Distribution, ecology, and threats assessment of 11 endemic frankincense tree taxa (Boswellia) in the Socotra Archipelago (Yemen)

Plants People Planet, Journal Year: 2024, Volume and Issue: 6(6), P. 1552 - 1571

Published: Aug. 15, 2024

Societal Impact Statement Conserving frankincense trees ( Boswellia ) is crucial for both ecological and socio‐economic reasons. Surveying these in the field using remote sensing unmanned aerial vehicles Socotra Archipelago, we found that Socotran are threatened by forest fragmentation, overgrazing, increasingly frequent extreme climate events. A better understanding of distribution threats important insular species will improve conservation policy local authorities benefit communities Archipelago. At same time, this work serves as a good practice example to guide efforts other culturally tree around world, therefore helping sustain livelihoods, fostering resilience, supporting stability. Summary Globally, (Burseraceae: under threat because habitat deterioration, impacts, olibanum trade. Despite harboring nearly half genus, up‐to‐date insights lacking endemic Archipelago UNESCO (United Nations Educational, Scientific Cultural Organization) World Heritage Site (Yemen). We combined georeferencing individual with applying (UAVs) evaluate (sub)population sizes entire counted 17,253 across all 11 taxa surveyed almost 55% directly field, collecting information on health indicators. estimate current total population relatively common elongata , popoviana ameero consist few thousand mature individuals fragmented which large proportion occurs highly disjunct relictual stands, while more range‐restricted survive only through hundred nana samhaensis fewer than scopulorum ). Our data show fragmentation overgrazing resulting lack natural regeneration, combination effects events (e.g., higher frequency intensity cyclones prolonged drought) potential future infrastructure developments; less impacted resin collection. provide recommendations strategize urgent protection declining trees, update their status, an endangered status seven critically four taxa.

Language: Английский

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HS-SPME-GC/MS analysis of the volatile components of the resins of different Commiphora Jacq. Species collected in Socotra Island

Biochemical Systematics and Ecology, Journal Year: 2025, Volume and Issue: 120, P. 104965 - 104965

Published: Jan. 17, 2025

Language: Английский

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Conservation Biodiversity in Arid Areas: A Review

Sustainability, Journal Year: 2025, Volume and Issue: 17(6), P. 2422 - 2422

Published: March 10, 2025

Drylands cover a vast area, and biodiversity conservation in these regions represents major challenge. A bibliometric study of published research highlighted several key aspects, including publication types, fields, years publication, contributing countries, institutions, languages, journals, publishers, authors, frequently used keywords. The analysis also included plants related to arid areas, animals causes decline regions, effects loss restoration methods aimed at improving areas. total 947 publications were identified, starting from 1994, authored by researchers 99 primarily Australia, the USA, China, Spain, South Africa, 345 with most prominent being Journal Arid Environments, Biodiversity Conservation, Biological Conservation. commonly appearing keywords biodiversity, conservation, diversity, vegetation, patterns, recent showing an increased use terms aridification: climate change, land use, ecosystem services. drylands are linked human activities climatic changes, while impact entire ecosystem. Methods improve include traditional agroforestry systems, tree plantations other plant species, grazing management, approaches. Combined actions among stakeholders ecologically appropriate nature-based solutions recommended. Improvements areas very important for achieving sustainability goals However, numerous aspects this topic remain be studied greater detail.

Language: Английский

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Shrubs as Nurse Species for Plant Communities in Arid Environments: A Case Study From Socotra Island (Yemen)

Journal of Vegetation Science, Journal Year: 2025, Volume and Issue: 36(2)

Published: March 1, 2025

ABSTRACT Question Plant–plant facilitation is a critical ecological mechanism in arid environments, influencing biodiversity and ecosystem resilience globally. Shrubs often serve as nurse species, enhancing tree regeneration sheltering plant communities, particularly overgrazed or degraded habitats. In this study, we examine the role of shrubs species Socotra Archipelago (Yemen), hotspot which several endemic including iconic frankincense ( Boswellia spp.), myrrh Commiphora Socotran dragon's blood Dracaena cinnabari ) trees, are threatened. This largely due to lack natural caused by combined effects overgrazing goats, sheep, climatic events such extreme droughts cyclones. To aid conservation threatened trees regions, nature‐based solutions urgently needed help regeneration. Effective plants have potential, environments. We therefore examined thorny, poisonous, and/or unpalatable with focus on woody an insular context. Study Area The (Yemen) situated western Indian Ocean, east Horn Africa. It sanctuary UNESCO Natural World Heritage Site. Methods Vegetation surveys were conducted 144 paired plots under six common shrub adjacent open areas. Community data, environmental variables, functional traits analysed using RLQ fourth‐corner analyses, while Linear Mixed Models (LMMs) evaluated variables key based Weighted Means (CWMs). Facilitation quantified Relative Interaction Index (RII). Results Our analysis revealed significant variations composition between under‐canopy open‐area plots. Certain shrubs, Cebatha balfourii , facilitated significantly higher richness its canopy compared Elevation grazing pressure influenced these interactions, notable like occurrence legumes growth forms. Buxus hildebrandtii was less effective supporting richness, C. balfourii, Lycium sokotranum two Cissus exhibited positive facilitation. LMMs confirmed importance characteristics shaping community dynamics. Conclusions results highlight differences facilitative potential studied some showing stronger ability act shelters through microhabitat amelioration protection from herbivory. presence confirmed, diverse communities provides insights for strategies, sustainable management landscapes Island other Future efforts should leveraging mitigate pressures enhance restoration, particular conserve range‐restricted species.

