Article
Biodiversity Conservation
Babar Zahoor, Melissa Songer, Xuehua Liu, Qiongyu Huang, Yunchuan Dai
Summary: Global warming caused by human activities has alarming effects on biodiversity, particularly the interactions between predators and prey. In northern Pakistan, the common leopard and two prey species, the Himalayan grey goral and Himalayan grey langur, are crucial for balancing the forest ecosystem. Using MaxEnt and climate models, this study assessed the suitable habitat for these species under current and future climate scenarios. The results suggest that all three species are at risk of losing significant portions of their suitable habitat, highlighting the importance of implementing conservation strategies.
GLOBAL ECOLOGY AND CONSERVATION
(2023)
Article
Ecology
Yi Zhao, Xiangwen Deng, Wenhua Xiang, Liang Chen, Shuai Ouyang
Summary: Continuous global climate change has impacted the living habits, morphological characteristics, and spatial distribution of tree species, with the potential suitable habitats for Chinese fir being predicted under different climatic scenarios, indicating a tendency for the species to migrate to high-altitude regions in the future. Factors like minimum temperature of the coldest month, annual precipitation, annual mean temperature, and mean temperature of warmest quarter were identified as crucial in shaping the habitat suitability for Chinese fir, suggesting the need for careful consideration in plantation area selection and long-term management strategies.
ECOLOGICAL INFORMATICS
(2021)
Article
Plant Sciences
Ruijie Huang, Huimin Du, Yuting Wen, Chunyan Zhang, Mengran Zhang, Hao Lu, Chenchen Wu, Baoyu Zhao
Summary: This study used a MaxEnt model to predict the suitable habitat distribution of Astragalus variabilis under current and future climate conditions. The results showed that temperature, precipitation, and organic carbon content were the main environmental variables influencing its distribution. Additionally, the study found a significant correlation between the habitat suitability of A. variabilis and the frequency of livestock poisoning. Future climate conditions are likely to shift the suitable habitat of A. variabilis to higher latitudes and altitudes.
FRONTIERS IN PLANT SCIENCE
(2022)
Article
Environmental Sciences
Jianjun Xu, Guoying Song, Mei Xiong, Yujing Zhang, Bamu Sanlang, Ga Long, Rulin Wang
Summary: This study used MaxEnt to predict the distribution range of E. granulosus in China and analyze the impact of environmental variables. The results provide a theoretical basis for the prevention and monitoring of echinococcosis in China.
ENVIRONMENTAL SCIENCE AND POLLUTION RESEARCH
(2023)
Article
Forestry
Shirin Alipour, Ziaedin Badehian, Hamed Yousefzadeh, Farhad Asadi, Kambiz Espahbodi, Lukasz Walas
Summary: The Hyrcanian Forests in Northern Iran, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, contain the last remnants of an ancient broad-leaved forest. Little research has examined the consequences of climate change on the rich endemic flora of this region. Climate change poses a major threat to the various species in the Hyrcanian Forests, making it crucial to determine suitable habitats for their conservation.
Article
Biodiversity Conservation
Yupeng Lu, Huanchu Liu, Wei Chen, Jing Yao, Yanqing Huang, Yue Zhang, Xingyuan He
Summary: Using the Maximum Entropy model, this study assessed the current and future suitable habitat distributions of seven species of Rhododendron in Northeast China, providing conservation planning recommendations based on the distribution of existing protected areas and tourist attractions. Results showed variations in suitable habitat distributions among species and differences in future trends.
BIODIVERSITY AND CONSERVATION
(2021)
Article
Ecology
Babar Zahoor, Xuehua Liu, Yunchuan Dai, Lalit Kumar, Melissa Songer
Summary: Identifying suitable habitat and corridors for movement is crucial for biodiversity conservation in the face of climate change. This study focused on the Asiatic black bear population in the Northern Highlands of Pakistan and found both current and future suitable habitat areas. The model predicted an increase in suitable habitat under future scenarios, with a majority of the current suitable habitat identified as climate refugia. The results provide valuable information for conservation strategies and management plans to mitigate climate change impacts on Asiatic black bears.
