Search Results (1,180)

Betula. platyphylla Sukaczev (B. platyphylla) forest is an important montane forest type. Global warming has impacted its distribution. However, how it affects suitable distribution across ecoregions and corresponding biodiversity protection measures remains unclear. This study used the Maxent model to analyze the suitable distribution and driving variables of B. platyphylla forest in China and its four ecoregions. The minimum cumulative resistance (MCR) model was applied to construct corridors nationwide. Results show that B. platyphylla forest in China is currently mainly distributed in the four ecoregions; specifically, in Gansu and Shaanxi Province in Northwest China, Heilongjiang Province in Northeast China, Sichuan Province in Southwest China, and Hebei Province and Inner Mongolia Autonomous Region in North China. Precipitation and temperature are the main factors affecting suitable distribution. With global warming, the suitable areas in China including the North, Northwest China ecoregions are projected to expand, while Northeast and Southwest China ecoregions will decline. Based on the suitable areas, we considered 45 corridors in China, spanning the four ecoregions. Our results help understand dynamic changes in the distribution of B. platyphylla forest in China under global warming, providing scientific guidance for montane forests’ sustainable development. Full article

Dark skies, a vital natural and cultural resource, have been increasingly threatened by light pollution due to rapid urbanization, leading to ecological degradation and biodiversity loss. As a key strategy for sustainable regional development, dark sky parks (DSPs) not only preserve nocturnal environments but also enhance livability by balancing urban expansion and ecological conservation. This study develops a novel framework for evaluating DSP suitability, integrating ecological and socio-economic dimensions, including the resource base (e.g., nighttime light levels, meteorological conditions, and air quality) and development conditions (e.g., population density, transportation accessibility, and tourism infrastructure). Using the Guangdong–Hong Kong–Macao Greater Bay Area (GBA) as a case study, we employ Delphi expert consultation, GIS spatial analysis, and multi-criteria decision-making to identify optimal DSP locations and prioritize conservation zones. Our key findings reveal the following: (1) spatial heterogeneity in suitability, with high-potential zones being concentrated in the GBA’s northeastern, central–western, and southern regions; (2) ecosystem advantages of forests, wetlands, and high-elevation areas for minimizing light pollution; (3) coastal and island regions as ideal DSP sites due to the low light interference and high ecotourism potential. By bridging environmental assessments and spatial planning, this study provides a replicable model for DSP site selection, offering policymakers actionable insights to integrate dark sky preservation into sustainable urban–regional development strategies. Our results underscore the importance of DSPs in fostering ecological resilience, nighttime tourism, and regional livability, contributing to the broader discourse on sustainable landscape planning in high-urbanization contexts. Full article

Anoplophora glabripennis (Asian longhorned beetle, ALB) (Motschulsky, 1854) is a local forest pest in China. Although the suitable area for this pest has some research history, it does not accurately predict the future distribution area of ALB. Accurate prediction of its suitable area can help control the harm caused by ALB more effectively. In this study, we applied the maximum entropy model to predict the suitable area for ALB. Moreover, the prediction results revealed that ALB is distributed mainly in northern, eastern, central, southern, southwestern, and northwestern China, and its high-fit areas are located mainly in northern, northwestern, and southwestern China. The average minimum temperature in September, precipitation seasonality (coefficient of variation), the average maximum temperature in April, and average precipitation in October had the greatest influence on ALB. The greatest distribution probabilities were observed at the September average minimum temperature of 16 °C, the precipitation seasonality (coefficient of variation) of 130%, the April average maximum temperature of 14 °C, and the October average precipitation of 30 mm. Furthermore, with climate change, the non-suitability area for the ALB will show a decreasing trend in the future. The intermediate suitability area will increase, while the low and high suitability areas will first increase and then decrease. Taken together, the potentially suitable areas for ALB in China include the Beijing–Tianjin–Hebei region and the Shanghai region in North China and East China, providing a deeper understanding of ALB control. Full article

Climate change poses a major threat to forests, impacting the distribution and viability of key species. Quercus pyrenaica Willd., a marcescent oak endemic to the Iberian Peninsula (Portugal and Spain) and southwestern France and a structural species in submediterranean forests, is particularly susceptible to shifts in temperature and precipitation patterns. Aiming to assess its potential loss of suitable area under future climate scenarios, we developed high-resolution spatial distribution models to project the future habitat suitability of Q. pyrenaica under two climate change scenarios (SSP3-7.0 and SSP5-8.5) for the periods 2070 and 2100. Our model, which has an excellent predictive performance (AUC of 0.971 and a TSS of 0.834), indicates a predominantly northward shift in the potential distribution of the species, accompanied by substantial habitat loss in southern and lowland regions. Long-term potential suitable area may shrink to 42% of that currently available. This, combined with the limited natural dispersal capacity of the species, highlights the urgency of targeted management and conservation strategies. These results offer critical insights to inform conservation strategies and forest management under ongoing climate change. Full article

