scholarly journals Improving the knowledge of plant potential biodiversity-ecosystem services links using maps at the regional level in Southern Patagonia

2021 ◽  
Vol 10 (1) ◽  
Author(s):  
Yamina Micaela Rosas ◽  
Pablo L. Peri ◽  
María Vanessa Lencinas ◽  
Romina Lasagno ◽  
Guillermo J. Martínez Pastur
Keyword(s):  
Ecosystem Services ◽  
Plant Species ◽  
Vegetation Index ◽  
Vascular Plant ◽  
Conservation Strategies ◽  
Cultural Ecosystem Services ◽  
Important Indicator ◽  
Ecological Requirements ◽  
Trade Offs ◽  
Southern Patagonia

Abstract Background Biodiversity supports multiple ecosystem services, whereas species loss endangers the provision of many services and affects ecosystem resilience and resistance capacity. The increase of remote sensing techniques allows to estimate biodiversity and ecosystem services supply at the landscape level in areas with low available data (e.g. Southern Patagonia). This paper evaluates the potential biodiversity and how it links with ecosystem services, based on vascular plant species across eight ecological areas. We also evaluated the habitat plant requirements and their relation with natural gradients. A total of 977 plots were used to develop habitat suitability maps based on an environmental niche factor analysis of 15 more important indicator species for each ecological area (n = 53 species) using 40 explanatory variables. Finally, these maps were combined into a single potential biodiversity map, which was linked with environmental variables and ecosystem services supply. For comparisons, data were extracted and compared through analyses of variance. Results The plant habitat requirements varied greatly among the different ecological areas, and it was possible to define groups according to its specialization and marginality indexes. The potential biodiversity map allowed us to detect coldspots in the western mountains and hotspots in southern and eastern areas. Higher biodiversity was associated to higher temperatures and normalized difference vegetation index, while lower biodiversity was related to elevation and rainfall. Potential biodiversity was closely associated with supporting and provisioning ecosystem services in shrublands and grasslands in the humid steppe, while the lowest values were related to cultural ecosystem services in Nothofagus forests. Conclusions The present study showed that plant species present remarkable differences in spatial distributions and ecological requirements, being a useful proxy for potential biodiversity modelling. Potential biodiversity values change across ecological areas allowing to identify hotspots and coldspots, a useful tool for landscape management and conservation strategies. In addition, links with ecosystem services detect potential synergies and trade-offs, where areas with the lowest potential biodiversity are related to cultural ecosystem services (e.g. aesthetic values) and areas with the greatest potential biodiversity showed threats related to productive activities (e.g. livestock).

Comparative ecology of the native and alien floras of the British Isles

1996 ◽  
Vol 351 (1345) ◽  
pp. 1251-1259 ◽  
Keyword(s):  
Life History ◽  
Plant Species ◽  
Life Histories ◽  
Leaf Shape ◽  
Vascular Plant ◽  
Alien Plants ◽  
Tall Stature ◽  
Comparative Ecology ◽  
Dispersal Syndrome ◽  
Ecological Requirements

Why do different plant species thrive where they do? This is a difficult question to answer because plants have invaded new niches and subsequently evolved to become better adapted within those niches. Distinguishing the traits that allow successful invasion and those that are evolved adaptations to current environments is not usually possible. We attempt to identify life history components that allow successful invasion by analysing the life history variables and ecological requirements of plant species that have successfully invaded the U.K. in recent years. The British flora is uniquely suited for this analysis because we have precise information on the dates of arrival, rates of spread and final spatial distribution of all our alien vascular plant species. Data on alien plants controls for evolution after invasion because there has been relatively little time for evolution to occur. We use modern phylogenetically-based comparative methods in an attempt to tease apart those components of life histories that have allowed successful invasion (large seeds, tall stature, protracted seed dormancy) from those that are irrelevant (dispersal syndrome, mating system, leaf shape).

scholarly journals Diversity of a semi-arid, intact Mediterranean ecosystem in southwest Australia

Web Ecology ◽  
2008 ◽  
Vol 8 (1) ◽  
pp. 84-93 ◽  
Author(s):  
S. Judd ◽  
J. E. M. Watson ◽  
A. W. T. Watson
Keyword(s):  
Species Richness ◽  
Plant Species ◽  
Vascular Plant ◽  
Conservation Strategies ◽  
Mediterranean Ecosystem ◽  
Vertebrate Species ◽  
Ecological Processes ◽  
Stakeholder Consultation ◽  
General Decline ◽  
Southwest Australia