ECOLOGICAL INFORMATICS
(2022)
Article
Green & Sustainable Science & Technology
Marrwa S. Ghanim, Ammar A. Farhan
Summary: This study examines the projected impacts of climate change on future photovoltaic energy potentials in Iraq. The results show that the average temperature in Iraq is expected to rise by 1.5 degrees C and 2.4 degrees C under RCP4.5 and RCP8.5 scenarios, respectively. The change in solar PV potential relative to current climatic conditions ranges from -0.3% to 8.1% (RCP4.5) and -5.1% to 6.3% (RCP8.5). While some areas may experience small drops in PV output, it is unlikely to pose a danger to PV productivity in Iraq under the RCP4.5 scenario.
Article
Agriculture, Dairy & Animal Science
Wei Guo, Zixuan Li, Tong Liu, Jiang Feng
Summary: The study assessed the habitat suitability and predicted future distribution changes of Myotis pilosus in China, the only known fishing bat in East Asia. It identified temperature and precipitation as important environmental factors affecting its distribution. The suitable habitat was mainly located in southwest and southeast China, with future expansion and shift to higher latitudes and altitudes. However, the area of suitable habitats for colonization will be reduced in the future. Potential future climate refugia were identified, suggesting priority protection and long-term monitoring. This study provides valuable information for the conservation of this vulnerable piscivorous bat species.
Article
Ecology
Babar Zahoor, Xuehua Liu, Lalit Kumar, Yunchuan Dai, Bismay Ranjan Tripathy, Melissa Songer
Summary: Climate change poses a major threat to vulnerable species like the Asiatic black bear. Research in the Hindu Kush Himalaya region found extensive suitable habitats for the bear, but projected shifts towards higher elevations due to climate change may increase human-bear conflicts. Recommendations such as managing climate refugia, enhancing natural reserves, and improving monitoring of bear populations could help mitigate adverse impacts of climate change on bears.
ECOLOGICAL INFORMATICS
(2021)
Article
Entomology
Ruihe Gao, Lei Liu, Lijuan Zhao, Shaopeng Cui
Summary: In this study, the optimized MaxEnt model and ArcGIS were used to predict the potential suitable areas of Monochamus alternatus worldwide. The results showed that current and future distribution regions of M. alternatus may cover all continents except Antarctica. This research provides a theoretical basis for risk analysis, monitoring, and prevention of M. alternatus globally.
Article
Forestry
Qin Zhang, Xiangbao Shen, Xiaolong Jiang, Tingting Fan, Xiaocui Liang, Wende Yan
Summary: In this study, the present and future suitable distribution range of Keteleeria davidiana, a tertiary relict gymnosperm, was predicted based on the maximum entropy model. The key climate factors that affect the distribution of K. davidiana were identified. With climate warming in the future, the highly suitable distribution area of K. davidiana is estimated to decrease.
Article
Ecology
Zayneb Soilhi, Najla Sayari, Nadia Benalouache, Mounir Mekki
Summary: This study used the MaxEnt model to predict the future distribution of Mentha pulegium in Tunisia. The results showed that suitable habitats for this medicinal plant would decrease and shift toward the east due to climate change.
ECOLOGICAL INFORMATICS
(2022)
Article
Forestry
Yongxiang Li, Wenhao Shao, Shiqing Huang, Yongzhi Zhang, Hongfeng Fang, Jingmin Jiang
Summary: In this study, the maximum entropy model was used to predict the suitable habitats for Sapindus delavayi in China. The dominant environmental factors affecting its distribution were identified. The results provide important insights for its introduction, cultivation, and protection of germplasm resources.
Article
Ecology
Rulin Wang, Yanli Xia, Zhanhong Shen, Yanli Wang, Xianjian Zhou, Mian Xiang, Yuxia Yang
Summary: This study used MaxEnt to predict the distribution range of C. violaceum in China and analyze the impact of environmental variables. The genetic diversity of the plant was analyzed using SRAP molecular markers. The results showed that the most suitable habitat of C. violaceum would decrease in size and shift to the west under future climate scenarios.
ECOLOGICAL INFORMATICS
(2023)
Article
Environmental Sciences
Babar Zahoor, Xuehua Liu, Pengfen Wu, Wanlong Sun, Xiaodong Jia, Zixin Lv, Xiangyu Zhao, Xiangbo He, Baishuo He, Qiong Cai, Melissa Songer
Summary: Studying activity patterns is crucial for understanding animals' behavior adaptation based on habitat conditions. Monitoring Asiatic black bear activity patterns in the Qinling Mountains, researchers found higher activity levels from June to October, with a shorter hibernation period. Bears were mainly active during the daytime in spring and summer, while more active at twilight in autumn. Food preferences and availability due to regional climate conditions are suggested as factors influencing these activity patterns.