Historical buildings are exposed to an increased risk of fire. The direct influence comes from the buildings’ structural design and the fire protection level. The fundamental principle for reducing the loss of heritage value in historical buildings due to fire is fire protection, as part of crisis management. This article focuses on selected castle buildings from Slovakia. Three castle buildings were selected based on their location in the country. All of them are currently used for museum purposes. Using an analytical form, we assessed fire hazards and fire safety measures in two parts, calculated the fire risk index, and proposed solutions. Qualitative research, which is more suitable for the issue at hand, was used to evaluate the selected objects. The main methods used in the research focused on visual assessment of the current condition of the objects and analysis of fire documentation and its comparison with currently valid legal regulations. Based on the results, we can conclude that Kežmarok Castle (part of the historical city center) has a small fire risk (fire risk index = 13 points). Trenčín Castle (situated on a rock above the city) and Stará Ľubovňa Castle (situated on a limestone hill outside the city, surrounded by forest) have an increased risk of fire (fire risk index = 50–63). Significant risk sources identified included surrounding forest areas, technical failures related to outdated electrical installations, open flames during cultural events, the concentration of highly flammable materials, and complex evacuation routes for both people and museum collections. Full article

Changes in habitat suitability are critical indicators of the ecological impacts of climate change. Syndiclis Hook. f., a rare and endangered genus endemic to montane limestone and cloud forest ecosystems in China, holds considerable ecological and economic value. However, knowledge of its current distribution and the key environmental factors influencing its habitat suitability remains limited. In this study, we employed the MaxEnt model, integrated with geographic information systems (ArcGIS), to predict the potential distribution of Syndiclis under current and future climate scenarios, identify dominant bioclimatic drivers, and assess temporal and spatial shifts in habitat patterns. We also analyzed spatial displacement of habitat centroids to explore potential migration pathways. The model demonstrated excellent performance (AUC = 0.988), with current suitable habitats primarily located in Hainan, Taiwan, Southeastern Yunnan, and along the Yunnan–Guangxi border. Temperature seasonality (bio7) emerged as the most important predictor (67.00%), followed by precipitation of the driest quarter (bio17, 14.90%), while soil factors played a relatively minor role. Under future climate projections, Hainan and Taiwan are expected to serve as stable climatic refugia, whereas the overall suitable habitat area is projected to decline significantly. Combined with topographic constraints, population decline, and limited dispersal ability, these changes elevate the risk of extinction for Syndiclis in the wild. Landscape pattern analysis revealed increased habitat fragmentation under warming conditions, with only 4.08% of suitable areas currently under effective protection. We recommend prioritizing conservation efforts in regions with habitat contraction (e.g., Guangxi and Yunnan) and stable refugia (e.g., Hainan and Taiwan). Conservation strategies should integrate targeted in situ and ex situ actions, guided by dominant environmental variables and projected migration routes, to ensure the long-term persistence of Syndiclis populations and support evidence-based conservation planning. Full article

