating the coupled relationship between its distribution and ancient geographic and tectonic factors.

Importance of the Conservation of Natural Forests in Protecting Red Listed Medicinal Plant Terminalia arjuna in the Perspective of Indigenous System of Medicine

Sri Lanka the country which is rich in natural resources has a percentage of 29.9 (1,933,000 ha) covered by forest. In present the forests are being destroyed due to various reasons. Increased population leads to increased constructions and urbanization are some reasons of forest destructions. Indigenous system of medicine explains on the importance of various natural resources which are highly effective in treating multiple ailments especially, describes on many herbal plants. The study aims on the importance of red listed plant Terminalia arjuna which is being an extinct plant due to forest destruction. A systematic literature review has been carried out to gather information from Unani and Ayurveda classical texts, Pharmacopeias, ethno-botanical literatures, scientific journals, and web. Unauthentic articles and articles which did not match the theme and eligibility criteria were excluded. 39 articles were finally included for the study. The key words used in searching were T. arjuna, forest conservation, natural resources, red list plants in Sri Lanka, Indigenous medicine and therapeutic effects. Results revealed that T. arjuna belongs to the family Combretacea which is widely spread in mixed dry deciduous tropical forests of Sri Lanka. Various parts of this plant (specially the stem-bark) are very effective in treating cardiovascular complications such as hypertension, dyslipidemia, anginal pain and congestive heart failure. This plant contains tannin, the cardiac glycoside possessed from the bark and fruit is known to be an excellent cardiac tonic which is potent in strengthening the cardiac muscles, in improving the blood circulation of coronary artery and prevents the heart muscle from ischemic damage. Therefore, this study focuses on the importance of the conservation of forests and natural resources which are being helpful in the system of Indigenous medicine in various ways. 
 Keywords: Natural resources, Forest, Indigenous medicine, Terminalia arjuna, Cardiac tonic

A botanical oasis rather than a biological desert: Rediscoveries, new species and new records in a tropical city

Societal Impact StatementCities present a unique challenge for conservation. While overall native biodiversity is reduced, remnant habitats in the urban matrix can be important refugia for native and endemic species. This study reviews the rediscovery of 173 presumed nationally extinct plant taxa and discovery of 155 new native plant records, including 22 new to science and five endemics, in the botanically densely‐collected tropical city‐state of Singapore. The findings of this study indicate that plant rediscoveries and new discoveries are still possible in cities and urban areas with remaining fragments of original forest reserved for species protection, and investment in comprehensive botanical surveys and taxonomic research.Summary The conservation of native species‐dominated forest fragments and investment into botanical surveys and taxonomic research have enabled the rediscovery of presumed nationally extinct plant taxa and discovery of new native plant records in the tropical city‐state of Singapore. We compared national plant checklists of 2009, 2022, and the national Red Data Book (third edition in press) to enumerate rediscovered and newly discovered native vascular plant taxa in the last 14 years. We examined if these were from taxonomic specialist redetermination of only pre‐existing specimens or newly collected from field surveys, and if they were from particular sites and vegetation types, disproportionately represented by certain life forms and families, and predominantly threatened. We documented 173 rediscoveries and 155 new records after 2009, including 22 new to science and five endemics. Most rediscoveries were newly collected from field surveys, but most new records resulted from redetermination of pre‐existing specimens. Native species‐dominated forest fragments were the most important sites for the first collection of new records or first re‐collection of rediscoveries. Trees and climbers were well‐represented among the rediscoveries and new records. Epiphytes were significantly under‐represented compared to their proportion in the presumed nationally extinct flora. Most rediscoveries and new records are nationally Critically Endangered but regionally and globally not assessed. Our findings indicate hope for the persistence of rare native plant species and opportunities for conservation in cities.

