The integration of climate change,spatial dynamics,and habitat fragmentation: A conceptual overview

A growing number of studies have looked at how climate change alters the effects of habitat fragmentation and degradation on both single and multiple species; some raise concern that biodiversity loss and its effects will be exacerbated. The published literature on spatial dynamics (such as dispersal and metapopulation dynamics), habitat fragmentation and climate change requires synthesis and a conceptual framework to simplify thinking. We propose a framework that integrates how climate change affects spatial population dynamics and the effects of habitat fragmentation in terms of: (i) habitat quality, quantity and distribution; (ii) habitat connectivity; and (iii) the dynamics of habitat itself. We use the framework to categorize existing autecological studies and investigate how each is affected by anthropogenic climate change. It is clear that a changing climate produces changes in the geographic distribution of climatic conditions, and the amount and quality of habitat. The most thorough published studies show how such changes impact metapopulation persistence, source–sink dynamics, changes in species' geographic range and community composition. Climate‐related changes in movement behavior and quantity, quality and distribution of habitat have also produced empirical changes in habitat connectivity for some species. An underexplored area is how habitat dynamics that are driven by climatic processes will affect species that live in dynamic habitats. We end our discussion by suggesting ways to improve current attempts to integrate climate change, spatial population dynamics and habitat fragmentation effects, and suggest distinct areas of study that might provide opportunities for more fully integrative work     

The potential drivers in forming avian biodiversity hotspots in the East Himalaya Mountains of Southwest China

Little has been published to describe or interpret Asian biodiversity hotspots, including those in the East Himalayan Mountains of Southwest China (HMSC), thus making necessary a review of the current knowledge. The Pliocene and Pleistocene geological and glacial histories of the Asian continent differ from those of Europe and North America, suggesting different mechanisms of speciation and extinction, and, thus, different responses to climate changes during the Quaternary glaciations. This short review summarizes potential drivers in shaping and maintaining high species richness and endemism of birds in the HMSC. The geographical location at the junction of different biogeographical realms, the wide range of habitats and climates along the extensive elevational range, the complex topography and the distinct geological history of this region have probably contributed to the evolution of an exceptionally species‐rich and endemic‐rich, specialized montane avian fauna. The Mountain systems in the HMSC may have provided refugia where species survived during the glacial periods and barriers for preventing species dispersal after the glacial periods. More studies are required to further test this refugia hypothesis by comparing more cold‐tolerent and warm‐tolerent species.     

Patterns of distribution and conservation status of freshwater fishes in South Africa

The combined fish collection databases of the Albany Museum and the J.L.B. Smith Institute of Ichthyology are used to identify hotspots of endemism and threatened fish distributions in South Africa. Hotspots of fish species richness occur in the north-eastern lowveld sectors of South Africa and along the ecotone between the tropical/ subtropical and temperate faunal zones. Hotspots of endemic fish richness occur within both the tropical and temperate faunal regions, notably in the Olifants River system, Western Cape and in areas of high relief such as the Cape Fold Mountains, the Amatola-Wrnterberg (Eastern Cape), and the Drakensberg Escarpment {Kwazulu/ Natal-Eastern Transvaal). Threatened taxa are concentrated in the hotspots of endemic species richness which coincide largely with areas of major river conservation concern. There is limited scope for fish conservation within the ambit of formal (or informal) declared reserves, and the survival of the fauna depends on the success of river catchment conservation management. The value of museum collections in identifying areas of conservation concern for freshwater fishes is emphasized, and highlights the importance of well-preserved voucher specimens for biodiversity conservation.     

Experts' Perceptions on China's Capacity to Manage Emerging and Re‐emerging Zoonotic Diseases in an Era of Climate Change