The Qinghai–Tibetan Plateau (QTP), often referred to as the “Third Pole” of the world, harbors alpine grassland ecosystems that play an essential role as global carbon sinks, helping to mitigate the pace of climate change. Nonetheless, alterations in natural environmental conditions coupled with escalating human activities have disrupted the seasonal growth cycles of grasslands, thereby intensifying degradation processes. To date, the key drivers and lifecycle dynamics of Grassland Depletion across the QTP remain contentious, limiting our comprehension of its ecological repercussions and regulatory mechanisms. This study comprehensively investigates grassland degradation on the Qinghai–Tibetan Plateau, analyzing its drivers and changes in ecological suitability during the growing season. By integrating natural factors (e.g., precipitation and temperature) and anthropogenic influences (e.g., population density and grazing intensity), it examines observational data from over 160 monitoring stations collected between the 1980s and 2020. The findings reveal three distinct phases of grassland degradation: an acute degradation phase in 1990 (GDI, Grassland Degradation Index = 2.53), a partial recovery phase from 1996 to 2005 (GDI < 2.0) during which the proportion of degraded grassland decreased from 71.85% in 1990 to 51.22% in 2005, and a renewed intensification of degradation after 2006 (GDI > 2.0), with degraded grassland areas reaching 56.39% by 2020. Among the influencing variables, precipitation emerged as the most significant driver, interacting closely with anthropogenic factors such as grazing practices and population distribution. Specifically, the combined impacts of precipitation with population density, grazing pressure, and elevation were particularly notable, yielding interaction q-values of 0.796, 0.767, and 0.752, respectively. Our findings reveal that while grasslands exhibit superior carbon sink potential relative to forests, their productivity and ecological functionality are undergoing considerable declines due to the compounded effects of multiple interacting factors. Consequently, the spatial distribution of ecologically suitable zones has contracted significantly, with the remaining high-suitability regions concentrating in the “twin-star” zones of Baingoin and Zanda grasslands, areas recognized as focal points for future ecosystem preservation. Furthermore, the effects of climate change and intensifying anthropogenic activity have driven the reduction in highly suitable grassland areas, shrinking from 41,232 km² in 1990 to 24,485 km² by 2020, with projections indicating a further decrease to only 2844 km² by 2060. This study sheds light on the intricate mechanisms behind Grassland Depletion, providing essential guidance for conservation efforts and ecological restoration on the QTP. Moreover, it offers theoretical underpinnings to support China’s carbon neutrality and peak carbon emission goals. Full article

Climatic oscillations in the Quaternary are altering the performance of angiosperms, while the species’ distribution is regarded as a macroscopic view of these spatial and temporal changes. Oaks (Quercus L.) are important tree models for estimating the abiotic impacts on the distribution of forest tree species. In this study, we modeled the past, present, and future suitable habitat for two varieties of deciduous oaks (Quercus serrata and Quercus serrata var. brevipetiolata), which are widely distributed in China and play dominant roles in the local forest ecosystem. We evaluated the importance of environmental factors in shaping the species’ distribution and identified the “wealthy” habitats in harsh conditions for the two varieties. The ecological niche models showed that the suitable areas for these two varieties are mainly concentrated in mountain ranges in central China, while Q. serrata var. brevipetiolata is also widely distributed in the middle-east mountain range. The mean temperature of the coldest quarter was identified as the critical factor in shaping the habitat availability for these two varieties. From the last glacial maximum (LGM) to the present, the potential distribution range of these two sibling species has obviously shifted northward and expanded from the inferred refugia. Under the optimistic (RCP2.6), moderate (RCP 4.5)-, and higher (RCP 6.0)-concentration greenhouse gas emissions scenarios, our simulations suggested that the total area of suitable habitats in the 2050s and 2070s will be wider than it is now for these two varieties of deciduous oaks, as the distribution range is shifting to higher latitudes; thus, low latitudes are more likely to face the risk of habitat losses. This study provides a case study on the response of forest tree species to climate changes in the north temperate and subtropical zones of East Asia and offers a basis for tree species’ protection and management in China. Full article

Abies nephrolepis and Picea jezoensis are native Pinaceae trees distributed in high mountainous regions of Northeast Asia (typically above ~1000 m a.s.l. on the Korean peninsula, northeastern China, Sakhalin, and the Russian Far East) and southern boreal forests, vulnerable to climate change and human disturbances, necessitating accurate habitat identification for effective conservation. While protected areas (PAs) are essential, merely expanding existing ones often fail to protect populations under human pressure and climate change. Using species distribution models with current and projected climate data, we mapped potential habitats across Northeast Asia. Spatial clustering analyses integrated with PA and land cover data helped identify optimal sites and priorities for new conservation areas. Ensemble species distribution models indicated extensive suitable habitats, especially in southern Sikhote-Alin, influenced by maritime-continental climates. Specific climate variables strongly affected habitat suitability for both species. The Kamchatka peninsula consistently emerged as an optimal habitat under future climate scenarios. Our study highlights essential environmental characteristics shaping the habitats of these species, reinforcing the importance of strategically enhancing existing PAs, and establishing new ones. These insights inform proactive conservation strategies for current and future challenges, by focusing on climate refugia and future habitat stability. Full article

