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A special issue of Sustainability (ISSN 2071-1050). This special issue belongs to the section "Sustainability, Biodiversity and Conservation".

Deadline for manuscript submissions: closed (31 May 2022) | Viewed by 20127

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Dr. Susana Santos

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Guest Editor

Department of Agroecology, Aarhus University, Slagelse, Denmark
Interests: applied microbiology; microbial ecology; environmental science; soil biodiversity; microeukaryotes; nematodes; biological control of plant pests; DNA/RNA sequencing; metabarcoding; functional biodiversity

Special Issue Information

Dear Colleagues,

This Special Issue is focused on biodiversity in terrestrial ecosystems. Biodiversity is pivotal for ecosystem health and sustainability, and supports most of our development, from raw materials to food production. However, terrestrial ecosystems are under unprecedented stress, posed by habitat loss, fragmentation, and land-use changes due to anthropogenic disturbance and climate change. Previous research indicates that terrestrial ecosystems are highly sensitive to temperature change and suggests that, without major reductions in greenhouse gas emissions to the atmosphere, terrestrial ecosystems worldwide are at risk of major transformations. This can lead to knock-on effects for local, regional, and global biogeochemical cycles. The lack of data on species-rich organisms remains a major problem in addressing the challenge of global biodiversity loss. Fortunately, environmental DNA and metabarcoding are important tools used for cross-taxon biodiversity monitoring, aiding the understanding of species ecological roles and the mechanisms through which they influence ecosystem functions.

We welcome submissions in all areas related to terrestrial biodiversity dealing with theoretical aspects, new research methods, observation data analysis, and predictive modeling, but we particularly encourage submissions on the following topics:

Phylogenetic and/or functional abundance and diversity of terrestrial ecosystems
Interactions of organisms with biotic and abiotic components
Above-belowground interactions
Additive or synergistic effects of land-use change and biodiversity loss on terrestrial ecosystem functions
Monitoring of biodiversity, ecosystem processes and environmental drivers by experimental manipulation of selected drivers
Host-pathogen interactions
Predator–prey interactions
Effects of biogeography on community diversity
Effects of climate change on community diversity and species distributions

Dr. Susana Santos
Guest Editor

Manuscript Submission Information

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Keywords

biodiversity
macro- and microorganisms
anthropogenic disturbance
climate change
land-use change
ecosystem services and functions
bacteria
protists
virus
fungi
insects
arthropods
vertebrates
invertebrates
plants
terrestrial vegetation
crops

Published Papers (7 papers)

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Research

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22 pages, 11799 KiB

Open AccessEditor’s ChoiceArticle

Differential Impacts of Climatic and Land Use Changes on Habitat Suitability and Protected Area Adequacy across the Asian Elephant’s Range

by Wei Yang, Yuanxu Ma, Linhai Jing, Siyuan Wang, Zhongchang Sun, Yunwei Tang and Hui Li

Sustainability 2022, 14(9), 4933; https://doi.org/10.3390/su14094933 - 20 Apr 2022

Cited by 6 | Viewed by 3166

Abstract

Climate change and human activities have caused dramatic impacts on biodiversity. Although a number of international agreements or initiatives have been launched to mitigate the biodiversity loss, the erosion of terrestrial biome habitats is inevitable. Consequently, the identification of potential suitable habitats under climate change and human disturbance has become an urgent task of biodiversity conservation. In this study, we used the maximum entropy model (MaxEnt) to identify the current and potential future habitats of Asian elephants in South and Southeast Asia. We performed analyses for future projections with 17 scenarios using the present results as baseline. To optimize the modelling results, we delineated the core habitats by using the Core Mapper Tool and compared them with existing protected areas (PAs) through gap analysis. The results showed that the current total area of core habitats is 491,455 km² in size and will be reduced to 332,544 km² by 2090 under SSP585 (the shared socioeconomic pathway). The projection analysis under differential scenarios suggested that most of the core habitats in the current protected areas would remain stable and suitable for elephants in the future. However, the remaining 75.17% of the core habitats lay outside the current PAs, and finally we mapped approximately 219,545 km² of suitable habitats as priority protected areas in the future. Although our model did not perform well in some regions, our analyses and findings still could provide useful references to the planning of protected areas and conservation of Asian elephant. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Biodiversity in Terrestrial Ecosystems)

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20 pages, 2857 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Nutrient Analysis and Species Diversity of Alpine Grasslands: A Comparative Analysis of Less Studied Biodiversity Hotspots

by Ishfaq Ahmad Wani, Susheel Verma, Renu Gupta, Masood Majaz Ganaie, Gaurav Nigam, Hesham M. Shafik and Fahad A. Al-Misned

Sustainability 2022, 14(2), 887; https://doi.org/10.3390/su14020887 - 13 Jan 2022