Livelihood & Climate Change Implication of In-situ Conservation Strategies for Punica granantum and Syzygium cumini in Sunni Tehsil, Shimla H. P. India

Sustainably harvesting and selling wild fruits can offer rural communities an economical source of income while concurrently safeguarding ecosystems. This study aims for the global promotion of wild edible fruits (WEFs) in the rural areas of Sunni Nagar Panchayat, located in the Shimla district of Himachal Pradesh. This study primarily focuses on comprehensively documenting the utilization of wild edible fruits by local inhabitants through a structured survey and in-depth interviews. Employing a multistage random sampling technique, five villages—Ambari, Kadog, Kamla dugri, Kalwi, and Basantpur—were chosen based on the prevalence of Punica granatum and Syzygium cumini. This research underscores the economic advantages of collecting WEFs for rural communities, providing them with affordable and easily accessible food sources. Additionally, it promotes public awareness, community-based management, and research on indigenous fruits to diversify diets and contribute to the overall well-being of these communities.
 Pomegranate and Jamun (local names referring to the botanical species of Punica granatum and Syzygium cumini, respectively) trees play crucial roles in ecological conservation by offering habitat, shelter, and promoting biodiversity, while also combating soil erosion. However, escalating threats such as population growth, forest fires, urbanization, and timber extraction endanger this rich biodiversity. To counter plant extinction risks, a strategic approach to forest conservation is imperative, emphasizing sustainable collection and trade of underutilized species beneficial for food, medicine, and income. Climate change poses challenges to pomegranate production, impacting orchards with temperature fluctuations, altered precipitation, extreme weather, and pests. Adaptation measures, including irrigation, pest management, and diversification, are crucial. Preserving wild pomegranate and Jamun demands habitat protection, restoration, and sustainable agriculture through agroforestry research, community engagement, and supportive policies. Integrating traditional knowledge with modern conservation ensures a comprehensive approach, actively preserving genetic diversity, ecological balance, and cultural relevance through multi-dimensional conservation efforts for Pomegranate and Jamun.

Addition of nocturnal pollinators modifies the structure of pollination networks

Although the ecological network approach has substantially contributed to the study of plant-pollinator interactions, current understanding of their functional structure is biased towards diurnal pollinators. Nocturnal pollinators have been systematically ignored despite the publication of several studies that have tried to alleviate this diurnal bias. Here, we explored whether adding this neglected group of pollinators had a relevant effect on the overall architecture of three high mountain plant-pollinator networks. Including nocturnal moth pollinators modified network properties by decreasing total connectivity, connectance, nestedness and robustness to plant extinction; and increasing web asymmetry and modularity. Nocturnal moths were not preferentially connected to the most linked plants of the networks, and they were grouped into a specific “night” module in only one of the three networks. Our results indicate that ignoring the nocturnal component of plant-pollinator networks may cause changes in network properties different from those expected from random undersampling of diurnal pollinators. Consequently, the neglect of nocturnal interactions may provide a distorted view of the structure of plant-pollinator networks with relevant implications for conservation assessments.

Evaluation of Conservation status of the Egyptian endemic plants along the Mediterranean coastal strip region

The IUCN Red List, which provides data on distribution, ecology and habitats, population size, economic uses, threats and conservation actions, is a critical indicator of the status of the world's biodiversity and will assist in informing a necessary conservation decision. The Mediterranean region is characterized by a heavy endemism of plant diversity, where the majority of its species are narrow endemic species. The current investigation aims at evaluating the conservation status, degree of extinction of Mediterranean endemic plants in Egypt and their changes over the recent climate changes. Twenty Field trips were conducted from February 2017 to March 2023, investigating different regions in the coastal Mediterranean strip in Egypt. In addition, all the previous studies performed in the investigated area, scientific literature, and different herbaria have been taken into consideration. Coordinates, main habitats and threats for 15 Mediterranean endemic taxa were conducted during visits to evaluate their level of conservation depending on IUCN categories. The current investigation indicated that nine taxa were found to be threatened (7 endangered, 2 critically endangered). In addition, four taxa were believed to be extinct, while two species were recorded as Data Deficient. Climate changes (drought and excessive temperature) and human impacts (urbanization and tourism) are the most effective threats on the taxa in this region. The present investigation is the pioneer study for completely evaluation of these taxa according to IUCN criteria.