Abstract. The drier parts of the Mediterranean biome of southwest Australia contain the largest remaining Mediterranean woodlands and shrublands on Earth. Despite this, there has been no formal, comprehensive assessment of their biodiversity. The region abuts the southwest Australian floristic region which has received much scientific attention. The aim of this paper is to provide the first general overview of the biodiversity of part of this intact, yet relatively unknown, Mediterranean ecosystem. We do this by synthesizing data from State Government agencies and published research. We found that, like other parts of southwest Australia, the region has globally significant levels of plant species diversity. More than 2400 plant species, including 291 species considered threatened, have been recorded, representing one-sixth of all Australia’s vascular plant species. Eleven of Australia’s 23 major vegetation groups are represented even though the region covers less than 1% of continental Australia. We documented 170 vertebrate species, including 31 threatened species, with a particularly high richness of reptile species (n = 46). We highlight how little is known about this region. For example, 116 vertebrate species not recorded in the region probably occur there based on their habitat requirements and known distributions. An examination of plant and vertebrate diversity in the region, using a half degree latitude and longitude grid cells, showed a highly heterogeneous pattern of species richness and vulnerability, with a general decline in species richness from southwest to northeast. Conservation strategies that rely on capturing the highest levels of biodiversity in a series of protected areas are unlikely to guarantee protection for all species given these high levels of heterogeneity. Instead, a region-wide conservation plan should involve targeted ecological research, consideration of ecological processes and stakeholder consultation.

scholarly journals Indigenous uses of wild and tended plant biodiversity maintain ecosystem services in agricultural landscapes of the Terai Plains of Nepal

2019 ◽  
Author(s):  
Jessica P. R. Thorn ◽  
Thomas F. Thornton ◽  
Ariella Helfgott ◽  
Katherine J. Willis
Keyword(s):  
Ecosystem Services ◽  
Plant Species ◽  
Monsoon Season ◽  
Vascular Plant ◽  
Evidence Base ◽  
Agricultural Landscapes ◽  
Ecological Resilience ◽  
Structured Interviews ◽  
Vernacular Names ◽  
And Gender

Abstract Background Despite a rapidly accumulating evidence base quantifying ecosystem services, the role of biodiversity in the maintenance of ecosystem services in shared human-nature environments is still understudied, as is how indigenous and agriculturally dependent communities perceive, use and manage biodiversity. The present study aims to document traditional ethnobotanical knowledge of the ecosystem service benefits derived from wild and tended plants in rice-cultivated agroecosystems, compare this to botanical surveys, and analyse the extent to which ecosystem services contribute social-ecological resilience in the Terai Plains of Nepal. Method Sampling was carried out in four landscapes, 22 Village District Committees and 40 wards in the monsoon season. Data collection was based on transects walks to collect plant specimens, structured and semi-structured interviews, and participatory fieldwork in and around home gardens, farms, and production landscapes. We asked 180 farmers to free-list vernacular names and describe use-value of biological material. Uses were categorized into eight broad groupings, and 61 biomedical ailment classifications. We assessed if knowledge of plant species diversity and abundance differed with regard to caste, age and gender. Results Nepalese farmers have a deep knowledge of the use and management of the 390 vascular plant specimens identified, which provide key provisioning, regulating, supporting and cultural ecosystem services. Altogether, plants belong to 75 distinct plant species from 49 phylogenetic families: 56 are used to cure 61 ailments, 27 for rituals, 25 for food, 20 for timber, 17 for fuel, 16 for fodder, 11 for soil enhancement, and 8 for pesticides. Four caste groups have statistically different knowledge, and younger informants report a lower average number of useful plants. Conclusion Agricultural landscapes in Nepal are reservoirs of biodiversity. The knowledge of the use of wild and tended plant species in and around these farms differs by the caste and age group of land manager. Conducting research on agroecosystems will contribute to a deeper understanding of how nature is perceived by locals, to more efficient management and conservation of the breadbasket of Nepal, and to the conservation of valuable, but disappearing traditional knowledge and practice.

scholarly journals Conservation status and threats to vascular plant species endemic to Soutpansberg Mountain range in Limpopo Province, South Africa

2019 ◽  
Vol 10 (1) ◽  
Author(s):  
Ikarabeng Moraswi ◽  
Samuel Oloruntoba Bamigboye ◽  
Milingoni Peter Tshisikhawe
Keyword(s):  
South Africa ◽  
Ecosystem Services ◽  
South African ◽  
Plant Species ◽  
Vascular Plant ◽  
Red List ◽  
Limpopo Province ◽  
Mountain Range ◽  
Threat Status ◽  
Vascular Plant Species