Cited by 2 | Viewed by 2120

Abstract

The alpine grasslands of Kashmir Himalaya act as a treasure house of floristic biodiversity. They have remained largely unstudied because of their remoteness and inaccessibility. It is imperative to have quantitative studies of these areas to allow the long-term monitoring of flora in these fragile ecosystems. During the present study, nutrient analysis and species diversity of some alpine grasslands were investigated. Electroconductivity (EC) of the soils ranged between 0.12 and 0.33 (dSm⁻¹). With an increase in altitude and precipitation and a decrease in temperature, soil pH and available macro-nutrients (OC, N, P, K) show a considerable decrease. Sixty-six plant species belonging to twenty-nine families and fifty-one genera were reported with members predominantly from the Asteraceae, Rosaceae and Plantaginaceae families. Seven species were common to all study areas and Renyi diversity profiles showed that Kongwattan was the most diverse followed by Poshpathri and Yousmarg. The results of the Sorensen β diversity index showed a relatively lower dissimilarity index among the three studied alpine sites. In the majority of the growth forms, growth initiation was recorded in April, whereas senescence occurred in September. The highest bloom was seen in June-July. The plant species exhibited a greater variability in their phenophases under different environmental conditions and altitudinal gradients. Plants were more vigorous at lower altitudes and showed rapid response to the prevailing conditions. Stoloniferous forbs and tussock forming graminoids such as Sibbaldia cuneata, Trifolium repens, Plantago major, Trifolium pratense, Poa compressa, Poa angustifolia, and Plantago lanceolata showed a greater importance value index (IVI). The sedentary system of livestock rearing at Yousmarg resulted in the decreased density of the palatable species. This study allowed us to conclude that direct knowledge of soil nutrient composition and species diversity in alpine ecosystems can enhance conservation and ensure better management practices over a period of time. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Biodiversity in Terrestrial Ecosystems)

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15 pages, 2478 KiB

Open AccessArticle

The Ecological Status of Juniperus foetidissima Forest Stands in the Mt. Oiti-Natura 2000 Site in Greece

by Nikolaos Proutsos, Alexandra Solomou, George Karetsos, Konstantinia Tsagari, George Mantakas, Konstantinos Kaoukis, Athanassios Bourletsikas and George Lyrintzis

Sustainability 2021, 13(6), 3544; https://doi.org/10.3390/su13063544 - 23 Mar 2021

Cited by 6 | Viewed by 2101

Abstract

Junipers face multiple threats induced both by climate and land use changes, impacting their expansion and reproductive dynamics. The aim of this work is to evaluate the ecological status of Juniperus foetidissima Willd. forest stands in the protected Natura 2000 site of Mt. Oiti in Greece. The study of the ecological status is important for designing and implementing active management and conservation actions for the species’ protection. Tree size characteristics (height, breast height diameter), age, reproductive dynamics, seed production and viability, tree density, sex, and habitat expansion were examined. The data analysis revealed a generally good ecological status of the habitat with high plant diversity. However, at the different juniper stands, subpopulations present high variability and face different problems, such as poor tree density, reduced numbers of juvenile trees or poor seed production, inadequate male:female ratios, a small number of female trees, reduced numbers of seeds with viable embryos, competition with other woody species, grazing, and illegal logging. From the results, the need for site-specific active management and interventions is demonstrated in order to preserve or achieve the good status of the habitat at all stands in the region. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Biodiversity in Terrestrial Ecosystems)

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13 pages, 1357 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Diversity of Medicinal Plants among Different Tree Canopies

by Muhammad Zubair, Akash Jamil, Syed Bilal Hussain, Ahsan Ul Haq, Ahmad Hussain, Din Muhammad Zahid, Abeer Hashem, Abdulaziz A. Alqarawi and Elsayed Fathi Abd_Allah

Sustainability 2021, 13(5), 2640; https://doi.org/10.3390/su13052640 - 02 Mar 2021

Cited by 4 | Viewed by 2392

Abstract

The moist temperate forests in Northern Pakistan are home to a variety of flora and fauna that are pivotal in sustaining the livelihoods of the local communities. In these forests, distribution and richness of vegetation, especially that of medicinal plants, is rarely reported. In this study, we carried out a vegetation survey in District Balakot, located in Northeastern Pakistan, to characterize the diversity of medicinal plants under different canopies of coniferous forest. The experimental site was divided into three major categories (viz., closed canopy, open spaces, and partial tree cover). A sampling plot of 100 m² was established on each site to measure species diversity, dominance, and evenness. To observe richness and abundance, the rarefaction and rank abundance curves were plotted. Results revealed that a total of 45 species representing 34 families were available in the study site. Medicinal plants were the most abundant (45%) followed by edible plants (26%). Tree canopy cover affected the overall growth of medicinal plants on the basis of abundance and richness. The site with partial canopy exhibited the highest diversity, dominance, and abundance compared to open spaces and closed canopy. These findings are instrumental in identifying the wealth of the medicinal floral diversity in the northeastern temperate forest of Balakot and the opportunity to sustain the livelihoods of local communities with the help of public/private partnership. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Biodiversity in Terrestrial Ecosystems)