ENVIRONMENTAL SCIENCE AND POLLUTION RESEARCH
(2021)
Article
Forestry
Yuke Zhang, Xiangbo He, Xuehua Liu, Melissa Songer, Haishan Dang, Quanfa Zhang
Summary: The composition and interactions of animal species can shape ecological communities, and fine-scale monitoring is crucial for understanding these relationships. This study conducted camera trapping of large- and medium-sized mammals in a deciduous broadleaf forest in the Qinling Mountains, uncovering diel activity patterns and spatial relationships among species. The results highlighted the importance of long-term fine-scale monitoring for improving understanding of species interactions and community dynamics.
JOURNAL OF FORESTRY RESEARCH
(2021)
Article
Biodiversity Conservation
Yujun Wang, Hongbo Yang, Dunwu Qi, Melissa Songer, Wenke Bai, Caiquan Zhou, Jindong Zhang, Qiongyu Huang
Summary: China is transforming the management of protected areas by establishing a national park system with zoning designations to balance conservation and development needs. Using the Giant Panda National Park in Sichuan Province as a case study, the effectiveness of the park's zoning designations in protecting critical habitat areas for pandas and managing human disturbances was evaluated. The core zone of the park performs well in covering panda habitat but still faces challenges with human disturbances.
BIOLOGICAL CONSERVATION
(2021)
Article
Biodiversity Conservation
Qiongyu Huang, Fang Wang, Hongbo Yang, Marc Valitutto, Melissa Songer
Summary: The Chinese government's decision to ban terrestrial wildlife for food consumption, along with the planned revision of the Wildlife Protection Law, has the potential to greatly reduce consumption of wildlife and prevent future zoonotic disease outbreaks. Despite facing challenges in traditional medicine use, habitat conservation, law enforcement, and education reforms, recent progress in stricter wildlife consumption bans, protected areas consolidation, and public oversight indicates promising developments. It is clear that governments must no longer allow business as usual in the wildlife industry to safeguard biodiversity and minimize risks of zoonotic disease transmission.
BIOLOGICAL CONSERVATION
(2021)
Article
Environmental Sciences
Hongbo Yang, Andres Vina, Julie Ann Winkler, Min Gon Chung, Qiongyu Huang, Yue Dou, William J. McShea, Melissa Songer, Jindong Zhang, Jianguo Liu
Summary: The majority of protected areas contribute to preventing forest loss, but only 30.5% of forest loss in these areas have been prevented. Protected areas with higher rates of forest loss in their surrounding regions, located at lower elevations, near cities with higher agricultural productivity, and with fewer human uses permission were better able to prevent forest loss.
SCIENCE OF THE TOTAL ENVIRONMENT
(2021)
Article
Ecology
Bismay Ranjan Tripathy, Xuehua Liu, Melissa Songer, Lalit Kumar, Senipandi Kaliraj, Nilanjana Das Chatterjee, W. M. S. Wickramasinghe, Kirti Kumar Mahanta
Summary: Understanding the spatial patterns of human-elephant conflict in the Keonjhar forest division is crucial for targeted mitigation efforts and efficient resource allocation. The study identified significantly dense clusters of conflict hotspots and assessed the temporal change in risk, with crop damage being the most frequent form of conflict.
FRONTIERS IN ECOLOGY AND EVOLUTION
(2021)
Article
Biodiversity Conservation
Zoe Paraskevopoulou, Hila Shamon, Melissa Songer, Graeme Ruxton, William J. McShea
Summary: Reintroductions of animal species are challenging with low success rates, highlighting the importance of improving habitat suitability models. Ground-based habitat quality data significantly improve model accuracy compared to remotely-sensed or geographical data, demonstrating the need for including such metrics in reintroduction planning for mesocarnivores.
Article
Environmental Sciences
Bismay Ranjan Tripathy, Xuehua Liu, Melissa Songer, Babar Zahoor, W. M. S. Wickramasinghe, Kirti Kumar Mahanta
Summary: Land development has extensively impacted natural landforms, causing negative consequences to elephant populations and habitats, leading to human-elephant conflict. Understanding elephant space use and habitat connectivity can provide safe connectivity to maintain ecological flow among populations.
