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Plant Conservation Biogeography: New Perspectives 80 Years after Nikolai Vavilov
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Plant Conservation Biogeography: New Perspectives 80 Years after Nikolai Vavilov

A special issue of Plants (ISSN 2223-7747). This special issue belongs to the section "Plant Ecology".

Deadline for manuscript submissions: closed (30 September 2024) | Viewed by 13730

Special Issue Editors

Dr. Francisco J. Pérez-García

E-Mail Website
Guest Editor
Department of Biology and Geology, University of Almería, 04120 Almería, Spain
Interests: taxonomy; biodiversity; conservation; ecology; conservation biology; invasive species; species diversity; ecology and evolution; biodiversity
Dr. Fabián Martínez Hernández

E-Mail Website
Guest Editor
Department of Biology and Geology, University of Almería, 04120 Almería, Spain
Interests: conservation biology; biodiversity; flora; data analysis; spatial analysis; ecosystem ecology
Dr. Antonio Jesus Mendoza-Fernández

E-Mail Website
Guest Editor
Department of Botany, University of Granada, 18071 Granada, Spain
Interests: mediterranean flora; botany environmental sciences; conservation biology; biodiversity; climate change; ecology; invasive species; natural resource management; species diversity; ecosystem ecology; ecology and evolution
Special Issues, Collections and Topics in MDPI journals

Special Issue Information

Dear Colleagues,

The year 2023 marks the 80th anniversary of the death of Nikolai Vaviliov, noted by Armen Takhtajan as the great pioneer who emphasized that understanding the distribution of flora and its patterns is essential for conservation. Since then, progress has been made to expand the synthetic discipline between biogeography and conservation biology, referred to as “conservation biogeography”. It is defined as “the application of biogeographical principles, theories, and analyses, being those concerned with the distributional dynamics of taxa individually and collectively, to problems concerning the conservation of biodiversity”. It is therefore an eclectic science and a "quick reaction" to the current context of extinction and loss of diversity.

Hence, we propose to address it using a wide and multidisciplinary approach. Consequently, this Special Issue is open to all papers that have vegetal (sensu lato) as their object of study at any of the organizational levels (genes, individuals, populations, taxa (including any of the hierarchical levels) and communities), as well as papers that analyze how their present, past, or modeled distributions affect conservation-related problems. Thus, there is room for priority establishment in plant conservation (selection of reserve areas, IPAs, hot spots), species–area/species–habitat relationships, island biogeography, and phylogeographic studies. This can also be extended to the conservation of habitats at the ecosystem level, including the effects of artificially altered distributions (invasive species), and the modeling and evaluation of scenarios when confronted with global change typical of the Anthropocene.

Dr. Francisco J. Pérez-García
Dr. Fabián Martínez Hernández
Dr. Antonio Jesus Mendoza-Fernández
Guest Editors

Manuscript Submission Information

Manuscripts should be submitted online at www.mdpi.com by registering and logging in to this website. Once you are registered, click here to go to the submission form. Manuscripts can be submitted until the deadline. All submissions that pass pre-check are peer-reviewed. Accepted papers will be published continuously in the journal (as soon as accepted) and will be listed together on the special issue website. Research articles, review articles as well as short communications are invited. For planned papers, a title and short abstract (about 100 words) can be sent to the Editorial Office for announcement on this website.

Submitted manuscripts should not have been published previously, nor be under consideration for publication elsewhere (except conference proceedings papers). All manuscripts are thoroughly refereed through a single-blind peer-review process. A guide for authors and other relevant information for submission of manuscripts is available on the Instructions for Authors page. Plants is an international peer-reviewed open access semimonthly journal published by MDPI.

Please visit the Instructions for Authors page before submitting a manuscript. The Article Processing Charge (APC) for publication in this open access journal is 2700 CHF (Swiss Francs). Submitted papers should be well formatted and use good English. Authors may use MDPI's English editing service prior to publication or during author revisions.

