Integrating carbon stocks and landscape connectivity for nature-based climate solutions

Actions to protect against biodiversity loss and climate change will require a framework that addresses synergies between these interrelated issues. In this study, we present methods for identifying areas important for the implementation of nature-based climate solutions and biodiversity conservation by intersecting high-resolution spatial data for carbon storage and landscape connectivity. We explored the spatial congruence of carbon and connectivity in Ontario, Canada and examined effectiveness of current protected areas coverage. We found a weak positive relationship between carbon stocks and landscape connectivity; however, our maps revealed large hotspots, with high values of both indices, throughout the boreal forest and northern peatlands and smaller, isolated hotspots, in the settled landscapes of the south. Location of hotspots varied depending on whether we considered forest or soil carbon. Further, our results show that current protected and conserved areas in Ontario only cover 13% of landscapes with the highest values for both carbon storage and connectivity. Protection or restoration of areas that maximize the co-benefits of carbon storage and connectivity would make significant contributions toward ambitious national targets to reduce greenhouse gas emissions and conserve biodiversity.     

Changing perspectives on the biogeography of the tropical South Pacific: influences of dispersal, vicariance and extinction

Aim The biogeographical patterns and drivers of diversity on oceanic islands in the tropical South Pacific (TSP) are synthesized. We use published studies to determine present patterns of diversity on TSP islands, the likely sources of the biota on these islands and how the islands were colonized. We also investigate the effect of extinctions. Location We focus on oceanic islands in the TSP. Methods We review available literature and published molecular studies. Results Examples of typical island features (e.g. gigantism, flightlessness, gender dimorphism) are common, as are adaptive radiations. Diversity decreases with increasing isolation from mainland sources and with decreasing size and age of archipelagos, corresponding well with island biogeographical expectations. Molecular studies support New Guinea/Malesia, New Caledonia and Australia as major source areas for the Pacific biota. Numerous studies support dispersal‐based scenarios, either over several 100 km (long‐distance dispersal) or over shorter distances by island‐hopping (stepping stones) and transport by human means (hitch‐hiking). Only one vicariance explanation, the eastward drift of continental fragments (shuttles) that may have contributed biota to Fiji from New Caledonia, is supported by some geological evidence, although there is no evidence for the transport of taxa on shuttle fragments. Another vicariance explanation, the existence of a major continental landmass in the Pacific within the last 100 Myr (Atlantis theory), receives little support and appears unlikely. Extinction of lineages in source areas and persistence in the TSP has probably occurred many times and has resulted in misinterpretation of biogeographical data. Main conclusions Malesia has long been considered the major source region for the biota of oceanic islands in the TSP because of shared taxa and high species diversity. However, recent molecular studies have produced compelling support for New Caledonia and Australia as alternative important source areas. They also show dispersal events, and not vicariance, to have been the major contributors to the current biota of the TSP. Past extinction events can obscure interpretations of diversity patterns.     

景观连接度的概念、度量及其应用

景观连接度是指景观促进或阻碍生物体或某种生态过程在源斑块间运动的程度,反映了景观的功能特征。景观连接度理论与方法是景观评价、管理和生态规划的重要基础,对于区域可持续发展和生物多样性保护等方面的研究都具有重要指导意义。综述了国内外近10a来有关景观连接度概念、度量方法及其生态学意义的最新进展,并探讨了景观连接度与景观要素间的关系及其潜在应用前景,以期为深入开展景观空间格局与生态过程间关系的研究与应用提供参考。     

基于生态安全格局与多尺度景观连通性的城市生态源地识别

高度城市化区域面临着严峻的生态环境问题,生态安全格局构建是保障城市生态安全的重要途径。生态源地的科学识别一直是生态安全格局构建的技术难点。以高度城市化的深圳市为例,从社会-经济-自然三方面要素构建DPSIR模型评估区域生态安全,并基于景观连通性的多尺度分析识别生态源地。研究表明:(1)深圳市生态安全格局呈现东南部、东北部优良,中部、西部区域警告的空间特征,其中安全区、较安全区、基本安全区、预警、中警分别占比30.34%、13.49%、9.85%、9.15%和37.17%;(2)通过连接度、聚合度、内聚力和分离度4个景观连通性测度指标的主成分分析,可知400 m是深圳市生态源地景观连通性最优的识别尺度,斑块最小识别阈值面积为0.8 km~2;(3)深圳市生态源地面积为753.78 km~2,占全市总面积的37.74%,主要为深圳市东南部与西部区域的林地和水域用地,其中包含了86.87%的法定保护区,且91.92%的区域落入生态控制线范围内;(4)基于生态安全格局与多尺度景观连通性的生态源地识别方法可为城市生态源地的识别提供新思路,从而有效指导城市规划。     