Zoonotic diseases transmitted by arthropods and rodents are a major public health concern in China. However, interventions in recent decades have helped lower the incidence of several diseases despite the country's large, frequently mobile population and socio‐economic challenges. Increasing globalization, rapid urbanization and a warming climate now add to the complexity of disease control and prevention and could challenge China's capacity to respond to threats of emerging and re‐emerging zoonoses. To investigate this notion, face‐to‐face interviews were conducted with 30 infectious disease experts in four cities in China. The case study diseases under discussion were malaria, dengue fever and haemorrhagic fever with renal syndrome, all of which may be influenced by changing meteorological conditions. Data were analysed using standard qualitative techniques. The study participants viewed the current disease prevention and control system favourably and were optimistic about China's capacity to manage climate‐sensitive diseases in the future. Several recommendations emerged from the data including the need to improve health literacy in the population regarding the transmission of infectious diseases and raising awareness of the health impacts of climate change amongst policymakers and health professionals. Participants thought that research capacity could be strengthened and human resources issues for front‐line staff should be addressed. It was considered important that authorities are well prepared in advance for outbreaks such as dengue fever in populous subtropical areas, and a prompt and coordinated response is required when outbreaks occur. Furthermore, health professionals need to remain skilled in the identification of diseases for which incidence is declining, so that re‐emerging or emerging trends can be rapidly identified. Recommendations such as these may be useful in formulating adaptation plans and capacity building for the future control and prevention of climate‐sensitive zoonotic diseases in China and neighbouring countries.     

Climate change induced range shifts of Galliformes in China

Climate change will cause range shifts of many species in the future. Galliformes might be particularly vulnerable to climate change, as they have low dispersal ability. Little is known about their possible responses to the future climate. We used a generalized additive model to predict the current and future ranges of all 63 Galliformes in China, based on a comprehensive species occurrence database and a combination of climate variables. Other environmental variables (e.g. elevation and human footprint index) were also considered, as well as the latitude and longitude of the occurrences. Principal component analysis was conducted to illustrate the association between environmental variables and Galliformes distributions. Using the Special Report on Emissions Scenarios (SRES) A2 climate change scenario for 2071–2100, we projected that 29 species would have range shifts over 50%, including 13 endemic species. Galliformes at higher elevation face greater range shifts. Northward shifts are greater than those in other directions. We suggest conservationists pay special attention to the 29 Galliformes that face extensive range shifts, especially the endemic species among them.     

A description of the life stages of Echinoparyphium elegans (Trematoda: Echinostomatidae)

South Africa urgently requires a national strategic plan for the conservation of the country's biodiversity. The formulation of such a plan would be relatively easy if centres (hotspots) of richness, endemism and rarity were congruent, both within and among many different taxa, if these hotspots captured a large proportion of the total species, and if hotspots fell within existing reserves. The investigation of six vertebrate taxa (vizfreshwater fish, frogs, tortoises and terrapins, snakes, birds, and various mammal orders) at a national scale reveals that hotspots are not coincident within taxa. Centres of richness are concentrated in the north-eastern areas of the country, whereas endemism is concentrated in the south-west, and centres of rare and threatened {Red Data Book) species can be in either area. Paired comparisons among taxa reveal greatly varying proportional overlaps of species richness hotspots (0-72%). The proportion of total species falling in hotspots ranges from low (66% for fish) to high (92% for birds). Hotspots are thus not an efficient method of siting representative (ideal) reserves. In order to design a more representative reserve system to protect all vertebrate species, a complementarity algorithm was applied to all taxa separately, and then to all taxa combined. The combined analysis yielded more efficient results {66 reserves are required to represent all 1074 species at least once) than the separate analyses (97 reserves). Many of these representative reserves coincide with both hotspots and existing reserves, and over 85% of the hotspots of most taxa coincide with existing reserves, thus South Africa's vertebrate fauna could be more effectively protected with only moderate acquisition of new, well-sited reserves. A biome analysis reveals that these reserves will also have to incorporate areas of those biomes that are currently inadequately protected, viz grassland, Succulent Karoo and Nama-Karoo. The methods outlined in this paper should be applied to as many other taxa as possible, in order to aid the formulation of a national strategic plan for biodiversity conservation.     