Keywords

  • biodiversity conservation
  • biogeography
  • chorology
  • conservation biology
  • global change
  • plant ecology

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Published Papers (6 papers)

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Research

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17 pages, 13534 KiB  
Article
Ecological Aspects of Distribution and Population Status Assessment of Rhamnus erythroxyloides subsp. sintenisii (Rich.f) Mabb., a Relict Species in the Kyzylkum Desert of Uzbekistan
by Khabibullo Shomurodov, Bekhzod Adilov, Alexander Rudov, Vasila Sharipova, Ozodbek Abduraimov, Rizamat Khayitov and Bekhruz Khabibullaev
Plants 2024, 13(22), 3154; https://doi.org/10.3390/plants13223154 - 9 Nov 2024
Cited by 2 | Viewed by 1152
Abstract
Rhamnus erythroxyloides subsp. sintenisii (Rech.f.) Mabb. is a relict species occurring on the remnant mountains of Kyzylkum (in Uzbekistan). Up until recently, its population status and exact distribution remained unassessed. The ecological distribution and population status of four populations of Rh. erythroxyloides subsp. [...] Read more.
Rhamnus erythroxyloides subsp. sintenisii (Rech.f.) Mabb. is a relict species occurring on the remnant mountains of Kyzylkum (in Uzbekistan). Up until recently, its population status and exact distribution remained unassessed. The ecological distribution and population status of four populations of Rh. erythroxyloides subsp. sintenisii were studied. The study of its morpho-anatomical structure revealed that the studied taxon’s vegetative and generative organs demonstrate clear adaptive features to arid climate. We observed an absence of the young fraction (seedlings and juvenile plants) in the populations, which is related to irregularity of seed renewal. Furthermore, population fragmentation due to a high degree of soil salinity and the presence of organic matter has been noticed at the present stage. According to the combination of threatening factors, the current state of the population of Rh. erythroxyloides subsp. sintenisii in Uzbekistan has been estimated as disappearing (EN)—B2ab (ii, iii, iv) + C1 + E. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Plant Conservation Biogeography: New Perspectives 80 Years after Nikolai Vavilov)
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16 pages, 3405 KiB  
Article
Introduced Herbivores Threaten the Conservation Genetics of Two Critically Endangered Single-Island Endemics, Crambe sventenii and Pleudia herbanica
by Priscila Rodríguez-Rodríguez, Sonia Sarmiento Cabello, Stephan Scholz, Leticia Curbelo and Pedro A. Sosa
Plants 2024, 13(18), 2573; https://doi.org/10.3390/plants13182573 - 13 Sep 2024
Viewed by 877
Abstract
Crambe sventenii Pett. ex Bramwell & Sunding and Pleudia herbanica (A.Santos & M.Fernández) M.Will, N.Schmalz & Class.-Bockh. are two single-island endemic species from Fuerteventura (Canary Islands), inhabiting the same areas and similar habitats. They are under the “Critically Endangered” category due to historical [...] Read more.
Crambe sventenii Pett. ex Bramwell & Sunding and Pleudia herbanica (A.Santos & M.Fernández) M.Will, N.Schmalz & Class.-Bockh. are two single-island endemic species from Fuerteventura (Canary Islands), inhabiting the same areas and similar habitats. They are under the “Critically Endangered” category due to historical herbivore pressure, mainly goats, leading to habitat fragmentation and poor population recruitment. The main aim of our study was to provide insights into the conservation genetics and habitat suitability of these two species. For this purpose, we sampled all known populations on the island and developed two new sets of microsatellite markers. Moreover, to assist restoration plans, we performed species distribution models to determine the most suitable areas for reintroduction. While Crambe sventenii is highly fragmented, with low genetic diversity indices in some populations, Pleudia herbanica’s genetic structure is quite homogeneous, grouped in three main regions, with signs of inbreeding and an overall low genetic diversity. Both species could present moderate to high levels of autogamy. Our findings can provide guidance to local governments regarding conservation actions to be implemented in the field, like the identification of propagule sources and new suitable areas for restoration. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Plant Conservation Biogeography: New Perspectives 80 Years after Nikolai Vavilov)
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15 pages, 1328 KiB  
Article
Tracking Phenological Changes over 183 Years in Endemic Species of a Mediterranean Mountain (Sierra Nevada, SE Spain) Using Herbarium Specimens
by Katy V. Rondinel-Mendoza, Juan Lorite, Macarena Marín-Rodulfo and Eva M. Cañadas
Plants 2024, 13(4), 522; https://doi.org/10.3390/plants13040522 - 14 Feb 2024
Cited by 4 | Viewed by 1867
Abstract
Phenological studies have a crucial role in the global change context. The Mediterranean basin constitutes a key study site since strong climate change impacts are expected, particularly in mountain areas such as Sierra Nevada, where we focus. Specifically, we delve into phenological changes [...] Read more.
Phenological studies have a crucial role in the global change context. The Mediterranean basin constitutes a key study site since strong climate change impacts are expected, particularly in mountain areas such as Sierra Nevada, where we focus. Specifically, we delve into phenological changes in endemic vascular plants over time by analysing data at three scales: entire massif, altitudinal ranges, and particular species, seeking to contribute to stopping biodiversity loss. For this, we analysed 5262 samples of 2129 herbarium sheets from Sierra Nevada, dated from 1837 to 2019, including reproductive structure, complete collection date, and precise location. We found a generalized advancement in phenology at all scales, and particularly in flowering onset and flowering peak. Thus, plants flower on average 11 days earlier now than before the 1970s. Although similar trends have been confirmed for many territories and species, we address plants that have been studied little in the past regarding biotypes and distribution, and which are relevant for conservation. Thus, we analysed phenological changes in endemic plants, mostly threatened, from a crucial hotspot within the Mediterranean hotspot, which is particularly vulnerable to global warming. Our results highlight the urgency of phenological studies by species and of including ecological interactions and effects on their life cycles. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Plant Conservation Biogeography: New Perspectives 80 Years after Nikolai Vavilov)
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Review