The precise identification of priority areas for conservation based on connectivity can significantly enhance protection efficacy and mitigate biodiversity loss in fragmented landscapes. Priority area selection efforts are typically conducted in landscapes with a limited number of patches or simplified to focus on large patches, while landscapes with numerous patches are rarely explored. In this paper, we used a forest in Kanas, Xinjiang, China, as a case study to explore priority patches for conservation according to their contribution to maintaining overall landscape connectivity, as well as to assess how structural factors influence patch importance in connectivity, based on graph theory. We found that the rank of patches varied with patch importance indices (which can be used to calculate the contribution of individual patches to maintaining overall landscape). Dispersal distances were selected, as they placed different emphasis on the size and topological location of patches, and different types of links (binary or probabilistic connection) were used. One critical and seven important connected patches were identified as priority patches for conservation after taking multiple connectivity indices and dispersal distances into comprehensive consideration. In addition, neighboring patch density was the dominant factor that influenced patch importance for species with 50 and 100 m dispersal distances, while patch size contributed most for species with 200 m and longer dispersal distances; therefore, we suggested that neighboring patch density and patch size could be used to support efforts to identify priority patches. Overall, our results provide a unique perspective and a more simplified process for the selection of priority protected sites in patch-rich landscapes, allowing us to highlight which action is suitable for optimizing landscape connectivity and biodiversity conservation. Full article

Wildfires are becoming an increasingly severe threat to European forests, driven by climate change, land use changes, and socio-economic factors. Integrated solutions for wildfire prevention, early detection, emergency management, and ecological restoration are urgently needed to enhance forest resilience. The Horizon 2020 SILVANUS project developed a comprehensive multi-sectoral platform combining technological innovation, stakeholder engagement, and sustainable forest management strategies. This report analyses the Slovak Republic’s participation in SILVANUS, applying a seven-criterion fit–gap framework (governance, legal, interoperability, staff capacity, ecological suitability, financial feasibility, and stakeholder acceptance) to evaluate the platform’s alignment with national conditions. Notable contributions include stakeholder-supported functional requirements for wildfire prevention, climate-sensitive forest models for long-term adaptation planning, IoT- and UAV-based early fire detection technologies, and decision support systems (DSS) for emergency response and forest-restoration activities. The Slovak pilot sites, particularly in the Podpoľanie region, served as important testbeds for the validation of these tools under real-world conditions. All SILVANUS modules scored ≥12/14 in the fit–gap assessment; early deployment reduced high-risk fuel polygons by 23%, increased stand-level structural diversity by 12%, and raised the national Sustainable Forest Management index by four points. Integrating SILVANUS outcomes into national forestry practices would enable better wildfire risk assessment, improved resilience planning, and more effective public engagement in wildfire management. Opportunities for adoption include capacity-building initiatives, technological deployments in fire-prone areas, and the incorporation of DSS outputs into strategic forest planning. Potential challenges, such as technological investment costs, inter-agency coordination, and public acceptance, are also discussed. Overall, the Slovak Republic’s engagement with SILVANUS demonstrates the value of participatory, technology-driven approaches to sustainable wildfire management and offers a replicable model for other European regions facing similar challenges. Full article

Recreational fisheries increasingly intersect with the habitats of flagship species, i.e., species that attract public attention and drive conservation efforts, raising potential ecological conflicts. This study investigated the spatial coupling between recreational fisheries and three flagship species in the Yangtze River Basin: the Chinese alligator (Alligator sinensis), the Yangtze finless porpoise (Neophocaena phocaenoides), and the scaly-sided merganser (Mergus squamatus). Drawing on over 10,000 fishing Points of Interest recorded between 2015 and 2024 and over 300 verified species occurrences, this study applied a Random Forest model with spatial integration and a Maximum Entropy model to examine estimated current distributions and forecast interactions from 2025 to 2035. Flagship species habitat suitability was modeled and projected at a spatial resolution of 1 km, while recreational fishing density was resolved on a coarser grid of 1.875° × 1.25° in latitude–longitude dimensions. Results reveal a substantial increase in high-risk overlap zones. For example, high-density fishing areas within high-suitability habitats for the scaly-sided merganser expanded from 0 km² in 2015 to 85,359 km² in 2024. Projections indicate continued intensification of such overlaps, particularly in regions including Ma’anshan–Wuhu, the Taihu–Chaohu–Poyang lake system, and Yibin. These findings offer robust, model-driven evidence of growing spatial conflicts and offer actionable insights for ecosystem-based governance. The methodological framework is transferable and supports broader applications in other regions and species under ecological sustainability goals. Full article