Anuran distribution,diversity and conservation in South Africa,Lesotho and Swaziland

The distributions of 96 anuran species in South Africa were mapped using published locality records, and the collections of the South African and Port Elizabeth museums. Centres of richness, endemism and Red Data Book (RDB) richness were identified, and compared with currently protected areas, using a geographical information system (GIS). Maputaland and the Kwazulu/Natal coast were identified as centres of species richness. Endemic ‘hotspots’ occur in the vicinity of Pietermaritzburg, Durban and Ihe fynbos region of the Western Cape, The Western Cape was also identified as a centre of RDB species richness. A large portion (95,8%) of South African anuran species are found in protected areas. The effective long-term viability of populations of many of these species within these areas, must be assessed. Currently four South African frog species are not found within protected areas. The Karoo biomes were identified as being under-represented, both in the species database and in the proportion of conserved areas. While a large proportion of the fynbos biome is contained in reserve areas, the low-lying fynbos habitats have almost disappeared as a result of urbanization and agriculture. Remnants of the sandy coastal fynbos and renosterveld veld types require urgent conservation. Several areas in the Western and Eastern Cape were identified as requiring additional research and conservation measures. A GIS proves a useful tool in the analysis of species distributions and the prioritization of areas and species for conservation. The importance of accurate collection data, for incorporation into species databases, and the regular publication of reserve species lists is emphasized.     

Patterns of distribution and current protection status of the Carnivora,Chiroptera and Insectivora in South Africa

Geographic patterns of species richness and endemism in three mammalian orders (Chiroptera, Insectivora and Carnivora) were studied in relation to the biomes and existing protected areas of greater South Africa (including Lesotho and Swaziland). Locality data for 21500 specimens representing 124 species were analysed with a geographical information system. Species richness of Chiroptera is high in the savanna biome, particularly in the north-east of the country, owing to the marginal intrusion of 14 tropical species. Endemism in Chiroptera is low, however, with only two endemic species in the fynbos and Karoo biomes. The Carnivora display less biome specificity and endemism than the Chiroptera. Whereas the north-eastern savannas have the highest species richness, the transition between the Nama-Karoo and grassland biomes is an important southern African centre of endemism for the Carnivora, particularly the smaller species. In addition to being an important centre for species richness in the Carnivora and Chiroptera, the Kruger National Park is also particularly important for Red Dala Book species in both orders. The Insectivora display both high species richness and endemism. Species richness of the Insectivora is greatest in the mesic south-east of the country, whereas endemism is most pronounced in the forest and grassland biomes. Differences in biome specificity and endemism between these orders reflect not only phylogenetic divergence, but also variation in body size, vagility and life-history strategies. Most of South Africa's endemics are small mammals and many of them are listed in the Red Data Book. Distributions, life-history strategies and trends in man-induced habitat degradation were used to re-evaluale the protection status of the 124 species. We conclude that at least 11 endemic species are not adequately protected by existing publicly owned protected areas and consequently identify several areas which need to be added to the existing protected area system.     

A model explaining patterns of geographic character variation in Cordyius cordylus (Reptilia; Cordylidae) in the south-western Cape,South Africa

A model is proposed for the evolution of three morphotypes of the girdled lizard Cordylus cordylus (Linnaeus) in the south-western Cape. The available data are interpreted as indicating that a vicariant splitting of a warm-adapted ancestral population during the last glacial period occurred. Differential evolution of the two daughter populations in response to different environmental pressures resulted. One of the daughter populations remaining in the coastal lowlands to the west of the Cape Fold Mountains, became cold-adapted, an event which was followed by a rapid range expansion. The other daughter population to the south and east of the Cape Fold Mountains apparently experienced less severe climatic conditions, maintained a larger population size, and for these reasons remained warm-adapted. During the subsequent warmer, interglacial period the now cold-adapted daughter population was again fragmented into two populations. Of these, one is presently found along the south-western coast and the other along the higher peaks of the western section of the Cape Fold Mountains. On the other hand the amelioration of the climate during the interglacial allowed the warm-adapted daughter population to the south and east to expand its range, eventually penetrating into the areas formerly occupied by the cold-adapted populations. Subsequently zones of secondary contact were established. In the area under discussion similar patterns of contraction and expansion can be observed in other closely related species. Our data support the turnover-pulse hypothesis of Vrba (1985)     