Effects of habitat patchiness and connectivity on the spatial ecology of the root vole Microtus oeconomus

1. The effect of habitat patchiness and connectivity on dispersal distances and spatial aggregation of individuals is investigated in 12 enclosed populations of the root vole, Microtus oeconomus , employing a factorial experimental design with three different patch configurations and two distinct geographical root vole strains. The three patch configurations, all with an identical total area, were: two large patches, six small patches and six small patches connected by corridors.
2. The populations were followed for three generations (13. weeks) using live-trapping. Matrilineal relationships, time and place of birth, and weekly home ranges were established for the 1155 individuals in the study.
3. Smaller patch sizes enhanced dispersal, but most for one of the strains. The strain difference is, tentatively, explained by inbreeding avoidance which is known to differ between the strains.
4. The effect of habitat configuration on the dispersion pattern was similar for the two strains. Increased patchiness increased the aggregation of individuals. The two sexes diverged in their response, however, females being more aggregated than males.
5. The spatial pattern of matrilinearity was used as an indication of the resulting effect of habitat configuration on the demic structure in space. Patchiness enhanced and connectivity decreased the substructuring.     

Habitat availability does not explain the species richness patterns of European lentic and lotic freshwater animals

Aim In Europe, the relationships between species richness and latitude differ for lentic (standing water) and lotic (running water) species. Freshwater animals are highly dependent on suitable habitat, and thus the distribution of available habitat should strongly influence large‐scale patterns of species richness. We tested whether habitat availability can account for the differences in species richness patterns between European lentic and lotic freshwater animals. Location Europe. Methods We compiled occurrence data of 1959 lentic and 2445 lotic species as well as data on the amount of lentic and lotic habitats across 25 pre‐defined biogeographical regions of European freshwaters. We used the range of elevation of each region as a proxy for habitat diversity. We investigated the relationships between species richness, habitat availability and habitat diversity with univariate and multiple regression analyses. Results Species richness increased with habitat availability for lentic species but not for lotic species. Species richness increased with elevational range for lotic species but decreased for lentic species. For both groups, neither habitat availability nor diversity could account for previously reported latitudinal patterns in species richness. For lotic species, richness declined with latitude, whereas there was no relationship between habitat availability and latitude. For lentic species, richness showed a hump‐shaped relationship with latitude, whereas available habitat increased with latitude. Main conclusions Habitat availability and diversity are poor predictors of species richness of the European freshwater fauna across large scales. Our results indicate that the distributions of European freshwater animals are probably not in equilibrium and may still be influenced by history, namely the recurrent European glaciations and possible differences in post‐glacial recolonization. The distributions of lentic species appear to be closer to equilibrium than those of lotic species. This lends further support to the hypothesis that lentic species have a higher propensity for dispersal than lotic species.     

The effects of light and noise from urban development on biodiversity: Implications for protected areas in Australia

Global population growth and associated urban development are having profound effects on biodiversity. Two major outcomes of expanding development that affect wildlife are light and noise pollution. In this paper, we review literature reporting the effects of light and noise on biodiversity, and assess implications for conservation planning in Australia. Our results clearly indicate that light and noise pollution have the potential to affect the physiology, behaviour and reproduction of a range of animal taxa. Types of effects include changes in foraging and reproductive behaviours, reduction in animal fitness, increased risk of predation and reduced reproductive success. These could have flow‐on consequences at the population and ecosystem levels. We found a significant gap in knowledge of the impact of these pollutants on Australian fauna. To reduce the effect of light and noise pollution, there needs to be careful planning of urban areas in relation to protected areas, and for biodiversity more generally. Potential measures include strategically planning the types of development and associated human activities adjacent to protected areas, and the use of shields and barriers, such as covers for lights or the use of dense native vegetation screens, while still allowing movement of animals. Changes in government standards and regulations could also help to reduce the impacts of light and noise pollution.     