Article
Multidisciplinary Sciences
Shermin de Silva, Tiffany Wu, Philip Nyhus, Ashley Weaver, Alison Thieme, Josiah Johnson, Jamie Wadey, Alexander Mossbrucker, Thinh Vu, Thy Neang, Becky Shu Chen, Melissa Songer, Peter Leimgruber
Summary: Understanding historic patterns of land use and land cover change is vital for effective conservation. This study focused on Asian elephants and found that over 64% of suitable elephant habitat in Asia has been lost since 1700, due to colonial-era land-use practices and agricultural intensification. The decline in habitat has led to potential conflicts with humans, and societies need to consider ecological histories and develop sustainable land-use strategies.
SCIENTIFIC REPORTS
(2023)
Article
Biodiversity Conservation
Qiongyu Huang, Jin Xu, Jesse Pan Wong, Volker C. Radeloff, Melissa Songer
Summary: The Global Deal for Nature aims to protect 30% of Earth's land and ocean by 2030. The 30 x 30 initiative is a method for allocating conservation resources and extending protection to vulnerable ecosystems, while reducing carbon emissions. However, most methods for identifying high-value conservation areas do not consider vertical habitat structure. Global tall forests represent a unique vertical habitat structure that should be prioritized in global protected area planning.
CONSERVATION BIOLOGY
(2023)
Article
Ecology
Wenke Bai, Jindong Zhang, Ke He, Shanshan Zhao, Xiaodong Gu, Jie Hu, Melissa Songer, Caiquan Zhou, Xin Dong, Qiongyu Huang
Summary: This study analyzes the overlap in habitat area and suitability between giant pandas and sambars in the Wolong National Nature Reserve. The results indicate a high similarity in habitat requirements between the two species, and potential competition over space utilization. Therefore, habitat restoration and corridor construction should be recommended as conservation strategies to alleviate the increased competition associated with niche overlap among sympatric species.
Article
Biodiversity Conservation
Nathan J. Bennett, Molly Dodge, Thomas S. Akre, Steven W. J. Canty, Rafael Chiaravalloti, Ashley A. Dayer, Jessica L. Deichmann, David Gill, Melanie McField, James McNamara, Shannon E. Murphy, A. Justin Nowakowski, Melissa Songer
Summary: Biodiversity is declining globally, and integrated landscape and seascape approaches to conservation can be used to protect biodiversity-rich environments where people live and work. However, there has been limited exploration of the potential contributions of conservation social sciences to working landscape and seascape initiatives. A case study using the Smithsonian Working Land and Seascapes initiative identified key human dimensions topics that can inform conservation decision-making and adaptive management, as well as yield broader synthetic and theoretical insights.
FRONTIERS IN CONSERVATION SCIENCE
(2022)
Article
Ecology
Hongbo Yang, Thomas Dietz, Yingjie Li, Yue Dou, Yujun Wang, Qiongyu Huang, Jindong Zhang, Melissa Songer, Jianguo Liu
Summary: Understanding the complex trade-offs and synergies among different sustainable development goals can be achieved by studying the impact of human activities. This study developed a novel approach to assess the influence of four different livelihoods on the interrelationships among specific sustainable development goals. The results demonstrate the usefulness of this approach in informing coherent governance and facilitating progress across social, economic, and environmental dimensions of sustainable development goals simultaneously.
ECOLOGY AND SOCIETY
(2022)
Article
Biodiversity Conservation
Steven W. J. Canty, A. Justin Nowakowski, Grant M. Connette, Jessica L. Deichmann, Melissa Songer, Rafael Chiaravalloti, Molly Dodge, Anna T. C. Feistner, Craig Fergus, Jefferson S. Hall, Kimberly J. Komatsu, Reynaldo Linares-Palomino, Melanie McField, Matthew B. Ogburn, Ximena Velez-Zuazo, Thomas S. Akre
Summary: The United Nations Sustainable Development Goals provide a global blueprint to tackle extreme poverty, reduce inequality, and protect the planet. Yet, progress towards these goals is insufficient. By mapping the activities of the Smithsonian Institution to the SDGs, this study demonstrates how conservation actions can contribute to achieving the SDGs and highlights the need for greater coordination and capacity to achieve these goals across different sectors.
CONSERVATION SCIENCE AND PRACTICE
(2022)