2001−2016年祁连山地区植被覆盖度对干旱的响应

祁连山地区位于西北干旱半干旱地区,气候干燥,降水量少,区域内部生态环境脆弱。全球气候变暖及经济发展,对区域生态环境造成了重大影响。本研究通过研究植被覆盖度(fractional vegetation cover,FVC)时空分布特征和变化趋势以及对干旱的响应,为生态环境改善和减轻干旱影响提供依据。本研究基于MOD13Q1遥感数据以及气象数据,采用像元二分模型、Thornthwaite方法、趋势分析法、Hurst指数和相关分析法,计算得到2001?2016年祁连山地区FVC和表示干旱的标准化降水蒸散发指数(standardized precipitation evaportranspiration index,SPEI),分析FVC和SPEI时空分布特征和动态变化趋势,以及二者之间的相关关系。研究表明:1)2001?2016年祁连山地区FVC整体呈增长趋势,2001年FVC最低,2011年FVC最大,季节变化明显,夏季FVC最高;空间上,祁连山地区FVC整体呈东南高西北低的分布特征,年均值为0.4522,区域差异明显,绝大部分区域FVC呈增加趋势;2)近16年,祁连山地区FVC改善的区域占77.13%,退化的区域占22.87%;FVC未来变化趋势负向特征强于正向特征,持续改善的面积为28.10%,由改善到退化的面积最大为49.23%,需要加大力度对这些区域进行关注和保护;3)祁连山地区绝大多数地区处于湿润状态,中段和东段部分地区处于轻度干旱;不同时间尺度上,年际SPEI均呈现干旱化加强趋势,总体上2001?2016年祁连山地区干旱化程度呈降低趋势,气候向好的方向发展;4)年尺度上祁连山地区SPEI与FVC呈正相关关系,季节尺度上夏季FVC对SPEI干旱程度响应最明显,春季和秋季次之,说明FVC与SPEI间相关显著性越高,响应也就越明显。     

喜旱莲子草入侵对三峡库区重庆主城河岸带植物多样性的影响

为评估入侵物种喜旱莲子草对城市河岸带物种组成和多样性的影响,采用样方法在三峡库区重庆主城河岸带对47个样点进行群落调查。结果显示:1)干流河岸带Patrick丰富度指数和Shannon-Wiener多样性指数显著低于支流河岸带,但干流河岸带Pielou均匀度指数显著高于支流河岸带,Simpson多样性指数在干流和支流河岸带之间差异不显著。2)随着喜旱莲子草入侵强度逐渐增大,干、支流河岸带Simpson多样性指数、Shannon-Wiener多样性指数以及Pielou均匀度指数均先升高后降低,且支流河岸带喜旱莲子草入侵阈值低于干流,而支流Patrick丰富度指数显著下降,但干流无显著变化。3)影响干流河岸带物种多样性的主要土壤因子为有机质、硝态氮和全氮;影响支流河岸带物种多样性的主要土壤因子为含水量、全氮和速效磷。4)喜旱莲子草的入侵在干流河岸带受速效钾、有机质和全氮影响较大,在支流河岸带受速效磷、速效钾和全氮影响较大。研究表明,喜旱莲子草更容易入侵土壤养分含量高的生境;其轻度入侵可促进城市河岸带物种多样性,中、重度入侵会降低河岸带物种多样性,尤其是支流河岸带,因此,建议加强对该入侵物种...     

Bird community comparisons of four plantations and conservation concerns in South China

Plantations of non‐native, fast‐growing trees are increasing in the tropics and subtropics, perhaps with negative consequences for the native avifauna. We studied bird diversity in 4 types of plantations in South China to determine which plantation types are especially detrimental, and compared our findings with studies in nearby natural forests to assess the magnitude of the negative impact. A total of 57 species was recorded. The mean capture rate of understory birds was 1.7 individuals 100‐net‐h^–1. Bird richness and capture rate were lower in plantations than in nearby natural forests. Babblers (Timaliidae), primarily forest‐dependent species in South China, were particularly under‐represented in plantations. Species richness, composition and bird density, particularly of understory birds, differed between plantation types. Plantations of Schima, which is native to South China, had the highest species richness according to point count data. Plantations of Acacia (non‐native) supported the highest understory species richness and produced the highest capture rate of understory birds, probably because of their complex structure and high arthropod abundance. If bird diversity is to be considered, we strongly recommend that future re‐afforestation projects in South China should, as far as possible, use mixed native tree species, and especially Schima, ahead of the other species.     

