SquamBase—A database of squamate (Reptilia: Squamata) traits

Global Ecology and Biogeography, Journal Year: 2024, Volume and Issue: 33(4)

Published: Feb. 7, 2024

Abstract Motivation I present a database that contains information on multiple key traits for all 11,744 recognised species of squamates worldwide. The encompasses and reasonably comprehensive picture available public knowledge. description the sources rationale leading to assignment each particular trait state species. hope dataset can serve scientific community, promote research understanding group, comparisons with other taxa, assessment conservation needs. Furthermore, gaps in our knowledge squamate become readily apparent will hopefully lead further study even better Main types variables contained Morphological, ecological, life history, geographical conservation‐related traits. Spatial location Global. Time period Late Holocene recent. Major taxa level measurement Squamata, Software format xlsx.

Language: Английский

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Assessing the vulnerability of plant functional trait strategies to climate change

Global Ecology and Biogeography, Journal Year: 2022, Volume and Issue: 31(6), P. 1194 - 1206

Published: April 9, 2022

Abstract Aim Our ability to understand how species may respond changing climate conditions is hampered by a lack of high‐quality data on the adaptive capacity species. Plant functional traits are linked many aspects life history and adaptation environment, with different combinations trait values reflecting alternate strategies for adapting varied conditions. If realized limits can be partially explained plant combinations, then new approach using predict expected offer considerable benefits. Location Australia. Time period Current future. Methods Using leaf size, seed mass height 6,747 Australian native from 27 families, we model use future scenarios estimate change impacts based strategies. Results Functional were significant predictor niche metrics potentially meaningful relationships two rainfall variables ( R 2 = .36 & .45) three temperature .21, .28, .30). this method, proportion exposed across their range that beyond will increase under change. Main conclusions approach, called strategy vulnerability, includes metrics. For example, vulnerability (CCV) metric identified small but important (4.3%) average summer in These vulnerable could high priority targets deeper assessment at genomic or physiological level. methods applied any suite co‐occurring plants globally.

Language: Английский

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Global shortfalls in threat assessments for endemic flora by country

Plants People Planet, Journal Year: 2023, Volume and Issue: 5(6), P. 885 - 898

Published: April 20, 2023

Societal Impact Statement Plants are fundamental to terrestrial and aquatic ecosystems key human livelihoods. To protect plant diversity, systematic approaches conservation assessment needed. Many nations have legislation or other policy instruments that seek biodiversity (including plants), species‐level assessments essential for identifying the most threatened species require special immediate protection measures. Some plants occur in only one place (for instance, a single country) here we estimated how many of these ‘endemic’ had their threats assessed each country close country‐equivalent worldwide. We show level completion is weakly related income countries likely threat face. Summary The Global Strategy Plant Conservation ambitiously called an status all recognised taxa by 2020. This target was not met short term. Nevertheless, need remains urgent as go extinct face increasing from impacts on biosphere. Here, completeness endemic flora 179 equivalents assessed. do so, distribution information World Checklist Vascular combined with collated ThreatSearch database. expected be associated objective affluence (measured using inequality‐adjusted Human Development Index (IHDI)) and/or exposure Modification index (GHM)). number per also hypothesised influence assessments. Overall, 58% country‐based examined no (127,643 species). Countries' progress toward could confidently predicted IHDI, GHM richness flora. shortfall identified restricts national regulation actions which imperil species, particular consequences subject local laws. high IHDI scores (i.e. wealthier nations) systematically assessing extinction risk species. Scarce funding should directed global hotspots endemism few available resources assessment.

Language: Английский

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Plant Strategies

Oxford University Press eBooks, Journal Year: 2023, Volume and Issue: unknown

Published: July 27, 2023

Abstract Plants have evolved a remarkable array of adaptive solutions to the existential problem survival and reproduction in world where disturbances can be deadly, resources are scarce, competition is cutthroat. inherited phenotypic traits that increased their chance success, these indicators strategies for establishment survival. A plant strategy thought as “how species sustains population” (Westoby, 1998, p. 214) because all successful must positive demographic outcomes habitats which they adapted. This book aims articulate coherent framework studying unifies demography with functional ecology advance prediction ecology. Central this traits: heritable morphological, physiological, phenological attributes plants influence therefore drive fitness differences among species.

Language: Английский

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Bringing traits back into the equation: A roadmap to understand species redistribution

Global Change Biology, Journal Year: 2024, Volume and Issue: 30(4)

Published: April 1, 2024

Abstract Ecological and evolutionary theories have proposed that species traits should be important in mediating responses to contemporary climate change; yet, empirical evidence has so far provided mixed for the role of behavioral, life history, or ecological characteristics facilitating hindering range shifts. As such, utility trait‐based approaches predict redistribution under change been called into question. We develop perspective, supported by evidence, trait variation, if used carefully can high potential utility, but past analyses many cases failed identify an explanatory value not fully embracing complexity First, we discuss relevant theory linking shift processes at leading (expansion) trailing (contraction) edges distributions highlight need clarify mechanistic basis approaches. Second, provide a brief overview shift–trait studies new opportunities integration consider range‐specific intraspecific variability. Third, explore circumstances which environmental biotic context dependencies are likely affect our ability contribution processes. Finally, propose revealing shaping may require accounting methodological variation arising from estimation process as well addressing existing functional, geographical, phylogenetic biases. series considerations more effectively integrating extrinsic factors research. Together, these analytical promise stronger predictive understanding help society mitigate adapt effects on biodiversity.