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8 pages, 578 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Increased Likelihood of High Nitrous Oxide (N₂O) Exchange in Soils at Reduced Microbial Diversity

by Søren Christensen, Wilhelmina H. Gera Hol, Viola Kurm and Mette Vestergård

Sustainability 2021, 13(4), 1685; https://doi.org/10.3390/su13041685 - 04 Feb 2021

Cited by 1 | Viewed by 2349

Abstract

Rare soil organisms are normally considered of less importance for ecosystem functioning. We present results that oppose this view. In otherwise well-aerated soils, anaerobic/microaerophilic production or consumption of the trace gas N₂O occurs in small soil volumes, when intense decomposition activity at the site leads to local oxygen depletion. At such patch scales, the control of microbial growth and oxygen consumption may depend on the specific organisms present. We assessed N₂O turnover in an experiment, where soil dilution from 10⁻² over 10⁻⁴ to 10⁻⁶ followed by microbial regrowth resulted in similar microbial biomass and respiration but reduced diversity. We found an increasing number of very high N₂O turnover rates when soil dilution increased from 10⁻² over 10⁻⁴ to 10⁻⁶, as revealed from a significantly increased skewness of the frequency distribution of N₂O turnover levels. N₂O turnover also tended to increase (p = 0.08) by 20–30% when soil was diluted from 10⁻² to 10⁻⁶. This suggests that rare soil organisms regulate the local activity of fast-growing microorganisms and thus reduce the probability that anoxic/microaerophilic soil volumes develop. Future studies may reveal which less abundant organisms prevent development of anoxic/microaerophilic conditions in well-aerated soils. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Biodiversity in Terrestrial Ecosystems)

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Review

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21 pages, 1020 KiB

Open AccessReview

Dynamic Role and Importance of Multi-Kingdom Communities in Mediterranean Wood-Pastures

by Eleni Topalidou, Alexandra D. Solomou, Susana S. Santos, Evdokia Krystallidou, Styliani Kakara and Konstantinos Mantzanas

Sustainability 2021, 13(18), 10179; https://doi.org/10.3390/su131810179 - 11 Sep 2021

Cited by 3 | Viewed by 2281

Abstract

Wood-pastures are among the most valuable types of farmland for ecosystem services, including biodiversity, landscape, soil protection, water management and cultural values. This paper reviews the scientific literature regarding the dynamic role and importance of plant, fungal and ruminant communities in Mediterranean wood-pastures and assesses the favorable and unfavorable aspects of their occurrence through grazing management. The grasslands of the Mediterranean region play an important role both in forage material production and the conservation of biodiversity in plant communities and at the landscape level. These two management purposes are not conflicting but complementary when the management is based upon the knowledge of the effect of grazing on the ecology of these ecosystems. Conclusively, vascular plant, fungal and ruminant communities have a strong influence on ecosystem structure and functioning and they play a key role in many ecological services. Hence, integrated studies which combine multi-level ecological research are essential in order to identify regional and/or national needs in terms of biodiversity, genetic resources, sustainable rural development and conservation policies. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Biodiversity in Terrestrial Ecosystems)

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35 pages, 3134 KiB

Open AccessReview

Soil Arthropods in the Douro Demarcated Region Vineyards: General Characteristics and Ecosystem Services Provided

by Fátima Gonçalves, Cristina Carlos, Luís Crespo, Vera Zina, Amália Oliveira, Juliana Salvação, José Alberto Pereira and Laura Torres

Sustainability 2021, 13(14), 7837; https://doi.org/10.3390/su13147837 - 13 Jul 2021

Cited by 13 | Viewed by 3914

Abstract

Viticulture is one of the oldest and most profitable forms of agriculture; it is also one of the most intensive farming systems. As intensive cultivation threatens the environment, there is increasing interest in the concept of sustainability within the wine industry, as well as new business opportunities, as customers begin to pay more attention to environmental and sustainability issues. Recognizing the key role of soil quality in environmentally and economically sustainable viticulture makes it essential to understand better soil arthropod communities, given their crucial functions in maintaining soil quality and health. The ‘Douro Demarcated Region’ (DDR) in northern Portugal offers good potential, in regards to biodiversity, due to its significant areas of non-crop habitats. This work aims to compile information on soil arthropod communities (both soil surface and soil-living) collected in the DDR vineyard agroecosystems. A description of the ecosystem services provided by them, as a basis for the development and implementation of sustainable viticulture systems, is also an objective of this work. An important set of soil arthropods necessary for the delivery of vital ecosystem services for viticulture, with particular reference to supporting and regulating services, occurred in this ecosystem. Eight classes were chiefly represented in a sample of about 167,000 arthropod specimens: Arachnida, Chilopoda, Diplopoda, Entognatha, Insecta, Malacostraca, Pauropoda, and Symphyla. The most representative were Entognatha and Insecta in soil-surface arthropods, and Arachnida and Entognatha in soil-living arthropods. The presence of recognized groups as bioindicators in agroecosystems, such as soil quality indicators, is also revealed. This knowledge is expected to contribute to a more efficient and sustainable management of the viticultural ecosystem. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Biodiversity in Terrestrial Ecosystems)

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