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12 pages, 12323 KiB  
Review
Biogeography and Conservation in the Arabian Peninsula: A Present Perspective
by Shahina A. Ghazanfar
Plants 2024, 13(15), 2091; https://doi.org/10.3390/plants13152091 - 28 Jul 2024
Cited by 6 | Viewed by 5383
Abstract
The Arabian Peninsula, with its rugged mountains, wadis, alluvial plains, sand dune deserts, and diverse coastlines, spans over 3 million km2. The Peninsula is situated at the crossroads of Africa and Asia and is a meeting point for diverse biogeographic realms, [...] Read more.
The Arabian Peninsula, with its rugged mountains, wadis, alluvial plains, sand dune deserts, and diverse coastlines, spans over 3 million km2. The Peninsula is situated at the crossroads of Africa and Asia and is a meeting point for diverse biogeographic realms, including the Palearctic, Afrotropical, and Indomalayan regions. This convergence of biogeographic zones has resulted in a remarkably diverse flora and fauna, which is adapted to the harsh and varied climates found throughout the Peninsula. Each of the countries of the Arabian Peninsula are biologically diverse and unique in their own right, but Yemen, Saudi Arabia, and Oman are the most diverse in terms of their landforms and biological diversity. The mountainous regions support a cooler and more moderate climate compared to the surrounding lowlands, thus forming unique ecosystems that function as refugia for plant and animal species, and have a high endemism of plant species. The desert ecosystems support a variety of lifeforms that are specially adapted to an extreme arid climate. Due to its long history of human habitation and subsistence agriculture, particularly in the mountainous areas, the Arabian Peninsula possesses unique crop varieties adapted to extreme arid climates, making them important genetic resources for the future in the face of climate change. The Arabian Peninsula, though rich and diverse in its biological diversity, has been greatly affected by human activities, especially in the last 50 years, including urbanization, habitat destruction, overgrazing, and climate change, which pose significant threats to the biodiversity of the region. This review presents the biogeography and background of conservation efforts made in the countries in the Arabian Peninsula and gives the progress made in botanical research and conservation practices throughout the Peninsula. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Plant Conservation Biogeography: New Perspectives 80 Years after Nikolai Vavilov)
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17 pages, 1159 KiB  
Review
A Community-Based Framework Integrates Interspecific Interactions into Forest Genetic Conservation
by Xi Wang, Yu Xiao, Yan-Wen Lv, Zi-Han He, Francis C. Yeh and Xin-Sheng Hu
Plants 2024, 13(3), 435; https://doi.org/10.3390/plants13030435 - 1 Feb 2024
Cited by 1 | Viewed by 1834
Abstract
Forest genetic conservation is typically species-specific and does not integrate interspecific interaction and community structure. It mainly focuses on the theories of population and quantitative genetics. This approach depicts the intraspecific patterns of population genetic structure derived from genetic markers and the genetic [...] Read more.
Forest genetic conservation is typically species-specific and does not integrate interspecific interaction and community structure. It mainly focuses on the theories of population and quantitative genetics. This approach depicts the intraspecific patterns of population genetic structure derived from genetic markers and the genetic differentiation of adaptive quantitative traits in provenance trials. However, it neglects possible interspecific interaction in natural forests and overlooks natural hybridization or subspeciation. We propose that the genetic diversity of a given species in a forest community is shaped by both intraspecific population and interspecific community evolutionary processes, and expand the traditional forest genetic conservation concept under the community ecology framework. We show that a community-specific phylogeny derived from molecular markers would allow us to explore the genetic mechanisms of a tree species interacting with other resident species. It would also facilitate the exploration of a species’ ecological role in forest community assembly and the taxonomic relationship of the species with other species specific to its resident forest community. Phylogenetic β-diversity would assess the similarities and differences of a tree species across communities regarding ecological function, the strength of selection pressure, and the nature and extent of its interaction with other species. Our forest genetic conservation proposal that integrates intraspecific population and interspecific community genetic variations is suitable for conserving a taxonomic species complex and maintaining its evolutionary potential in natural forests. This provides complementary information to conventional population and quantitative genetics-based conservation strategies. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Plant Conservation Biogeography: New Perspectives 80 Years after Nikolai Vavilov)
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Other

