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AbstractClimate change is a phenomenon that can affect all living organisms. To see its effect, many methods and techniques have been improved recently. Species distribution modelling (SDM) is the most popular technique for this. Here, the distribution of hornworts (Anthoceros caucasicus, Anthoceros punctatus, Phaeoceros laevis and Phymatoceros bulbiculosus), which are a group of non-vascular land plants native to Türkiye, was studied under changing climate using SDM. Three global climate models (GCMs) (CMCC-ESM2, HadGEM3-GC31-LL and MIROC6), two scenarios (SSP1-2.6 and 5-8.5) and four time periods (2021–2040, 2041–2060, 2061–2080 and 2081–2100) were considered. A total of 89 occurrence records of the hornwort species A. caucasicus, A. punctatus and P. laevis were considered for SDM. The potential distribution of P. bulbiculosus could not be modelled due to a lack of sufficient coordinates. Although the patterns between current and future distributions did not change significantly, there were notable differences in the distribution of modelled species in the SSP 5–8.5 scenario. In particular, the MIROC6 model showed an anomalous pattern for A. punctatus in the SSP 5–8.5 scenario. The SDMs indicate that the model will be a valuable resource for the conservation of these species at local and regional levels throughout Türkiye. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Evolutionary rescue, whereby adaptive evolutionary change rescues populations from extinction, is theorized to enable imperiled animal populations to persist under increasing anthropogenic change. Despite a large body of evidence in theoretical and laboratory settings, the potential for evolutionary rescue to be a viable adaptation process for free-ranging animals remains unknown. Here, we leverage a 38-year dataset following the fates of 53,959 Magellanic penguins (Spheniscus magellanicus) to investigate whether a free-ranging vertebrate species can morphologically adapt to long-term environmental change sufficiently to promote population persistence. Despite strong selective pressures, we found that penguins did not adapt morphologically to long-term environmental changes, leading to projected population extirpation. Fluctuating selection benefited larger penguins in some environmental contexts, and smaller penguins in others, ultimately mitigating their ability to adapt under increasing environmental variability. Under future climate projections, we found that the species cannot be rescued by adaptation, suggesting similar constraints for other long-lived species. Such results reveal how fluctuating selection driven by environmental variability can inhibit adaptation under long-term environmental change. Our eco-evolutionary approach helps explain the lack of adaptation and evolutionary rescue in response to environmental change observed in many animal species. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The Chinese government has introduced a carbon neutral policy to cope with the rapid changes in the global climate. It is not clear what impact this policy will have on wildlife. Therefore, this study analyzed the suitable habitat distribution of China's unique leopard subspecies in northern Shaanxi, and simulated the potential suitable habitat distribution under different carbon emission scenarios at two time points of future carbon peak and carbon neutralization. We found that in the future SSPs 126 scenario, the suitable habitat area and the number of suitable habitat patches of North China leopard will continue to increase. With the increase of carbon emissions, it is expected that the suitable habitat of North China leopard will continue to be fragmented and shifted. When the annual average temperature is lower than 8 °C, the precipitation seasonality is 80–90 mm and the precipitation of the warmest quarter is greater than 260 mm, the probability of occurrence of North China leopard is higher. The increase in carbon emissions will lead to the reduction, migration, and fragmentation of the suitable habitat distribution of the North China leopard. Carbon neutrality policies can protect suitable wild habitats. In the future, the impact of carbon neutrality policies on future wildlife habitat protection should be carried out in depth to effectively promote the construction of wildlife protection projects. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

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Climate change significantly impacts the distribution of woody plants, indirectly influencing the dynamics of entire ecosystems. Understanding species' varied responses to the environment and their reliance on biotic interactions is crucial for predicting the global changes' impact on woodland biodiversity. Our study focusses on Dicranum viride, a moss of conservation priority, and its dependence on specific phorophytes (host trees). Using species distribution modelling (SDM) techniques, we initially modelled its distribution using climate-only variables. As a novel approach, we also modelled the distribution of the main phorophyte species and incorporated them into D. viride SDM alongside climate data. Finally, we analysed the overlap of climatic and geographic niches between the epiphyte and the phorophytes. Inclusion of biotic interactions significantly improved model performance, with phorophyte availability emerging as the primary predictor. This underscores the significance of epiphyte-phorophyte interactions, supported by substantial niche overlap. Predictions indicate a potential decline in the suitability of most of the current areas for D. viride, with noticeable shifts towards the northern regions of Europe. Our study underscores the importance of incorporating biotic interactions into SDMs, especially for dependent organisms. Understanding such connections is essential to implement successful conservation strategies and adapt forest management practices to environmental changes. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Wild boar, feral pigs, and their hybrid forms (Sus scrofa), are among the most harmful and widely distributed exotic invasive species worldwide. In Argentina, the wild boar has established in approximately half of the country’s area, invading all types of ecosystems and expanding their distribution each year. Like in other parts of the world where the species has been introduced, wild boar causes severe negative impacts on biodiversity, economy and health. This omnivorous species threatens species conservation through predation and competition, soil disturbance and disruption of species interactions. Wild boar also causes significant economic impacts by affecting agricultural production and incurring costs associated with damage mitigation and population control. Also, wild boar impact human health as they can act as reservoirs and spreaders of several pathogens and the associated diseases. This species can also have some positive impacts in direct or indirect relationship with economic activities such as sport hunting, obtaining meat and derivatives. While the impacts of wild boar have been documented in various regions of Argentina, there are still significant information gaps concerning the economic impacts on agricultural production, and their epidemiological role as it relates to the health of other populations, such as native wildlife, livestock, and people. Moreover, management and control efforts are very limited and scarce at the national level, with very few successful cases. The population dynamics of wild boar, coupled with other factors like land use and climate changes, present a challenging scenario for the future. Argentina must address the current and potential threats posed by wild boar by implementing urgent management measures at the national level. This requires careful planning and decision-making to control populations, halt their geographic spread, and mitigate their negative effects. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Aim: Human land‐use and climate change are two of the main threats affecting biodiversity, especially in arid/semiarid regions. The most effective way to protect the species in these ecosystems against these threats is through the delimitation of protected areas (PAs). However, such PAs need to be targeted cost‐efficiently and consider future climate change. We identify priority areas to preserve small mammal species in the Caatinga in the present and in a future of climate changes. We also evaluate how well these priority areas are protected by currently PAs and identify ways forward to improve their protection. Location: The Caatinga Dry Forest, Northeast Brazil. Methods: We use ecological niche models and Zonation spatial prioritisation software to identify the top 30% priority areas to preserve small mammal species under current climate and land use scenarios, besides considering optimistic and pessimistic scenarios of future climate change. We also evaluate how much these priority areas are covered by current PAs, identify ways to further improve their protection using hierarchical mask analysis, and by evaluating species mean distribution coverage. Results: The consequences of climate change will not hugely impact the distribution of priority areas for species conservation in the Caatinga. Around 13% of the identified priority areas overlap with current PAs, and planning the expansion of PAs considering integral protection areas increases the coverage of priority areas to more than 18% and captures more than 72% of species suitable area. Main Conclusions: Our prioritisations take into account climate change and provide low risk if conducted as a 'no‐regrets' conservation action. These priority areas are poorly supported by the Brazilian PA system, and need of further protection. One cost‐effective option could be to upgrade some sustainable use PAs into more restrictive ones. Securing these priority areas helps preserve the long‐term ecosystem functioning and to prevent biodiversity loss in a changing world. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Whether an invasive species thrives in cold ecosystems depends on its response to winter weather. A potential threat to these ecosystems in Europe is the invasive raccoon dog (Nyctereutes procyonoides). The survival of this mesopredator is supported in cold weather, because it can periodically use winter sleep, but its winter activity levels compared to native mesopredators remain unclear. We investigated the winter behaviour of raccoon dogs in Finland, near the edge of their invasion front, and compared their activity to native red foxes and badgers. Using wildlife cameras, we found that raccoon dogs do reduce activity during the coldest months, but camera observations did not strongly correlate with temperature perhaps due to feeding at camera sites. That is, artificial food sources may have increased raccoon dogs' winter activity. Nevertheless, they responded more clearly to temperature drops than red foxes, but were more active than badgers that were mostly dormant and thus absent from our data. GPS-tracked raccoon dogs remained at some level active through winter, even near subarctic regions, but the cold and snowy weather clearly decreased activity and individuals stayed close to their nests during the coldest periods. Overall, these findings suggest that raccoon dogs can maintain some winter activity even in extremely cold environments, and they readily exploit human-provided resources. This potential ability to thrive in cold regions highlights the invasive potential of raccoon dogs. As winters become milder due to climate change, their numbers could increase significantly within cold-adapted ecosystems, impacting native species and posing conservation challenges. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The Francois' langur (Trachypithecus francoisi) is a rare primate species indicated as endangered and distributed in karst areas in northern Vietnam and southwestern China. However, research limited to specific nature reserves or sites has hampered holistic conservation management. A comprehensive map of the potential distribution for the Francois' langur is essential to advance conservation efforts and ensure coordinated management across regions. Here, we used 82 occurrence records of Francois' langur surveyed in Guangxi, Guizhou, and Chongqing from 2017 to 2020, along with 12 environmental variables, to build the potential habitat model under current and future climate (2030, 2050, 2070, and 2090s) using maximum entropy models (MaxEnt). Our results indicated that (1) precipitation‐ and temperature‐associated bioclimatic variables contributed the most to the distribution of Francois' langur. Vegetation, water sources, and anthropogenic variables also affected its distribution; (2) a total of 144,207.44 km2 of potential suitable habitat across the entire range in China was estimated by the current model. Moderate‐ and high‐suitability habitats accounted for only 23.76% (34,265.96 km2) of the predicted suitable habitat and were mainly distributed in southwest Guangxi, east of Chongqing, and the border between Guizhou and Chongqing; (3) the suitable habitats of Francois' langur will contract considerably under future climate change, and the habitat centroid will move in the southeast direction with a shifting distance of approximately 2.84 km/year from current to 2100. The habitat prediction of Francois' langur and the main drivers proposed in this study could provide essential insights for the future conservation of this endangered species. The existing distribution areas should be monitored and protected, but conservation beyond existing habitats should also be a focus of effort, especially in future expansion areas. This would ensure effective and timely protection under climate change and anthropogenic pressures. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Many species and ecosystems that diversified and adapted under consumer control in prehistoric times are nowadays highly threatened. Nature protection areas (PAs) form a major conservation strategy to avoid their losses. We argue that many PAs across Earth are in disequilibrium with current climatic conditions. At the same time, the main consumers of woody vegetation keeping these systems in climatic disequilibrium, that is, large‐bodied herbivores and/or fire, have strongly declined or changed in occurrence in (pre‐)historic times. Without active intervention, this lack of consumer control will cause the systems to approach climate equilibrium with major implications for baseline‐focused approaches in species and nature protection and restoration. In a global analysis we quantified the prevalence of climatic disequilibrium in PAs for all terrestrial biomes. We calculated climatic disequilibrium in PAs as the difference between actual tree cover and the potential tree cover under current climatic conditions (i.e., mean annual temperature and annual precipitation sum). We show that climatic disequilibrium conditions in tree cover are a widespread phenomenon in PAs across all biomes with highest values for the temperate grassland, tundra and taiga biomes. We argue that trophic rewilding, notably the restoration of functionally diverse large‐herbivore assemblages, would not only help maintain climatic disequilibrium states, but also reduce labour and costs for management. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Pittendrigh and Daan's 1976 article "Pacemaker structure: A clock for all seasons" marks the foundation of modern seasonal chronobiology. It proposed the internal coincidence model comprised of a Morning (M) and Evening (E) oscillator, which are coupled but synchronized separately by dawn and dusk. It has become an attractive model to explain the seasonal adaptation of circadian rhythms. Using the example of the European hamster, this article connects the classical entrainment concept to species decline and, ultimately, conservation concepts. Seasonality of this species is well studied and circannual rhythms have been described in at least 32 parameters. The European hamster is listed as critically endangered on the International Union for Conservation of Nature (IUCN) red list. Changes in the temporal structure of the environment (the chronotope) caused by climate change and light pollution might be responsible for the global decline. The article shows that classical chronobiological concepts such as the internal coincidence model (Pittendrigh and Daan Pittendrigh and Daan, J Comp Physiol [a] 106:333–355, 1976) are helpful to understand the (chronobiological) causes of the decline and can potentially support species conservation. Knowing the species' physiological limitations as well as its adaptation capacities can potentially prevent its extinction at a time when classical conservation concepts have reached their limits. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Shorebirds are facing global decline as a consequence of anthropogenic effects that include habitat loss, increased predation and climate change. Although some shorebirds are extensively studied, basic data on life history, ecology and behaviour are still lacking especially for populations where climate change is expected to have severe effects. Here, we provide the first detailed investigation of a high-altitude nesting shorebird in the Qinghai–Tibetan Plateau, the Tibetan Sand Plover Charadrius atrifrons. This alpine-breeding Central-Asian species recently split from the Lesser Sand Plover Charadrius mongolus that breeds in Eastern Siberia. Understanding the fundamental ecology and behaviour of alpine-breeding shorebirds is important for predicting the challenges these high-altitude species will face given the human-driven environmental changes that are likely to take place in these habitats. Here, we show that Tibetan Sand Plovers in the Qinghai–Tibetan Plateau have a short breeding season from mid-May to late-June, and exhibit social monogamy and bi-parental care of the clutch. Since they have low hatching success (18 of 57 nests hatched) and no chance of renesting, maintaining population size in the future may pose a challenge. To provide essential information for protection of this species in a vulnerable habitat, further demographic studies are warranted to better understand how climate change will mould adaptations of this specialised high-altitude species to their environment. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In response to the striking effects of environmental change, conservation strategies often include the identification of conservation areas that can effectively maintain vulnerable species. Consequently, identifying system‐specific conditions that maintain the demographic and genetic viability of species of conservation concern is essential. Connectivity plays a critical role in the persistence of populations. Islands have been model systems to understand connectivity and metapopulation processes and have emerged as particularly favorable targets for conservation. While islands can be isolated from mainland disturbances, it is unknown what degree of isolation is necessary to avoid unfavorable changes but remain sufficiently connected to maintain population viability. To test this question, we explored connectivity within the Apostle Islands, an archipelago of 22 islands within Lake Superior, by comparing historical and contemporary trends in ice bridge connectivity and by simulating the effect of reduced connectivity within this system. We developed a demographically informed individual‐based model to explicitly test the role of connectivity to influence the persistence and genetic diversity of American marten Martes americana, a forest carnivore at risk across its southern range boundary. We found that genetic diversity was resilient to moderate changes in ice cover, but a complete loss of connectivity resulted in rapid genetic erosion. Despite genetic erosion, populations persisted as long as nominal connectivity occurred between islands. Our work suggests that connectivity will decline, but martens would be resilient to moderate changes and, in the short term, the Apostle Islands can act as a refuge along this species' southern range boundary. Identifying thresholds in connectivity that maintain populations but allow for isolation from disturbance will be necessary to identify suitable areas for species conservation across space and time. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Habitat quality is a key expression of ecosystem ability and the basis for effective species conservation and regional ecological environment improvement. However, most studies have focused on assessing habitat quality over historical periods, ignoring the influence of coupled future development paths and climate change. The present study addresses this issue by developing a spatial‐temporal variation analysis framework for assessing habitat quality in China, which integrates the Integrated Valuation of Ecosystem Services and Trade‐offs (InVEST) model with eight Earth system coupled scenarios (SSP‐RCP). The results showed that from 2020 to 2100, and under five scenarios (SSP2‐4.5, SSP3‐7.0, SSP4‐6.0, SSP5‐3.4, and SSP5‐8.5), habitat quality was generally stable and high, while under three scenarios (SSP1‐1.9, SSP1‐2.6, and SSP4‐3.4), it decreased. The SSP2‐4.5 scenario was significantly better than the SSP4‐3.4 scenario. In all scenarios, the influences of different development patterns on China's ecologically fragile areas were obvious and serious. In 2030 and 2060, the spatial distribution patterns of habitat degradation and habitat quality had similar characteristics. High habitat degradation values were mostly distributed east of the Heihe‐Tengchong Line, while low values were mainly distributed in the arid zone. The mean habitat degradation ranged between 0.0226 and 0.0302, and the degradation degree was relatively light. The habitat quality index mean was 0.5120–0.5376, indicating that the overall habitat quality was at the medium level. This study provides a potential ecological protection baseline for China based on habitat protection and provides an important reference for China's sustainable development. Plain Language Summary: Habitat quality is a key expression of ecosystem ability and the basis for effective species conservation and regional ecological environment improvement. However, most studies have focused on assessing habitat quality over historical periods, ignoring the influence of coupled future development paths and climate change. The present study addresses this issue by developing a spatial‐temporal variation analysis framework for assessing habitat quality in China, which integrates the Integrated Valuation of Ecosystem Services and Trade‐offs (InVEST) model with eight Earth system coupled scenarios (SSP‐RCP). The results showed that from 2020 to 2100, and under five scenarios (SSP2‐4.5, SSP3‐7.0, SSP4‐6.0, SSP5‐3.4, and SSP5‐8.5), habitat quality was generally stable and high, while under three scenarios (SSP1‐1.9, SSP1‐2.6, and SSP4‐3.4), it decreased. The SSP2‐4.5 scenario was significantly better than the SSP4‐3.4 scenario. In all scenarios, the influences of different development patterns on China's ecologically fragile areas were obvious and serious. In 2030 and 2060, the spatial distribution patterns of habitat degradation and habitat quality had similar characteristics. High habitat degradation values were mostly distributed east of the Heihe‐Tengchong Line, while low values were mainly distributed in the arid zone. Key Points: We assess habitat quality in China under eight coupled scenarios of climate change and future development pathwaysThe overall habitat quality decreases under different scenarios from 2020 to 2100Climate change and different development patterns have the greatest impact on the ecologically fragile areas [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Many nature‐based solutions (NBS), including urban greenspaces, urban agriculture and agroforestry, depend upon animal‐pollinated plants to sequester carbon or to provide other ecosystem services. Thus, long‐term success of these solutions also depends upon resilient pollinator communities. Despite their importance to functioning communities, a literature search revealed that 0%–3% of papers on NBS and related topics considered pollinators or pollination. Pollinators were more likely to be considered in the subgroup of papers on NBS related to agricultural production, where 12.5% considered pollination. Conservation of species interactions is essential to conservation of biodiversity and the sustained benefits of NBS. By applying our understanding of the ecology of plant‐pollinator mutualisms to the implementation of NBS, we can promote their functioning under future climatic conditions. In particular, we point to the need to identify keystone plants and pollinators, those species that contribute most to biodiversity maintenance, community stability and ecosystem function, and to leverage these species and their interactions in NBS and conservation efforts. We further advocate for the use of phylogenetic trait‐based analyses to understand the characteristics associated with keystoneness. Synthesis: Resilience of pollination services rests upon the responses of keystone species and their partners, and the likelihood that they continue to express traits that confer mutual benefit under future climates. By understanding the traits of species of outsized importance to their communities, we gain insight into the mechanisms underlying the resilience of pollination services and the NBS that rely on those services in a changing world. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Tree species’ ability to persist within their current distribution ranges is determined by seed germination and seedling growth. Exploring variation in these traits in relation to climatic conditions helps to understand and predict tree population dynamics, and to support species management and conservation under future climate. We analyzed seeds and seedlings of 26 European beech populations from the northeastern boundary of the species range to test whether: 1) adaptation to climatic conditions is reflected in depth of dormancy and germination of seeds; 2) climatic characteristics of origin predictably affect seedling traits. The variation in seed dormancy and germination in a laboratory test, and seedling growth and morphology traits in a nursery common-garden test was examined. Populations originating from warmer and drier sites (mostly from the northern region), compared to those from the opposite end of climatic gradient, germinated later, with a lower success, and produced seedlings with shorter and tougher roots. They had deeper dormancy and poorer seed germination capacity, and are likely more vulnerable to environmental changes. The climatic conditions at the origin shape the intraspecific variation of seed germination and seedling traits, and may limit regeneration from seed and affect adaptation potential of beech to increasing temperatures and decreasing precipitation. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The widespread eradication of large carnivores and subsequent expansion of top mesopredators has the potential to impact species and community interactions with ecosystem‐wide implications. An example of these trophic dynamics is the widespread establishment of coyotes following extirpation of wolves and mountain lions in eastern North America. Here, we examined occupancy of three carnivores in northern New York considering both environmental/habitat factors and interspecific interactions. We estimated the co‐occurrence of coyotes, fishers, and martens from a landscape‐scale winter camera trap survey repeated annually for three years. Martens occurred independently of both coyotes and fishers, while fishers and coyotes displayed positive intraguild interactions that were constant across the landscape. Both marten and fisher first‐order occupancy were driven by a combination of biotic and abiotic factors, with both species displaying positive associations with forest cover but antithetical responses to average snow depth. The integral and antithetical role of snow depth in driving the occurrence of martens (positive) and fishers (negative) in the landscape indicates that future climatic warming could reduce the availability of current spatial refuges for martens created by severe winter conditions. Climate‐driven alterations to established competitive interactions and co‐existence patterns between marten and fisher have critical implications for the species survival and conservation. We provide correlational evidence consistent with the potential for positive top–down effects of dominant mesocarnivores on subordinate species, with fisher occupancy increasing conditional on the presence of coyotes across the landscape. These findings align with the hypothesis that under certain conditions, coyotes may facilitate certain subordinate carnivores. The evidence produced here is consistent with hypotheses on the dynamic nature of trophic niches. We demonstrate the need to consider the interplay between climate, habitat, and interspecific interactions to understand wildlife occupancy patterns and inform wildlife management in a rapidly changing world. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This document is a summary of a special issue in the journal Biology that focuses on the conservation and evolution of wildlife in the context of climate change and human population growth. The issue includes five articles that cover a range of topics related to wildlife conservation. Three articles use species distribution models to predict suitable habitats for endangered species under future climate change. Another article explores variations in egg and clutch size in high-altitude birds, while the final article examines the cultural and medicinal significance of birds and mammals in a national park in Pakistan. The articles provide valuable insights into the effects of climate change and human activity on wildlife conservation and offer suggestions for conservation managers. It is worth noting that all the articles are based on studies conducted in Asian countries, which adds novelty to the research. [Extracted from the article]

Simple Summary: This study uses Maxent models to explore the impact of global climate change on the potential distribution of 5282 reptile species and to estimate their future conservation status. The analysis reveals that over 52.1% of reptile species are experiencing a decrease in their distributional ranges due to global climate change, resulting in a rapid increase in the number of threatened species. However, some reptiles are experiencing an expansion in their potential distribution range under climate change, leading to 91 endangered species being reclassified as least-concern species. Global climate change drives variations in species distribution patterns and affects biodiversity, potentially increasing the risk of species extinction. Investigating the potential distribution range of species under future global climate change is crucial for biodiversity conservation and ecosystem management. In this study, we collected distributional data for 5282 reptile species to assess their conservation status based on distributional ranges using species distribution models. Our predictions indicate that the potential distribution ranges for over half of these species are projected to decrease under different scenarios. Under future scenarios with relatively low carbon emissions, the increase in the number of threatened reptiles is significantly lower, highlighting the importance of human efforts. Surprisingly, we identified some endangered species that are projected to expand their distribution ranges, underscoring the potential positive effects of climate change on some special species. Our findings emphasize the increased extinction risk faced by reptile species due to climate change and highlight the urgent need to mitigate the effects of habitat degradation and human activities on their potential distribution in the future. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Ephedra sinica and Ephedra intermedia are important medicinal plants and critical raw materials for ephedrine extraction in the pharmaceutical industry. Climate change will affect their distribution and quality. In our study, information on E. sinica and E. intermedia was collected through wilderness and online surveys. Using high-performance liquid chromatography, we determined the contents of ephedrine and pseudoephedrine. We then utilized the maximum entropy model to assess the potential impact of future climate on the distribution and quality of the two Ephedra. The results showed that the two Ephedra species were predominantly found in the arid and semiarid regions of northern China. The suitable habitats and quality area of E. intermedia will be severely degraded under RCP 2.6, RCP 4.5 and RCP 8.5 conditions and the results for E. sinica are the opposite. The accumulation of chemical components in E. sinica depends on the precipitation of the wettest month (Bio13) and soil sand content, while the accumulation of chemical components in E. intermedia depends on the mean temperature of the warmest quarter (Bio10) and the precipitation seasonality (Bio15). Overall, the research results provide the basis for the two high-quality Ephedra species for conservation and sustainable resource development. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The Arctic is the fastest‐warming region on the planet, and the lengthening ice‐free season is opening Arctic waters to sub‐Arctic species such as the killer whale (Orcinus orca). As apex predators, killer whales can cause significant ecosystem‐scale changes. Setting conservation priorities for killer whales and their Arctic prey species requires knowledge of their evolutionary history and demographic trajectory. Using whole‐genome resequencing of 24 killer whales sampled in the northwest Atlantic, we first explored the population structure and demographic history of Arctic killer whales. To better understand the broader geographic relationship of these Arctic killer whales to other populations, we compared them to a globally sampled dataset. Finally, we assessed threats to Arctic killer whales due to anthropogenic harvest by reviewing the peer‐reviewed and gray literature. We found that there are two highly genetically distinct, non‐interbreeding populations of killer whales using the eastern Canadian Arctic. These populations appear to be as genetically different from each other as are ecotypes described elsewhere in the killer whale range; however, our data cannot speak to ecological differences between these populations. One population is newly identified as globally genetically distinct, and the second is genetically similar to individuals sampled from Greenland. The effective sizes of both populations recently declined, and both appear vulnerable to inbreeding and reduced adaptive potential. Our survey of human‐caused mortalities suggests that harvest poses an ongoing threat to both populations. The dynamic Arctic environment complicates conservation and management efforts, with killer whales adding top‐down pressure on Arctic food webs crucial to northern communities' social and economic well‐being. While killer whales represent a conservation priority, they also complicate decisions surrounding wildlife conservation and resource management in the Arctic amid the effects of climate change. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Studying the ecological niches of species and their responses to climate change can provide better conservation strategies for these species. Myrothamnaceae is endemic to Africa, comprising only two species that belong to Myrothamnus (M. flabellifolius and M. moschatus). These closely related species exhibit allopatric distributions, positioning them as ideal materials for studying the species ecological adaptation. This study explores the ecological niche differentiation between M. flabellifolius and M. moschatus and their response capabilities to future climate change. The results indicate that M. flabellifolius and M. moschatus have undergone niche differentiation. The main drivers of niche differences are the minimum temperature of the coldest month (Bio6) for M. flabellifolius, precipitation of the driest month (Bio14), and precipitation of the coldest quarter (Bio19) for M. moschatus. M. flabellifolius demonstrated a stronger adaptation to environments characterized by lower precipitation, relatively lower temperatures, and greater annual temperature variations compared to M. moschatus. Under future climate scenarios (SSP5-8.5, 2081–2100 years), the results show that approximately 85% of the total suitable habitat for M. flabellifolius will be lost, with an 85% reduction in high-suitability areas and almost complete loss of the original mid-low suitability areas. Concurrently, about 29% of the total suitable habitat for M. moschatus will be lost, with a 34% reduction in high suitability areas and roughly 60% of the original mid-low suitability areas becoming unsuitable. This suggests that M. flabellifolius will face greater threats under future climate change. This study contributes novel insight into niche differentiation in Myrothamnaceae and provides useful information for the conservation of this distinctive African lineage. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This article explores the perceptions of the local community in Nyaminyami, Zimbabwe, regarding human-wildlife interactions in the face of climate variability. The study conducted interviews and focus group discussions with residents to assess the causes and impacts of these interactions on livelihoods. The results indicate that respondents were concerned about human-wildlife conflict, with anthropogenic factors contributing to the problems faced by the community. Factors such as competition for resources, settlement in wildlife corridors, agricultural activities, tourism, and human-induced climate change were identified as accelerators of conflict. The study recommends educating communities about climate change, involving them in tourism ventures, and implementing proper land use planning to mitigate conflict.The text discusses the impact of climate change on human-wildlife interactions in rural communities in Zimbabwe, specifically focusing on the effects on the wildlife-based tourism sector. The study examines the Community Based Natural Resources Management (CBNRM) program, known as CAMPFIRE, which aims to integrate biodiversity conservation and rural development through the commercial use of wildlife resources. However, the effectiveness of CAMPFIRE has declined over time, partly due to a lack of funding and the withdrawal of international donors. The study area is located near Matusadona National Park and consists of communities that rely on rain-fed subsistence agriculture and fishing. Data was collected through structured interviews and focus group discussions, and the results highlight the negative impact of human-wildlife interactions on livelihoods in the study area. The study found that there are [Extracted from the article]

The porcelain crab Porcellana africana was originally identified as a subspecies of Porcellana platycheles , a species widely distributed in the eastern Atlantic Ocean and the Mediterranean Sea. A study characterizing the recent invasion of P. africana in South Africa places doubts on the identification and previously reported distribution of populations of the two species of Porcellana , which could have implications for the conservation and management of the species. Here, we aimed to delineate the Porcellana species from the East Atlantic to gain a better understanding of their distribution, which will help in conservation decision-making. Molecular analyses based on two mitochondrial genes and a nuclear gene confirmed that P. africana is a well-defined species and that its distribution extends further north, including the Canary Islands. A time divergence estimation indicates the cladogenesis between P. platycheles and P. africana occurred during the Neogene, likely linked to drastic climatic and environmental changes that took place during the Pliocene. Both species are morphologically very close, but can be distinguished by the shape of the third thoracic sternite. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Identifying the most important factors affecting population growth in animal life cycles is an important tool of species conservation. Delta Smelt (Hypomesus transpacificus), an annual fish endemic to the San Francisco Estuary in California (USA), has been provided legal protection since 1993 but 30 years later exists in a conservation‐reliant state on the brink of extinction. Despite considerable controversies about what factors are most responsible for the species' decline, no population growth rate sensitivity comparisons between the most important factors regulating growth have been done. Nor has anyone attempted to quantitatively identify habitat conditions needed to support positive population growth. We developed a set of stage‐structured population models to link habitat indices regulating recruitment of new generations of fish as they metamorphosed into juveniles and the subsequent survival of those fish over several seasons until they reached adulthood. These models are used to quantify drivers of growth rate variation over 30 years. Several complimentary sensitivity analyses indicated freshwater outflow to the estuary during summer had the largest potential to change population growth. Multiple habitat metrics (e.g., food availability, temperature) influencing recruitment and life stage specific survival rates across different seasons interacted in nonlinear ways to determine habitat conditions and water management targets associated with positive population growth. We discuss the implications for freshwater management, Delta Smelt conservation, and the challenges climate change poses for co‐implementation of these two societal priorities. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Climate change is expected to increase the magnitude, frequency, and intensity of extreme natural phenomena such as droughts and floods. These events can have devastating impacts on aquatic biota, thus there is a dire need to assess species' natural dynamics and to incorporate them into species' conservation actions and flood management decisions. In September 2023, an extreme meteorological event (Storm Daniel) occurred over the eastern Mediterranean, causing unprecedented high flooding events in many streams and rivers of central Greece. Almost 2 months after the event, we investigated the effects of the storm on Salmo farioides in a high‐altitude stream (Kraniotiko stream, Acheloos river basin) by comparing pre‐flood (June and August 2023) with post‐flood (October 2023) data on fish population abundances and size structure. Our results provide direct evidence that the population of S. farioides was almost wipedout from the investigated stream, as post‐flood fish densities were 9.3% of the pre‐flood data (August) densities. Small‐sized individuals (6–10 cm) were extirpated, indicating a 99% decrease during the post‐flood period, totally reversing the increasing trend observed from June to August (pre‐flood period). In conclusion, the profound and rapid decline observed in the population of S. farioides following the extreme flooding event highlights the urgent need for proactive conservation measures and adaptive management strategies to safeguard vulnerable aquatic species in the face of escalating climate‐related challenges. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Qiongzhuea tumidinoda stands out as an endemic bamboo species of significant conservation importance in Southwest China, particularly in the upper reaches of the Yangtze River. It holds a pivotal role in poverty alleviation through the commercialization of its wood and bamboo shoots. However, the suitable area of this species is undergoing rapid changes due to climate change, resulting in species redistribution and potential losses for bamboo farmers. We utilized 209 presence records and 25 environmental variables from 1987 to 2012 to predict the potentially suitable habitats for Q. tumidinoda using MaxEnt (version 3.4.1), ArcGIS (version 10.8.2), and R (4.3.3). We rigorously screened the recorded data for reliability and accuracy through expert consultations and observer interviews. We performed pre-processing to select the variables with high contributions for modeling, and 11 variables were selected for the final modeling. Our findings reveal that the top three most influential variables associated with Q. tumidinoda's distribution were the mean monthly potential evapotranspiration (Pet), annual range of air temperatures (Bio7), and mean diurnal air temperature range (Bio2), and the rates of contributions from 1987 to 2012 were 4.8333, 3.5833, and 1.7000. There was a southeastward shift and an elevation increase in the potentially suitable habitats for Q. tumidinoda. The area of potentially suitable habitats in the study region exhibited fluctuating growth, expanding from 3063.42 km2 to 7054.38 km2. The mean monthly potential evapotranspiration (Pet) emerged as a critical determinant shaping the distribution of potentially suitable habitats for Q. tumidinoda. Our study sheds light on the response of Q. tumidinoda to climate change, offering valuable insights for the development and management of plantation industries associated with this species. In the future, to enhance prediction accuracy, researchers could equally consider both organic and inorganic environmental variables. For better preservation of environment and development, Q. tumidinoda could be introduced into nature restoration projects in areas with a suitable habitat or as a commodity that participates in forest carbon sink trading. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The article focuses on the crucial role of conservation biology in protecting ecosystems and species diversity amidst global climate change. Topics include the importance of understanding organism behavior for conservation goals, the unique ecological roles of insects and their potential for insights into biodiversity dynamics, and the need to prioritize behavioral studies in conservation efforts to enhance our understanding and management of species.

Climate change poses a significant threat to endemic and endangered montane bird species with limited elevation and temperature ranges. Understanding their responses to changes in climate is essential for informing conservation actions. This study focused on the montane dwelling Yellow‐throated Apalis (Apalis flavigularis) in Malawi, aiming to identify key factors affecting its distribution and predicting its potential distribution under different climate change scenarios. Using an ensemble species distribution modeling approach, we found that the mean temperature of the driest quarter (Bio9), mean temperature of the wettest quarter (Bio8), and precipitation seasonality (Bio15) were the most important variables that influenced the distribution of this species. Across future climate scenarios, the species' geographic range declined where range losses varied from 57.74% (2050 RCP 6.0) to 82.88% (2070 RCP 6.0). We estimate its current range size to be 549 km2 which is lower than some previous estimates of its spatial distribution. Moreover, our projections indicate that under future climate scenarios, the species will shift to higher elevations with a large proportion of suitable areas located outside forests, posing challenges for adaptation. Our results suggest that the species may be under greater threat than previously thought; hence, urgent conservation actions are required. We recommend reinforcing the protection of areas predicted to remain suitable under future climate scenarios and the development of a species conservation action plan. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Sea cucumbers are the second most diverse class among echinoderms. They are characterized by an elongated body and dermal ossicles in the body wall. Among the included groups in that class, the order Holothuriida encompasses many species of commercial interest. Faced with the threats of biodiversity loss resulting from the climate crisis and the advancement of cities, this study provides an overview of recent research involving the Holothuriida of the Brazilian Coast. Searches were carried out in the main periodical databases, using appropriate keywords, targeting publications on the subject in the period between 2000 and 2023. In total, 69 publications were found, most of them corresponding to scientific articles in international journals. Most of the studies come from the Northeast region in Brazil (56.52%). Regarding lines of research, those involving taxonomy and molecular analysis were the most prevalent. Over these 20 years, seven species constituted new occurrences. Of note are the studies focused on Holothuria (Halodeima) grisea, which makes up 39.13% of papers. Despite progress, little is known about morphological variations, genetic distance between populations, population densities, and on reproductive biology of species. Brazil has a vast, heterogeneous coastal area, with unique characteristics to which the species are adapted. The findings reinforce the importance to expand studies aiming on knowing the biodiversity, reproductive biology, and population densities of species. Such data are essential for the creation of public policies aimed at the conservation of species of Holothuriida and their habitats. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Globally, animals that are range-restricted are frequently becoming species of conservation concern, in part due to competitive exclusion by phylogenetically and ecologically similar species that are more tolerant of human disturbance. However, climate and land use changes to natural landscapes can create pockets of refugia for range-restricted species. Western gray squirrels (Sciurus griseus) are native to the west coast of North America, principally California and western Oregon. Over the past several decades, Western Gray Squirrel populations have declined in human-dominated areas, with increased competition from introduced congeneric species native to eastern North America cited as a primary driver. Despite declines in their established range west of the Pacific Crest in western North America, western gray squirrels are extending their range into the Great Basin, where they were not historically found. Using a network of remote camera traps deployed across the Sierra Nevada–Great Basin ecotone in northwestern Nevada, we detected western gray squirrels across 16 of 100 camera-trapping sites. The majority of detections were located in piñon–juniper woodland, a land cover type not previously occupied by this species. Occupancy modeling revealed that western gray squirrels were equally likely to occur in piñon–juniper woodland compared to mature pine forest that they occupy elsewhere in their range. A species distribution model parameterized with historical gray squirrel observations (pre-1950), indicated increased climatic suitability for the species on the eastern side of the Sierra Nevada in recent decades, which may have facilitated this range expansion. Our findings reveal the potential for species declining in their historical range to colonize novel habitats that become increasingly suitable as a result of human-driven changes to ecosystems. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Simple Summary: Trachycarpus nanus is a national, second-class, rare and endangered plant in China, and a plant species endemic to Yunnan. This species has a high medicinal, ecological, and scientific value, but it is currently on the verge of extinction. Therefore, it is urgent to learn its extinction risk under global warming. We predict its multi-temporal distribution pattern based on the optimized MaxEnt model. The results show that precipitation is the most important factor. In the future, drastic climatic changes and human disturbances may lead to the extinction of this species, so it is necessary to strengthen the protection of this species using specific strategies. Climate change affects the geographical distribution of plant species. Rare Trachycarpus nanus with a narrow distribution range, high medicinal value and extremely small population is facing increasing extinction risks under global climate change. In this study, 96 recorded occurrences and 23 environmental factors are used to predict the potential suitable area of T. nanus based on the optimized MaxEnt (3.4.4) model and ArcGIS (10.7) software. The results show that when the parameters are FC = LQ and RM = 1, the MaxEnt model is optimal and AUC = 0.946. The distribution patterns were predicted in the past, present, and four future phases, i.e., 2021–2040 (2030), 2041–2060 (2050), 2061–2080 (2070), and 2081–2100 (2090). The main factors are the annual precipitation (bio12), mean temperature of the coldest quarter (bio11), temperature seasonality (bio4), precipitation of the wettest quarter (bio16), and isothermality (bio3). The potential distribution of T. nanus is primarily concentrated in central Chuxiong, encompassing a total potential suitable area of 5.65 × 104 km2. In historical periods, the total habitat area is smaller than that in the present. In the future, the potential suitable area is generally increased. The centroid analysis shows that T. nanus will move to a high-altitude area and to the southeast. But its dispersal capacity may not keep up with the climate change rate. Therefore, additional protection sites for this species should be appropriately established and the habitat connectivity should be enhanced. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Climate change triggers ecological transformations, altering ecosystem composition, functioning, and services globally. Many of these transformations may be irreversible on human timescales, posing challenges for ecosystem management and requiring new management paradigms. The RAD framework formalizes the management alternatives of resisting, accepting, or directing these transformations. The decision to resist, accept, or direct change may entail tradeoffs among ecological, sociocultural, and economic objectives (e.g., species conservation, ecosystem services, and ecological resilience). As RAD is implemented more widely, diverse knowledge systems, monitoring data, and manipulative experiments can improve our understanding of the conditions in which different RAD alternatives can successfully achieve multiple objectives. As climate change facilitates significant and persistent ecological transformations, managing ecosystems according to historical baseline conditions may no longer be feasible. The Resist-Accept-Direct (RAD) framework can guide climate-informed management interventions, but in its current implementations RAD has not yet fully accounted for potential tradeoffs between multiple – sometimes incompatible – ecological and societal goals. Key scientific challenges for informing climate-adapted ecosystem management include (i) advancing our predictive understanding of transformations and their socioecological impacts under novel climate conditions, and (ii) incorporating uncertainty around trajectories of ecological change and the potential success of RAD interventions into management decisions. To promote the implementation of RAD, practitioners can account for diverse objectives within just and equitable participatory decision-making processes. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Built on extensive ethnographic fieldwork in rural Bardhaman, West Bengal, India, the article argues for the centrality of animals’ non-human agency as sacred beings involved in interactive experiences with humans, amidst changing climatic conditions. For the people of Musharu, the sacredness of their village deity is embedded in their practical ways of living and inhabiting with special varieties of cobras as exemplars of sacred nature. The article also draws attention to how the survival of these local cobras is adversely affected due to monsoonal vulnerability. The article addresses three critical concerns. It situates the human–snake interaction within wider discourse of post-humanist debates, highlighting the elusive nature of the ‘wild’ and the animalist agency it enables. It captures alternative versions of conservation that the human–animal–divine nexus in Musharu creates. The third concerns the reproduction of rural community consciousness and indigeneity that this interaction brings about. It concludes with the understanding that Musharu’s human–animal inhabitation reveals the contextual nature of ‘wilderness’ reframes the Indigenous status emerging out of human–nonhuman associations and rethinks the role of local cultures in global wildlife conservation discourses. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Predicting species extinction is challenging in the context of climate change. The International Union for Conservation of Nature (IUCN) Red List of Threatened Species assesses species extinction risk by accounting for population size and global range of taxa, but this approach neglects the importance of genetic variability. Here, we propose a life strategy index (LSI) for predicting the extinction risks of species under climate change. The LSI is composed of three fundamental and independent components: namely, evolutionary potential, ecological potential, and colonization potential. The LSI constitutes a so‐called "cask" theory of species extinction, which predicts that extinction likelihood is determined by the relative deficiency of any of the three components. The indicative variables used to construct the proposed LSI make the index applicable to assessments of (and predictions for) the extinction risk of different taxa in the face of climate change, which can inform management and conservation of imperiled species in a more scientific and precise manner. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Given the rapid response of insects to environmental changes, their most prominent threats may change quickly as well. For effective insect species conservation it is therefore necessary to discriminate between former and current drivers of decline and to focus conservation efforts on the latter. We investigated how various environmental pressures, including former drivers of decline, have affected populations of the regionally endangered damselfly Coenagrion hastulatum and how their relevance has evolved over time. In our analysis, we compared water quality, vegetation properties and population trends across three distinct time spans: 1921–2000, 2001–2015 and 2016–2021. We included all known reproduction sites in the Netherlands, both current and historical, and also considered adjacent sites that were never inhabited. Ponds suitable for the species were characterised by mesotrophic conditions and high coverage of emergent and floating vegetation. Never inhabited ponds differed from inhabited ponds in being either more acidic or more eutrophic. Ponds where C. hastulatum disappeared between 2001 and 2015 had less of the mentioned vegetation structures and higher concentrations of various minerals. Ponds where the species disappeared after 2015 experienced severe droughts during 2018–2020. Most primary threats to C. hastulatum have shifted over time. In the past, changes in human use of ponds and increased sulphur and nitrogen deposition posed prominent threats. Presently, severe droughts, alongside nitrogen deposition have become the dominant concerns. Consequently, restoration of groundwater systems and rewetting measures are now first conservation priorities. Implications for insect conservation: Our study highlights how threats to insect populations can rapidly evolve. Consequently, conservation strategies need regular evaluation and adjustment. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Knowledge of breeding success is essential for conservation, as it is required for monitoring populations and survival trends. Seabird reproductive success can be negatively affected by prey availability, marine‐based stochasticity, extreme weather events, individual breeders' performance and direct threats such as disease, predation and fisheries interactions.The endangered yellow‐eyed penguin (Megadyptes antipodes) is declining in mainland New Zealand, however, little is known about its breeding success in the subantarctic where the majority of the species breeds.Yellow‐eyed penguin breeding success data were collected from a total of 167 nests on subantarctic Enderby Island, Auckland Islands, New Zealand, from the 2015 to 2017 breeding seasons. This included egg and chick mortality and fledging rates, plus a wider sample of the fledgling condition of 276 chicks.Fledging success was higher than in mainland New Zealand in some years, although chicks were smaller and lighter on average, highlighting the need for more information on juvenile survival probabilities in the subantarctic.Breeding success measures were similar in 2015 and 2016, but a large egg mortality in 2017 caused a significant reduction in breeding success that year. Such variability requires more investigation into the correlates of breeding success, including possible stressors such as foraging success, adverse weather and environmental effects, and pathogens.These results demonstrate the need for ongoing monitoring of yellow‐eyed penguin breeding success across the subantarctic in order to establish baselines for normal variation and to determine whether anthropogenic (manageable) factors may be contributing to low productivity.This research highlights an important consideration for endangered species conservation; that breeding success may not be consistent over time, or across a species' entire range. Additional monitoring of all breeding populations should be carried out to ensure up‐to‐date information is available to inform conservation management decisions for the species. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This study explores the critical issue of understanding the potential impacts of climate change on the habitat suitability of the highly endangered forest-dwelling Mangshan pit viper (Protobothrops mangshanensis) in China. Through the application of the MaxEnt model, high-resolution bioclimatic datasets, and species occurrence data, the research aims to elucidate the spatial and temporal dynamics of P. mangshanensis distribution from the present to the years 2050 and 2070. Through the integration of three climate models from the Coupled Model Intercomparison Project Phase 6 (CMIP6) and exploring different shared socioeconomic pathway (SSP) scenarios (SSP126, SSP370, and SSP585), the study seeks to provide comprehensive insights into the potential variations in habitat suitability under diverse future climate conditions. The methodology employed involves the construction of the MaxEnt model utilizing the BioClim dataset and 83 species occurrence points. The SSP scenarios mentioned above represent future climate change scenarios, and the accuracy of the model is evaluated using the area under the receiver-operating characteristic (ROC) curve (AUC). Key findings reveal that the MaxEnt model exhibits high accuracy (AUC = 0.998), pinpointing the current suitable habitat for P. mangshanensis to be confined to the Mangshan area within the Nanling Mountains, covering an approximate area of 1023.12 km2. However, projections based on future climate scenarios suggest notable shifts in habitat suitability dynamics. While potential suitable habitats may emerge in the northwest of the current range, the existing suitable habitats are anticipated to undergo significant reduction or even complete disappearance. Notably, precipitation during the driest month emerges as a critical determinant influencing the distribution of the species. In conclusion, the study underscores the exacerbating impact of climate change on habitat deterioration and survival risks for P. mangshanensis, emphasizing the urgent need for conservation measures to safeguard the remaining suitable habitats for this endangered species. The implications of these findings are far-reaching, with the anticipated contraction of the snake's range potentially leading to its disappearance and increased habitat fragmentation. By shedding light on the potential distributional changes of P. mangshanensis in Mangshan, the research provides valuable insights for informing targeted conservation strategies and policy interventions aimed at mitigating the adverse effects of climate change on endangered species. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Recent changes in climatic trends are resulting in an increased frequency and intensity of extreme events, with unknown effect on ecosystem dynamics in the near future. Extreme drought episodes are recognized as disturbance factors capable of modifying forest dynamics and tree growth. Within this context, dioecious tree species may be impacted by climatic extremes, affecting male/female proportions and, consequently, reproductive processes and species persistence. Therefore, there is an urgent need for species-specific assessments of growth tolerance to extreme dry spells in dioecious tree species, to establish effective conservation strategies for these particular natural resources. Araucaria araucana (araucaria), an endangered dioecious Patagonian tree species, has recently undergone decay and mortality episodes in response to increasing dry climatic conditions. While sex-dependent tolerance to extreme drought episodes has been assessed in the species' humid distribution range, there is still a lack of information on the gender-based resilience of trees growing in the drier environments of the species' distribution. Methods: We reconstructed, through dendrochronological methods, the sex-dependent response of 105 araucaria individuals (55 female and 50 male trees) to five regional extreme dry spells employing a set of different indices. Resistance, recovery period, and average growth reduction of standardized tree-ring growth were examined, analysing the effect of biotic (sex, pre-drought stem tree growth) and abiotic (local climatic conditions before, during, and after extreme climatic episodes) factors on tree resilience. Results: Sex influences only the species resistance to climatic disturbance, with male individuals showing lower tolerance to extreme drought events. Pre-drought radial growth rates and local meteorological conditions preceding, during, and following extreme dry spells strongly modulated araucaria radial growth resilience regardless of tree sex, influencing the species resistance, recovery period, and average growth reduction. Conclusions: We provide novel and crucial information for the species conservation and management in the current climate change scenario, and contribute to the debate regarding the role of tree sex as a factor influencing woody species growth under particularly adverse climatic conditions. In the face of climate change, an increase in extreme drought events is expected in the easternmost araucaria xeric end distribution area, which will likely decrease the species resilience. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Changes in the habitats of species can provide insights into the impact of climate change on their habitats. Species in the genus Morina (Morinoideae) are perennial herbaceous plants that are mainly distributed in the South Asian Mountains and Eastern Mediterranean. In China, there are four species and two varieties of this genus distributed across the Yunnan, Sichuan, Qinghai, and Gansu provinces. This study used the optimal MaxEnt model to simulate past, current, and future potentially suitable habitats of Morina kokonorica and Morina chinensis. Seventy data of M. kokonorica occurrences and 3 of M. chinensis were used in the model to predict potentially suitable habitats. The model prediction results indicated that both M. kokonorica and M. chinensis exhibited trends of northward migration to higher latitudes and westward migration along the Himalayas to higher elevations, suggesting that the northern valleys of Hengduan Mountains and northern and eastern parts of the Himalayas were potential refugia for M. kokonorica, and the potential refugia for M. chinensis was located in the eastern part of Qinghai‐Tibet Plateau. The results of this niche analysis showed that the two species had higher levels of interspecific competition and that the environmental adaptability of M. chinensis was stronger. This research could help further understand the response pattern of Morina to environmental change, to understand the adaptability of species to the environment, and promote the protection of species. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The anthropogenic impacts on the environment, including deforestation and the escalating emissions of greenhouse gases, have significantly contributed to global climate change that can lead to alterations in ecosystems. In this context, protected areas (PAs) are pillars for biodiversity conservation by being able, for example, to maintain the viability of populations of endangered species. On the other hand, the species range shifts do not follow the limits of PAs, jeopardizing the conservation of these species. Furthermore, the effectiveness of PAs is consistently undermined by impacts stemming from land use, hunting activities, and illegal exploitation, both within the designated areas and in their adjacent zones. The objectives of this study are to quantify the impacts of climate change on the distribution of threatened and endemic birds of the Amazon biome, evaluate the effectiveness of PAs in protecting the richness of threatened birds, and analyze the representativeness of species within PAs. We found with our results that climate suitability loss is above 80 for 65% of taxa in the optimistic scenario and above 93% in the pessimistic scenario. The results show that PAs are not effective in protecting the richness of Amazonian birds, just as they are ineffective in protecting most of the taxa studied when analyzed individually Although some taxa are presented as "Protected," in future scenarios these taxa may suffer major shrinkages in their distributions and consequently present population unviability. The loss of climatically suitable areas and the effectiveness of PAs can directly influence the loss of ecosystem services, fundamental to maintaining the balance of biodiversity. Therefore, our study paves the way for conservation actions aimed at these taxa so that they can mitigate current and future extinctions due to climate change. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Simple Summary: The hispid hare, Caprolagus hispidus, an endangered small mammal species, occupies a range from the southern lowlands of Nepal, India, and Bhutan. Despite its endangered status, there is limited knowledge about its distribution throughout its range and protected areas. This study aimed to identify factors influencing its distribution and determine suitable protected areas both in present and future climatic scenarios, considering bioclimatic, habitat, anthropogenic, and topographic factors. The findings are crucial for shaping effective long-term conservation strategies. The assessment of remaining habitats within protected areas provides critical insights into suitable habitat and climate refugia for this species. The hispid hare, Caprolagus hispidus, belonging to the family Leporidae is a small grassland mammal found in the southern foothills of the Himalayas, in India, Nepal, and Bhutan. Despite having an endangered status according to the IUCN Red List, it lacks studies on its distribution and is threatened by habitat loss and land cover changes. Thus, the present study attempted to assess the habitat suitability using the species distribution model approach for the first time and projected its future in response to climate change, habitat, and urbanization factors. The results revealed that out of the total geographical extent of 188,316 km2, only 11,374 km2 (6.03%) were identified as suitable habitat for this species. The results also revealed that habitat significantly declined across its range (>60%) under certain climate change scenarios. Moreover, in the present climate scenario protected areas such as Shuklaphanta National Park (0.837) in Nepal exhibited the highest mean extent of habitat whereas, in India, Dibru-Saikhowa National Park (0.631) is found to be the most suitable habitat. Notably, two protected areas in Uttarakhand, India, specifically Corbett National Park (0.530) and Sonanandi Wildlife Sanctuary (0.423), have also demonstrated suitable habitats for C. hispidus. Given that protected areas showing a future rise in habitat suitability might also be regarded as potential sites for species translocation, this study underscores the importance of implementing proactive conservation strategies to mitigate the adverse impacts of climate change on this species. It is essential to prioritize habitat restoration, focused protection measures, and further species-level ecological exploration to address these challenges effectively. Furthermore, fostering transboundary collaboration and coordinated conservation actions between nations is crucial to safeguarding the long-term survival of the species throughout its distribution range. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Climate change poses major threats to global biodiversity, with a significant bearing on predicting potential suitable areas of plant species for future conservation. This study aimed to predict the potential suitable distribution areas of the endangered Toona ciliata under current and future climate change, providing the scientific-objective basis for enhanced species conservation and utilization. Adopting the Maximum Entropy (MaxEnt) approach, we predicted the valuable tree's distribution under current and future conditions (SSP1-2.6, SSP2-4.5, and SSP5-8.5) in China. The model incorporated seven bioclimatic variables, widely used in cognate studies and significantly influencing current T. ciliata distribution. The fitted model yielded high-quality (AUC = 0.947) and biologically meaningful results, identifying temperature as the most critical limiting factor, especially the minimum temperature of the coldest month. The MaxEnt simulation predicted excellent suitability habitats under the current climate consistent with the current actual distribution, remaining in China's middle-subtropical region. Under three future climate-change scenarios, the model predicted an increase in excellent suitability areas. However, predicting future fragmentation of the current excellent range should raise concerns. MaxEnt can use bioclimatic data to pinpoint the optimal locations for species introduction, ex situ conservation, and cultivation of T. ciliata in China and other parts of the world. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Aim: The seagrass Zostera japonica is a dramatically declined endemic species in the Northwestern Pacific from the (sub)tropical to temperate areas, however, it is also an introduced species along the Pacific coast of North America from British Columbia to northern California. Understanding the population's genetic patterns can inform the conservation and management of this species. Location: North Pacific. Methods: We used sequences of the nuclear rDNA internal transcribed spacer (ITS) and chloroplast trnK intron maturase (matK), and 24 microsatellite loci to survey 34 native and nonnative populations (>1000 individuals) of Z. japonica throughout the entire biogeographic range. We analysed the phylogeographic relationship, population genetic structure and genetic diversity of all populations and inferred possible origins and invasion pathways of the nonnative ones. Results: All markers revealed a surprising and significant deep divergence between northern and southern populations of Z. japonica in the native region separated by a well‐established biogeographical boundary. A secondary contact zone was found along the coasts of South Korea and Japan. Nonnative populations were found to originate from the central Pacific coast of Japan with multiple introductions from at least two different source populations, and secondary spread was likely aided by waterfowl. Main Conclusions: The divergence of the two distinct clades was likely due to the combined effects of historical isolation, adaptation to distinct environments and a contemporary physical barrier created by the Yangtze River, and the warm northward Kuroshio Current led to secondary contact after glacial separation. Existing exchanges among the nonnative populations indicate the potential for persistence and further expansion. This study not only helps to understand the underlying evolutionary potential of a widespread seagrass species following global climate change but also provides valuable insights for conservation and restoration. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Species distribution modelling remains a valuable tool for managing conservation practices for medicinal plants. As climate change threatens the planet's biodiversity, it has become imperative to investigate its impact on our important bioresources. We studied the distribution of two medicinally essential orchid taxa, Crepidium acuminatum and Satyrium nepalense, in the Darjeeling Himalayan region using MaxEnt modelling. AUC (Area Under the Curve) and the TSS (True Skill Statistic) value for the models was calculated to gauge model performance. The models generated via MaxEnt performed excellently with > 0.9 AUC value and 0.6 to > 0.85 TSS value. The most influential factor affecting the distribution of C. acuminatum seems to be precipitation, whilst the factor affecting S. nepalense is altitude. The current potential habitat of C. acuminatum and S. nepalense was 385.25 km2 (12.51%) and 245.25 km2 (7.96%), respectively. Of the total current potential habitat, only 108.75 km2 (3.53%) and 61.5 km2 (2.0%) were of good habitat suitability for C. acuminatum and S. nepalense, respectively. Similarly, only 100.5 km2 (3.26%) and 43.5 km2 (1.41%) were of excellent habitat suitability for C. acuminatum and S. nepalense, respectively. Hence, Maxent identified highly suitable regions for the conservation of both species. The model predicts that for C. acuminatum, the total suitable habitat may decrease by as much as 113.25 km2. In contrast, for S. nepalense, the total suitable habitat may increase by as much as 230.25 km2 in future scenarios. However, when suitable habitat increases in certain regions for both species, the habitat is usually of poor suitability. This reflects the strong effect of climate change on the future of medicinal plants, particularly orchids. Hence, this indicates the need for better monitoring and holistic conservation strategies. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Euastacus gamilaroi Morgan 1997, the Gamilaroi crayfish, was initially described based on specimens collected in 1954 from Hanging Rock, New South Wales, but since then scant subsequent records hinder conservation of this endangered species. Extensive sampling during 2006–2023 delineated the distribution, habitat preferences, biological traits, and conservation status of the species. Together with concurrent molecular taxonomic analyses were extend the species range from headwater regions of highland streams above 960 m altitude of Burrows Creek to include highland streams of Duncan and Dungowan creeks (Peel-Namoi River/western drainage) and Tomalla, Back, and Ben Halls creeks (Barnard-Manning River/eastern drainage). We provide information on the distribution, biology, and ecological associations of the species. Results advocate for the classification of E. gamilaroi as an endangered species, recognizing its distinctive ecological niche and its status as a climate refugee, aiming to protect this rare species from climate-related challenges. We also present a taxonomic key differentiating E. gamilaroi from other species of Parastacidae in the region. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

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Laysan (Phoebastria immutabilis) and Black-footed Albatrosses (P. nigripes) nest primarily on low-lying atolls in the Northwestern Hawaiian Islands that are threatened by inundation from sea level rise and increasing storm surge associated with climate change. Restoration or creation of breeding colonies on higher islands is among the highest priority conservation actions for these species. A previous structured decision-making analysis identified the California Channel Islands as a possible restoration site for Black-footed Albatross. The California Current is part of the natural foraging ranges of Laysan and Blackfooted albatrosses. Archaeological evidence indicates both species were present in the California Channel Islands prehistorically, yet neither currently nests in the Channel Islands. We assessed the feasibility of creating albatross breeding colonies in the Channel Islands using social attraction and translocation, and the suitability of each island. We used a risk analysis framework developed for the U.S. National Park Service to evaluate the potential ecological risks of this action. Creating an albatross colony in the Channel Islands is feasible using available methods. Santa Barbara and San Nicolas islands would be most suitable for albatross. Social attraction is less expensive and might be effective for creating a Laysan Albatross colony because that species is already visiting some islands. Translocation would be necessary to create a Black-footed Albatross colony. The risks associated with attempting to establish albatross breeding colonies in the Channel Islands were deemed to be generally low, but the risk of no action is high to these albatrosses. This can be a useful assisted colonization case study that can inform decisions by land managers and agencies regarding conservation of North Pacific albatrosses and other species. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In Yellowstone Lake, Wyoming, the largest inland population of nonhybridized Yellowstone Cutthroat Trout Oncorhynchus clarkii bouvieri, hereafter Cutthroat Trout, declined throughout the 2000s because of predation from invasive Lake Trout Salvelinus namaycush, drought, and whirling disease Myxobolus cerebralis. To maintain ecosystem function and conserve Cutthroat Trout, a Lake Trout gill netting suppression program was established in 1995, decreasing Lake Trout abundance and biomass. Yet, the response of Cutthroat Trout to varying Lake Trout suppression levels, collectively with the influence of disease and climate, is unknown. We developed an ecosystem model (calibrated to historical data) to forecast (2020–2050) whether Cutthroat Trout would achieve recovery benchmarks given disease, varying suppression effort, and climate change. Lake Trout suppression influenced Cutthroat Trout recovery; current suppression effort levels resulted in Cutthroat Trout recovering from historical lows in the early 2000s. However, Cutthroat Trout did not achieve conservation benchmarks when incorporating the influence of disease and climate. Therefore, the National Park Service intends to incorporate age‐specific abundance, spawner biomass, or both in conservation benchmarks to provide better indication of how management actions and environmental conditions influence Cutthroat Trout. Our results illustrate how complex interactions within an ecosystem must be simultaneously considered to establish and achieve realistic benchmarks for species of conservation concern. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Climate change may lead to range shifts, and barriers to such displacements may result in extirpations from previously suitable habitats. This may be particularly important in freshwater ecosystems that are highly fragmented by anthropogenic obstacles, such as dams and other smaller in‐stream barriers. Conservation planning in freshwaters should consider the dynamic effects of climate change and the ability of species to cope with it. In this study, we developed a framework for incorporating climate‐driven dispersal barriers into conservation planning taking into account the medium and long‐term impacts of climate change and species with obligatory interactions. Given that freshwater mussels (Bivalvia: Unionida) are a group of highly threatened organisms dependent on fish hosts to complete their larval development and dispersal, we used Marxan to prioritize areas for their joint conservation in the Iberian Peninsula as a case study. We tested two connectivity scenarios between current and future habitats, (i) unlimited dispersal capacity and (ii) dispersal constrained by artificial barriers, and also identified priority translocation areas for species that were unable to disperse. Accounting for the effects of climate change on species distributions allowed the identification of long‐term conservation areas, but disregarding artificial barriers to dispersal may lead to unrealistic solutions. Integrating the location of barriers allowed the identification of priority areas that are more likely to be colonized in the future following climatic shifts, although this resulted in an additional loss of six to eight features (~5%–7%) compared to solutions without dispersal constraints. Between 173 and 357 artificial barriers (~1.6%–3.3%) will potentially block species dispersal to irreplaceable planning units. Where removal of artificial barriers is unfeasible, conservation translocations may additionally cover up to eight additional features that do not meet conservation targets due to dispersal constraints. This study highlights the challenge of identifying protected areas to safeguard biodiversity under climate change. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]