A key challenge is how to effectively conserve habitats and biodiversity amid widespread habitat fragmentation and loss caused by global urbanization. Despite growing attention to this issue, knowledge of the seasonal dynamics of habitats remains limited, and conservation gaps are still inadequately identified. This study proposes a novel integrated framework, “Habitat Suitability–Risk–Quality”, to improve the assessment of the seasonal bird habitat quality and to identify priority conservation habitats in urban landscapes. The framework was implemented in Wuhan, China, a critical stopover site along the East Asian–Australasian Flyway. It combines the Maximum Entropy (MaxEnt) model to predict the seasonal habitat suitability, the Habitat Risk Assessment (HRA) model to quantify habitat sensitivity to multiple anthropogenic threats, and a refined Habitat Quality (HQ) model to evaluate the seasonal habitat quality. K-means clustering was then applied to group habitats based on seasonal quality dynamics, enabling the identification of priority areas and the development of differentiated conservation strategies. The results show significant seasonal variation in habitat suitability and quality. Wetlands provided the highest-quality habitats in autumn and winter, grasslands exhibited moderate seasonal quality, and forests showed the least seasonal fluctuation. The spatial analysis revealed that high-quality wetland habitats form an ecological belt along the urban–suburban fringe. Four habitat clusters with distinct seasonal characteristics were then identified. However, spatial mismatches were found between existing protected areas and habitats of high ecological value. Notably, Cluster 1 maintained high habitat quality year round, spanning 99.38 km², yet only 46.51% of its area is currently protected. The remaining 53.16 km², mostly situated in urban–suburban transitional zones, remain unprotected. This study provides valuable insights for identifying priority habitats and developing season-specific conservation strategies in rapidly urbanizing regions, thereby supporting the sustainable management of urban biodiversity and the development of resilient ecological systems. Full article

Ulmus glabra Huds. is a mesophilic, montane broadleaf tree with high ecological value, commonly found in temperate riparian and floodplain forests across Türkiye. Its populations in Türkiye have declined due to anthropogenic disturbances and climatic pressures that cause habitat fragmentation and threaten the species’ long-term survival. In this research, we used Maximum Entropy (MaxEnt) to build species distribution models (SDMs) and applied the Restoration Planner (RP) tool to identify and prioritize critical restoration sites under both current and projected climate scenarios (SSP245, SSP370, SSP585). The SDMs highlighted areas of high suitability, primarily along the Black Sea coast. Future projections show that habitat fragmentation and shifts in suitable areas are expected to worsen. To systematically compare restoration options across different future scenarios, we derived and applied four spatial network status indicators using the RP tool. Specifically, we calculated Restoration Pixels (REST_PIX), Average Distance of Restoration Pixels from the Network (AVDIST_RP), Change in Equivalent Connected Area (ΔECA), and Restoration Efficiency (EFFIC) using the RP tool. For the 1 <-> 2 restoration pathways, the highest efficiency (EFFIC = 38.17) was recorded under present climate conditions. However, the largest improvement in connectivity (ΔECA = 60,775.62) was found in the 4 <-> 5 pathway under the SSP585 scenario, though this required substantial restoration effort (REST_PIX = 385). Temporal analysis noted that the restoration action will have most effectiveness between 2040 and 2080, while between 2081 and 2100, increased habitat fragmentation can severely undermine ecological connectivity. The result indicates that incorporation of habitat suitability modeling into restoration planning can help to design cost-effective restoration actions for degraded land. Moreover, the approach used herein provides a reproducible framework for the enhancement of species sustainability and habitat connectivity under varying climate conditions. Full article

The Pyrenean capercaillie (Tetrao urogallus aquitanicus) is a forest obligate grouse that has experienced a marked population decline in recent decades owing to the lack of optimal habitats. However, the effect of forest structure on potential predators and habitat competitors has not been well-studied. We conducted a camera-trapping study at three conservation areas in Huesca province (northeastern Spain), which were classified as ‘optimal’, ‘favorable’, and ‘unfavorable’ based on habitat suitability for the capercaillie. This study was conducted for 3417 days at a total of 130 camera locations in autumn–winter and spring–summer, capturing 8757 valid photos. In total, 36 different species were recorded. The most frequently detected species were Southern chamois (Rupicapra pyrenaica pyrenaica; 32.6%), roe deer (Capreolus capreolus; 18%), wild boar (Sus scrofa; 9.6%), red squirrel (Sciurus vulgaris; 6.1%), mustelids (5.6%), and red fox (Vulpes vulpes; 4.8%). Capercaillies were photographed in the optimal and favorable habitat areas. Nest predators, such as mustelids and red fox, were more frequently detected in the favorable area during autumn–winter and in the optimal area in spring–summer, while corvids were more frequently detected in the unfavorable habitat area during both periods. No clear pattern was found for wild boar (nest predator and habitat competitor) or cervids (competitors). As capercaillie coexist with a wide range of predators and competitors, and habitat structure may not always explain species relative abundance, factors such as disturbance and food resources should be also taken into account when aiming to develop targeted management for the benefit of the capercaillie. Full article