Language: Английский

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Defining biodiverse reforestation: Why it matters for climate change mitigation and biodiversity

Plants People Planet, Journal Year: 2022, Volume and Issue: 5(1), P. 27 - 38

Published: Sept. 20, 2022

Societal Impact Statement Mixed species plantings present an attractive alternative to monoculture reforestation through their added benefits biodiversity. Yet there is ambiguity in the use of term ‘biodiversity’ carbon and biodiversity markets, which may create perverse outcomes when designing schemes projects. Here, we review how concept defined applied projects, restoration more broadly. Improved transparency around urgently needed provide rigour emerging market mechanisms, seek benefit environment people. Summary Reforestation capture store atmospheric increasingly championed as a climate change mitigation policy response. have potential conservation co‐benefits diverse mixtures native are planted, growing attempts monetise from particularly within markets. But what meant by ‘biodiverse’ across different stakeholders groups implementing overseeing these projects do perceptions compare with long‐standing scientific definitions? discuss approaches to, definitions of, context for sequestration. Our aim among (e.g., governments, certifiers farmers) rights holders (i.e., First Nations people) engaging reforestation, identify best‐practice methods restoring We find that some vague understanding diversity varying levels biological organisation (genes ecosystems). While most understand underpins ecosystem functions services, many not appreciate difficulties akin reference ecosystems. Consequently, goals rarely explicit, project never be achieved because restored inadequate support functional ecosystems desired services. suggest significant value integrating objectives into setting specific transparent reporting will pave way ensuring meaningful biodiversity, legitimate incentive payments natural capital accounting.

Language: Английский

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Changing plant functional diversity over the last 12,000 years provides perspectives for tracking future changes in vegetation communities

Nature Ecology & Evolution, Journal Year: 2023, Volume and Issue: 7(2), P. 224 - 235

Published: Jan. 9, 2023

Language: Английский

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Higher levels of protection do not consistently improve habitat quality: Insights from Mediterranean and Alpine shrublands

Biological Conservation, Journal Year: 2024, Volume and Issue: 293, P. 110571 - 110571

Published: April 17, 2024

Protected areas are recognized as a crucial tool to mitigate ongoing trends of biodiversity loss. The effect different levels protection and their subsequent conservation efficiency remains, however, largely unexplored. To fill this gap, we present here an integrated approach that combines taxonomic analysis based on typical species evaluate habitat quality functional plant traits define structure functions. We focused shrubland habitats across in two biogeographical areas. found does not change linearly with protection. Furthermore, the increase is characterized by homogenization functions, mostly driven species. Our study suggests level afforded protected necessarily indicative quality. A combined can offer thorough appraisal

Language: Английский

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Biological characteristics of Australian threatened birds

Emu - Austral Ornithology, Journal Year: 2024, Volume and Issue: 124(1), P. 83 - 92

Published: Jan. 2, 2024

Over 750 native bird species reside in or regularly migrate to Australia, many of which have experienced rapid changes habitat extent over the past two centuries. By 2020, eight taxa were considered Extinct and 10% threatened with extinction. Understanding underlying extrinsic intrinsic factors that increase extinction risk can allow prioritisation conservation management research. Here, we use state-of-the-art phylogenetic comparative models reveal most important biological traits predispose Australian elevated risk. We an extensive database their relate these each species' national global IUCN status as assessed three decades (in 1990, 2000, 2010, 2020). show high evolutionary distinctiveness (uniqueness), island endemism, inability take advantage agricultural habitats explaining when phylogeny is controlled for, suggesting disproportionately distinctiveness. characterised by large body mass endemism compared extant 2020. Our study provides largest up-to-date analysis birds relation risk, be used a baseline future studies, for actions, policy advice on broad scale.

Language: Английский

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Using plant functional types to predict the influence of fire on species relative abundance

Biological Conservation, Journal Year: 2024, Volume and Issue: 292, P. 110555 - 110555

Published: March 25, 2024

Fire influences plant survival, reproduction, and establishment. Consequently, plants exhibit fire-related traits. Grouping species with similar traits into Plant Functional Types (PFTs) enables predictions of fire–related change based on ecological mechanisms. However, if PFTs are to advance conservation decision-making, we must know robust. We developed a PFT approach predict how relative abundance changes as function time since fire, tested empirically. First, used trait databases knowledge assign Second, graphical in abundance. Third, collected data at 57 sites, across an 81–year post–fire chronosequence. Finally, using non–linear regression models. Predictions the direction (increase or decrease from 0 81 years fire) were correct for 18 24 modelled. shape not accurate, but still useful: 13 out showed 'excellent' conformity predictions, 7 'good' conformity, 4 'poor'. Broader functional groupings commonly ecology, such facultative resprouter, inadequately captured An this study is that trajectory can be predicted deductive represent population processes. This suggests generalize fire responses share traits, thus inform biodiversity management.

Language: Английский

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