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12 pages, 719 KiB  
Case Report
Plants of Conservation Interest in a Protected Area: A Case Study of the Gran Sasso and Monti Della Laga National Park (Central Italy)
by Fabio Conti, Daniela Tinti and Fabrizio Bartolucci
Plants 2024, 13(12), 1675; https://doi.org/10.3390/plants13121675 - 17 Jun 2024
Cited by 2 | Viewed by 1555
Abstract
The National Park of Gran Sasso and Monti della Laga (PNGSL) is located in Central Italy and covers an area of 143.311 ha across three administrative regions (Abruzzo, Marche, and Lazio). It is the protected area hosting the highest number of vascular plants [...] Read more.
The National Park of Gran Sasso and Monti della Laga (PNGSL) is located in Central Italy and covers an area of 143.311 ha across three administrative regions (Abruzzo, Marche, and Lazio). It is the protected area hosting the highest number of vascular plants in both Europe and the Mediterranean basin. The plan of the park recognizes the need to establish a list of plants of conservation interest to prioritize for protection. The aim of this study is to identify plants (vascular and bryophytes) for inclusion on a protection list, taking into account their phytogeographic importance as well as the threat of extinction, and subsequently propose an original categorization (protection classes) suggesting specific conservation actions and measures. We used original criteria to select plants of conservation interest among the 2678 plant taxa listed in the national park. We identified 564 vascular plant species and subspecies (including nine hybrids) and one bryophyte to be included in the proposed protection list. The case study of the PNGSL could be a model for other protected areas. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Plant Conservation Biogeography: New Perspectives 80 Years after Nikolai Vavilov)
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