Using unmanned aerial vehicles with thermal‐image acquisition cameras for animal surveys: a case study on the Sichuan snub‐nosed monkey in the Qinling Mountains

Following significant developments in technology, alternative devices have been applied in fieldwork for animal and plant surveys. Thermal‐image acquisition cameras installed on unmanned aerial vehicles (UAVs) have been used in animal surveys in the wilderness. This article demonstrates an example of how UAVs can be used in high mountainous regions, presenting a case study on the Sichuan snub‐nosed monkey with a detection rate of 65.19% for positive individual identification. It also presents a model that can prospectively predict population size for a given animal species, which is based on combined initial work using UAVs and traditional surveys on the ground. A great potential advantage of UAVs is significantly shortening survey procedures, particularly for areas with high mountains and plateaus, such as the Himalayas, the Qinghai–Tibet Plateau, Hengduan Mountains, the Yunnan‐Gui Plateau and Qinling Mountains in China, where carrying out a traditional survey is extremely difficult, so that species and population surveys, particularly for critically endangered animals, are largely absent. This lack of data has impacted the management of endangered animals as well as the formulation and amendment of conservation strategies.     

马来熊的研究现状及保护对策探析

马来熊是国家Ⅰ级保护动物,其生物学信息缺乏,也缺乏科学的保护和管理对策。本文通过回顾关于马来熊的研究文献,对其研究现状进行总结归纳,并针对种群分布现状提出科学保护和管理对策。关于马来熊的研究主要见于野生种群现状、野外生态及圈养种群的饲养管理等,其中野外生态主要集中于生境选择利用、家域特征、行为节律、食性等,需要进一步深入研究其个体生态学或种群生态学规律。针对马来熊的保护和研究现状,应采取加强立法、推行宣教、提高公众保护意识;加强基础科学研究;建立保护区、缓冲区及森林廊道等以恢复其栖息地等措施来有效保护其野生种群。     

兰州南北两山种子植物区系

为了全面了解兰州南北两山种子植物的生长分布情况及植物区系的地理成分组成,充分认识该区域的自然历史过程,本研究对兰州地区种子植物进行了实地调查。结果表明,兰州南北两山植物种质资源相对丰富,种子植物155种,隶属于39科115属。其中裸子植物1科1属1种;被子植物38科114属154种。较大科(10~29种)的禾本科(Gramineae)、菊科(Compositae)和豆科(Leguminosae)为优势科,中型科(2~9种)构成了植物区系组成的主体;兰州地区种子植物科的优势现象较为明显,禾本科、菊科和豆科的科、属、种分别占总体的7.69%、43.48%和45.80%;属的种类分布较松散,植物分布于多属,属的优势现象表现的不明显;该研究区植物区系科按地理成分可划分为5种类型和4种变型,优势科均为世界广布科,其所占比例最大,占总科数的53.85%,热带分布科和温带分布科也有分布,所占比例分别为总科数的25.64%和20.51%;研究区植物区系中属按地理成分可划分为12种类型和9种变型,温带性属占有绝对的优势地位,占总属数的50.44%,热带成分和地中海成分有一定表现,分别占总属数的15.65%和6.96%,说明兰州南北两山种子植物区系与古地中海植物区系有一定的联系,中亚成分和东亚成分表现微弱,无中国特有科,中国特有属有1属,即文冠果属(Xanthoceras)。在南北两山种子植物种质资源分布差异的研究中发现,北山种子植物物种较南山丰富,南山种子植物密度、分盖度、生物量、株高、冠幅等生长指标整体呈现出较北山大的趋势。     

放牧季节及放牧强度对高寒草地植物多样性的影响

在海北高寒草地进行了7年轻度放牧、中度放牧和重度放牧试验,并用围栏控制放牧进行对照.试验显示,物种丰富度和均匀度在夏季牧场和冬季牧场出现不同的变化.在夏季牧场,物种丰富度随着放牧强度的增强而增强,而均匀度则随着放牧强度的增强而下降;在冬季牧场,物种丰富度和放牧之间呈现驼峰反应模式,说明植物的丰富度在中度放牧强度时达到最大.不同牧场生物多样性变化的模式说明夏季牧场放牧强度不足.     