Soutpansberg Mountain range is one of the main biodiversity hotspots in South Africa and it is located in Limpopo Province. It possesses high diversity of flora and fauna. Communities surrounding this mountain have long benefited from the ecosystem services that the area provides. It is of importance to determine the threat status of plant species endemic to this mountain range that has been a great source of ecosystem services. Twenty-two endemic vascular plant species of the mountain range have been identified. In this study we use the South African National Biodiversity Institute (SANBI) current 2017 version Red List categories to determine the threat status of plant species endemic to Soutpansberg Mountain range. SANBI is the national body in South African that is responsible for national threat assessment for plant and animal species and they also provide data to IUCN (International Union ofC onservation of Nature) on threat status of plant and animal taxa found in South Africa. We calculated the categorical percentages of threat status of endemic vascular plants species of Soutpansberg Mountain range and the threats these plant species are facing were gotten from SANBI Red List. This study showed that over 50% of the plant species endemic to this area are of conservation concern meaning they deserve conservation attention. Majority of threats are due to anthropogenic pressure. This implies that the endemic flora of this region is facing risk of extinction. This study recommends protection of all the endemic plant species of this mountain range in order to prevent theirf uture extinction.

scholarly journals Cultural Ecosystem Services in Protected Areas: Understanding Bundles, Trade‐Offs, and Synergies

2016 ◽  
Vol 10 (4) ◽  
pp. 440-450 ◽  
Author(s):  
Judith M. Ament ◽  
Christine A. Moore ◽  
Marna Herbst ◽  
Graeme S. Cumming
Keyword(s):  
Ecosystem Services ◽  
Protected Areas ◽  
Cultural Ecosystem Services ◽  
Trade Offs

scholarly journals The Importance of Cultural Ecosystem Services and Biodiversity for Landscape Visitors in the Biosphere Reserve Swabian Alb (Germany)

2019 ◽  
Vol 11 (9) ◽  
pp. 2650 ◽  
Author(s):  
Sarah Marie Müller ◽  
Jasmin Peisker ◽  
Claudia Bieling ◽  
Kathrin Linnemann ◽  
Konrad Reidl ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Ecosystem Services ◽  
Cultural Landscapes ◽  
Current Trend ◽  
Landscape Management ◽  
Biosphere Reserve ◽  
Agricultural Landscapes ◽  
Cultural Ecosystem Services ◽  
Trade Offs ◽  
Local Decision ◽  
Swabian Alb

Agricultural landscapes play an important role in providing different ecosystem services. However, the current trend of land use intensification in Central Europe involves the risk of trade-offs between them. Since cultural ecosystem services (CES) are less tangible, they are often underrepresented in landscape management decisions. To highlight this subject we evaluated CES in agro-ecosystems in the biosphere reserve Swabian Alb (Southwestern Germany). We conducted a survey among visitors to investigate their usage of the landscape, their perception as well as valuation of CES, and interrelations with biodiversity. The results show the presence of various types of usage related to cultural services, the most prominent being recreation and landscape aesthetics. People declared a high affinity to nature and biodiversity awareness. A participatory mapping task revealed their appreciation of biodiverse and ecologically relevant places such as protected species-rich grasslands, traditional orchards and hedgerows. Several socio-demographic differences emerged, e.g., between age classes and local/non-local visitors. We conclude that our exemplary methodical approach was successful in capturing the CES and their link to biodiversity in the investigated biosphere reserve, while identifying priority fields of action concerning the integration of CES into management and planning of cultural landscapes, ultimately serving as guides for local decision-makers.

scholarly journals Mapping the habitat suitability of Andira humilis Mart. ex Benth. (Fabaceae) as a means to detect its associated galling species in Brazil

2020 ◽  
Vol 42 ◽  
pp. e48809
Author(s):  
Valdeir Pereira Lima ◽  
Daniéla Cristina Calado
Keyword(s):  
Host Plant ◽  
Plant Species ◽  
Potential Distribution ◽  
Conservation Strategies ◽  
Critical Factors ◽  
Host Plant Species ◽  
Ecological Requirements ◽  
Distribution Ranges ◽  
Annual Range ◽  
Suitable Habitats

Host plant species have very specific interconnection with galling species. Here, we estimate the potential distribution of the host plant species Andira humilis Mart. ex Benth. (Fabaceae) to consequently locate the potential distribution ranges of its galling species Lopesia andirae Garcia, Lima, Calado, and Guimarães (2017) based on ecological requirements. The ecological niche model was built using Maxent v.3.4.1k, an algorithm that estimates species’ distributions. We found suitable habitats for L. andirae encompassing areas of the Cerrado, Caatinga and Atlantic Forest. Annual mean temperature (70.2%) and temperature annual range (13.9%) were the most critical factors shaping A. humilis and necessarily L. andirae. Our results can guide taxonomists and ecologists regarding the delineation of sampling areas as well as conservation strategies for this ecological interaction.

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