基于生态重要性和敏感性的西南山地生态安全格局构建——以云南省大理白族自治州为例

生态安全格局构建是快速城市扩张背景下缓解生态保护和土地开发矛盾、保证区域生态安全的有效途径。源地和阻力面是生态安全格局构建的重要基础,当前阻力面构建多关注生态要素而忽视与区域典型生态问题相对应的生态过程表征。以西南山地地区--云南省大理白族自治州为研究区,选取生物资源保护、水资源安全和营养物质保持等生态系统服务评估生态重要性从而识别源地,基于地质灾害、土壤侵蚀、石漠化等生态敏感性构建生态阻力面,并运用最小累积阻力模型识别组团廊道和景观廊道,从而构建山地生态安全格局。研究表明,大理州生态安全源地总面积14416.64 km~2,占全州土地总面积的50.93%;关键生态廊道分为组团廊道和景观廊道两类,分别长404.7 km和208.4 km,以"一轴三带"形式呈树状辐射分布。生态安全格局中的生态源地和廊道应成为低丘缓坡土地资源开发中的禁止开发区。生态重要性源地识别和生态敏感性阻力面分析方法可为生态安全格局构建提供新思路,研究结果对于大理州山地城镇建设的用地选择和空间扩张提供定量指引。     

基于MSPA-连接度-空间句法的生态保护空间及优先级识别——以苏锡常地区为例

随着城市化进程的加快,对生态保护空间(Ecological Protect Area,EPA)进行优先级识别已经成为保护生物多样性,缓解城市生态压力,提高土地利用效率的重要方法之一。以苏锡常地区为例,通过形态空间格局分析(Morphological Spatial Pattern Analysis,MSPA)确定EPA,进而采用景观连接度方法对其优先级进行识别,以优先级较高的林地和水域为"源地",构建EPA网络;同时由于景观连接度方法在识别优先级时,未能体现EPA对物种决策的非等权重影响,因此本研究引入空间句法进一步对EPA进行优先级识别。结果显示:1)苏锡常地区EPA中编号1、2的林地以及太湖的优先级最高,是区域网络的3个中心,需要优先保护;2)引入空间句法的优先级识别结果与基于景观连接度的优先级识别结果存在明显差异,后者优先级较高的8个EPA,在引入空间句法后优先级降低1—2个等级;后者优先级较低的4个EPA的优先级则上升了2个等级。同时也表明:基于连接度-空间句法的EPA优先级识别方法能够反映不同景观要素对物种决策行为的非等权重影响,强化了生态要素的空间配置的生态效应,为明确关键...     

Predictors of elephant poaching in a wildlife crime hotspot: The Ruvuma landscape of southern Tanzania and northern Mozambique

Understanding the spatial distribution of elephant carcasses in relation to ecological characteristics and human activities is critical to developing targeted management strategies for reducing poaching. We employ a spatial modelling approach to quantify the relative contribution of multiple climatic, ecological, human and protected area management predictors of the number of elephant carcasses in a recognized poaching hotspot: the Ruvuma landscape of northern Mozambique and southern Tanzania. This includes the Niassa Reserve in the south and the Selous Game Reserve in the north. In Mozambique, the number of elephant carcasses is positively associated with State-managed protected areas such as Niassa Reserve, but particularly with environmental variables including low rainfall and high temperatures. In Tanzania, elephant carcasses are positively associated with community-managed sites. A strong focus on effective management of protected areas in the Ruvuma landscape is crucial to reducing the killing of elephants.     

重点脆弱生态区生态系统服务权衡与协同关系时空特征

目前,有关生态系统服务权衡与协同关系的研究多集中在局地尺度,在宏观尺度上的研究较少。重点脆弱生态区是我国改善生态环境的主要目标区域,在定量评估我国重点脆弱生态区1990—2015年土壤保持、植被净初级生产力(NPP)和产水服务的基础上,利用相关系数法并结合植被分布场数据对生态系统服务权衡与协同关系进行研究。结果表明:(1)26年间,重点脆弱生态区的土壤保持服务、NPP、产水服务呈现出南多北少的分布格局,且3种服务的年际变化较小,但均有上升的趋势;(2)重点脆弱生态区的3种生态系统服务之间是整体上协同,局部权衡的关系,并且协同关系呈减弱的趋势;(3)生态恢复区的生态系统服务的协同程度大于非生态恢复区,权衡关系减弱的动态变化趋势高于非生态恢复区。定量评估生态系统服务权衡与协同关系的时空特征,有利于研究生态系统服务之间相互关系在时间上的非线性和空间上的异质性,对重点脆弱生态区生态系统的可持续发展具有重要意义。     