Bird diversity and the conservation value of a new Ramsar site: Guangdong Haifeng Wetlands,China

Wetlands are critical habitats for birds. However, wetlands are being degraded at an accelerating rate due to global human activity, and a disproportionate fraction of wetland‐dependent bird species are in decline. We evaluated the conservation value of a new Ramsar site, Guangdong Haifeng Wetlands, China, for birds, by comparing bird communities (using line transect data) in 3 different districts: Gongping, Dongguan Lian'anwei and Dahu. We recorded 139 species of birds, including 26 species that are protected at a national level. Dahu had the highest species richness and diversity, whereas Dongguan Lian'anwei had the highest abundance of birds and the lowest species diversity. Finally, Gongping had both the lowest species richness and the lowest abundance. The endemism of constituent species differed among districts, and the bird communities were complementary. There were significant seasonal differences in the species richness and the number of individuals. Spring had the highest species richness and diversity. The present study identifies the high conservation value of Haifeng Wetlands for both waterbirds and terrestrial birds. Our findings suggest that conservation efforts in Haifeng Wetlands and other wetlands should focus not only on wintering migratory birds, but also on resident birds. To accomplish effective conservation, we should consider the reserve and surrounding wetlands as a whole, incorporating ecological research, education and local economic development.     

人类放牧活动与气候变化对科尔沁沙质草地植物多样性的影响

为了解人类放牧活动和气候变化对我国北方沙质草地植物多样性的影响,笔者于1992-2006年在科尔沁沙地开展了草地放牧和封育试验,分析研究了人类放牧活动和降水、气温变化对草地植物多样性的影响.结果表明,1)放牧干扰对草地物种丰富度和多样性有着明显的影响,随着草地放牧干扰强度的增加,草地物种丰富度和植物多样性呈下降趋势,但只有持续重牧才会导致草地物种丰富度和多样性的明显降低;2)放牧干扰对草地不同生活型多样性和不同经济类群多样性的影响有很大差异,表现为随着放牧强度的增加,一年生植物多样性和禾本科植物多样性明显增加,多年生植物及菊科、藜科和杂类草植物多样性明显下降;3)不同放牧强度下的不同生活型多样性和经济类群多样性对气候变化的反应有很大差异,但除了重牧区菊科植物多样性与降水变化、中牧区杂类草植物多样性与气温变化达到显著相关外,其他相关性均未达到显著水平;4)在草地自然恢复演替过程中,暖湿气候有利于草地物种丰富度和多样性的增加,特别是可以明显促进多年生植物以及菊科、豆科植物多样性的增加,而持续暖干气候可以降低草地的物种丰富度和多样性,但对禾本科和藜科植物多样性的不利影响较小.     

青海省珍稀濒危保护植物的地理分布特征

通过文献和标本记录分析得到青海省珍稀濒危保护植物的种数,并尽可能得到它们在青海省的具体分布地,结合ArcGIS的手段,进一步了解并核实这些珍稀濒危保护植物在青海省各州（市、县）的分布情况。结果表明,青海省珍稀濒危保护植物在全省各州（市）均有分布,物种丰富度最高的是玉树州,有73种,占总物种数的50%;物种丰富度最低的是海西州,有26种;珍稀濒危保护植物在全省各县的分布差异很大,其中玉树县有57种,而甘德县只有5种。本研究可为青海省珍稀濒危保护植物的保护研究和开发利用提供一定的理论依据。     

Using economic instruments to overcome obstacles to in situ conservation of biodiversity

The leading direct cause of the loss of biodiversity is habitat alteration and disruption. If we are to address this cause directly, we need to find ways of changing the behavior of rural people. Experience has shown that this is done most effectively through the use of economic instruments, ranging from taxes that discourage over‐exploitation, to direct payments for conservation activities carried out by rural land‐owners or those occupying the land. In many parts of the world, governments provide incentives such as tax breaks to private land‐owners. Other countries recognize specific use rights on particular parts of the land, enabling the land‐owners to earn appropriate benefits. Since many protected areas have resident human populations, it is especially important that they be encouraged to contribute to the objectives of the protected area, and economic incentives offer an important way of doing so; they might, for example, be given employment in the protected area or in associated tourism activities. Direct payments to farmers for conserving watersheds is becoming increasingly popular, in both developed and developing countries. Improved conservation will require both removing perverse subsidies and developing a wide range of approaches for rewarding land‐owners for biodiversity conservation activities.