Language: Английский

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Assessing the potential distribution of Myracrodruon urundeuva Allemão (Aroeira) in the Caatinga under climate change scenarios

Frontiers in Forests and Global Change, Journal Year: 2025, Volume and Issue: 8

Published: March 19, 2025

The Caatinga, a seasonally dry tropical forest in northeastern Brazil, is notable for its biodiversity and high proportion of endemic plants adapted to semi-arid environment. Among prominent tree species, Myracrodruon urundeuva (Aroeira) stands out due extensive distribution economic value. Despite significance, little known about the environmental factors influencing distribution. This study uses species modeling (SDM) assess current potential M. habitat suitability under various climate change scenarios. Utilizing models like GLM, GAM, BRT, MaxEnt, research analyzes georeferenced occurrence data bioclimatic variables (selected by variance inflation factor) from precipitation temperature metrics. Our findings indicate that projected experience relative stability or slight expansion suitable habitats future scenarios, including pessimistic SSP585 scenario. However, localized losses may occur, particularly certain regions timeframes, highlighting complex regionally variable impacts change. emphasizes need regional action plans mitigate on ’s habitats. Conservation efforts should target areas identified as stable, ensuring species’ resilience against escalating threats, thereby preserving one critical within Caatinga.

Language: Английский

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Ecological classification can help with assisted plant migration in forestry, nature conservation, and landscape planning

Forest Ecology and Management, Journal Year: 2023, Volume and Issue: 546, P. 121349 - 121349

Published: Aug. 30, 2023

Language: Английский

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Overgrazing strongly impedes the natural regeneration of the endemic Boswellia species on Socotra Island

Journal of Forest Science, Journal Year: 2024, Volume and Issue: 70(5), P. 249 - 263

Published: May 24, 2024

Frankincense trees (Boswellia spp.) worldwide are affected by a number of threats, including global warming and changing land management practices. On the Socotra Archipelago (Yemen), which harbours eleven endemic Boswellia species, grazing is generally assumed to be one main threats preventing natural regeneration. To test impact overgrazing on regeneration, we established an in situ experiment four different taxa areas Island. Mortality height increment seedlings were measured for period two/three years five plots excluded from (fenced) paired control (unfenced) plots. Each plot was 50 m × size contained several adult as source viable seeds. Our results show that seedling mortality significantly higher, (4 out 5 sites) lower open compared fenced In plots, all species reached up 772, with 560 surviving seedlings. comparison, 296 seedlings, 176 after 2–3 years. The our experimental study indicate directly threatens regeneration However, remained relatively high inside exclosures well, indicates even without pressure livestock grazing, other impacts remain challenge future conservation archipelago's unique frankincense trees.

Language: Английский

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Prediction of the potential distribution area of Jacaranda mimosifolia in China under climate change using the MaxEnt model

Frontiers in Forests and Global Change, Journal Year: 2024, Volume and Issue: 7

Published: Sept. 4, 2024

Introduction Jacaranda mimosifolia , native to South America, is a notable ornamental tree widely used in Chinese urban landscaping due its aesthetic and environmental value. Despite popularity, the cultivation of J. China faces challenges, including intermittent failures various regions. This study assesses potential distribution response climate change, providing insights for application promotion. Methods Using MaxEnt software, we developed an ecological niche model from 218 records selected 10 variables predict tree’s under scenarios (SSP126, SSP245, SSP370). Results Our demonstrates high predictive accuracy (AUC > 0.90) across scenarios, identifying key factors such as mean temperature coldest quarter (bio11), precipitation driest month (bio14), annual range (bio7), minimum (bio6). Their relative contribution rates were 49.3%, 18.4%, 15.6%, 2.0%, respectively. The average was not lower than 5°C, with ideal being 7.38~14.88°C. Currently, predominantly thrives Taiwan, Fujian, Guangdong, Hainan, Guangxi, Yunnan, lesser extent Sichuan Basin, southern Guizhou, Tibet, Hunan, Jiangxi, Zhejiang province, covering total area approximately 122.19 × 4 km 2 . Future predictions indicate that SSP126 scenario, most significant contraction occurs between 2050s 2070s, change −1.08 Conversely, SSP370 greatest expansion observed 2030s 2050s, amounting 2.08 Suitable anticipated periods except SSP245 2070s. center shifts include movements northwestward, southwestward, eastward distances ranging 5.12 18.84 km. These are likely driven by global warming, resulting higher elevations latitudes. Discussion will provide solid theoretical foundation future serve valuable reference introduction cultivation.

Language: Английский

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Climate-induced distribution dynamics and niche adaptation of South Korean endemic plants across the Korean Peninsula

Scientific Reports, Journal Year: 2024, Volume and Issue: 14(1)

Published: Sept. 27, 2024

Language: Английский

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