生物多样性重要区域识别——国外案例、国内研究进展

生物多样性丧失已经成为全球重大环境问题之一,重要区域或重要物种的识别是制定和实施保护计划的首要步骤,生物多样性保护的优先性研究成为保护生物学研究的焦点之一。优先保护的概念很早就被提出,保护国际(Conservation International,CI)一直倡导的热点地区途径受到国际社会的重视,生物多样性重要区域(KBAs)可以是综合的,也可以是单一类群的重要区域,如不同的国家已经开展了鸟类重要区域(important bird areas,IBAs)、植物重要区域(important plants areas,IPAs)、蝴蝶重要区域(prime butterfly areas,PBAs)和两栖爬行动物重要区域(important amphibians and reptiles areas,IARAs)等的识别研究工作。集中力量优先保护一些重要的地区是目前生物多样性保护较为现实和高效的途径。以佛得角群岛(the Cape Verde Islands)、意大利(Italy)、荷兰(the Netherlands)分别依据动物、植物单一类群或多个类群组合进行生物多样性重要区域识别为例,介绍了几个国家的生物多样性重要区域识别经验,概述国内在生物多样性重要区域识别领域的研究现状,详细介绍了海南岛生物多样性保护优先区识别案例,同时以国务院2010年批准实施的《中国生物多样性保护战略与行动计划(2011—2030年)》划定的32个陆地生物多样性保护优先区为例,提出中国未来应全面开展生物多样性本底调查,在充分获取生物多样性分布数据的基础上,依据植被类型和物种多样性以及受威胁因素等,在32个陆地生物多样性保护优先区内进一步客观准确地识别生物多样性重要区域(热点中的热点或重要区域中的重要区域),为中国未来的保护地规划、生物多样性监测、政策制定等提供科学支撑。     

Top-down effects of foraging decisions on local,landscape and regional biodiversity of resources (DivGUD)

Foraging by consumers acts as a biotic filtering mechanism for biodiversity at the trophic level of resources. Variation in foraging behaviour has cascading effects on abundance, diversity, and functional trait composition of the community of resource species. Here we propose diversity at giving-up density (DivGUD), i.e. when foragers quit exploiting a patch, as a novel concept and simple measure quantifying cascading effects at multiple spatial scales. In experimental landscapes with an assemblage of plant seeds, patch residency of wild rodents decreased local α-DivGUD (via elevated mortality of species with large seeds) and regional γ-DivGUD, while dissimilarity among patches in a landscape (ß-DivGUD) increased. By linking theories of adaptive foraging behaviour with community ecology, DivGUD allows to investigate cascading indirect predation effects, e.g. the ecology-of-fear framework, feedbacks between functional trait composition of resource species and consumer communities, and effects of inter-individual differences among foragers on the biodiversity of resource communities.     

Development and regional differentiation of the European vegetation during the Tertiary

The Tertiary vegetation of Europe evolved from paratropical to warm-temperate and temperate forms in response to a progressive, non-linear, climatic cooling. Its vegetational forms are composed mainly of two separate ecological units: the evergreen, laurophyll paleotropical geoflora and the deciduous, broad-leaved Arctotertiary geoflora. The development of the Tertiary climate and its interaction with the vegetation are convincingly indicated by the geoflora's migration; the changes in its composition; and the development of the Tertiary forest, swamp, and aquatic plant communities. The paleotropical geoflora is characterized in the upper Cretaceous to the upper Miocene by paratropical rain forest, subtropical rain and laurel forests, temperate laurel forests and edaphically-mediated formation of laurel-conifer forests. The Arctotertiary geoflora advanced into Europe in waves since the Paleocene and formed the basis for the Tertiary mixed mesophytic forests. These can be divided into warm-temperate rain forests, oak-hornbeamchestnut or mixed beech-oak-hornbeam forests, and edaphic formations such as bottomland and swamp forests. Beginning in the lower Cretaceous, the hydrophytic vegetation developed independently of the forest vegetation and formed very diverse herbaceous fresh water, swamp, salt water, and coastal formations. Considerable differences in composition allow to separate floral regions and provinces in Eurosiberia. Instead of three ill-defined floral regions in the Paleocene, there are four well-defined floral regions in the Pliocene. A Mediterranean region cannot be recognized, although Mediterranean (eumesogeic) floral elements appear in the Eocene/Oligocene and thereafter. The Mediterranean sclerophyll forests probably arose after the destruction of the laurophyll forests during the Pleistocene.