RRC ID 83030
Author Fábio Suzart de Albuquerque, Miguel Ángel Macías-Rodríguez, Alberto Búrquez, Arnóbio de Mendonça Barreto Cavalcante
Title Potential effects of climate change on cacti distribution and conservation in North American drylands
Journal Journal of Arid Environments
Abstract Climate change is expected to adversely impact dryland biodiversity by reducing habitat suitability, especially for cacti species. One way to mitigate such effects on cacti is to reinforce the integrity of areas of high importance for their conservation, also known as high-value conservation areas (HVCA). To better understand the distribution of HVCA and their potential vulnerability to climate change, we produced habitat suitability maps for 393 cacti species across North American drylands. We then used spatial analysis to assess hot spots of cacti' habitat suitability and their overlap and mismatch. A total of 217 (55.2%) species had their habitat suitability primarily influenced by measures of precipitation (170 species), precipitation seasonality in particular, and temperature (77 species). Our study reveals climate change will impact cacti habitat suitability across North America's drylands. We also report a strong overlay among HVCA in current and future climate scenarios. Results show that most HVCA is not represented by protected areas. This research emphasizes the need for managers and conservationists to consider the influence of climate when selecting areas for conservation and to anticipate the potential effects of climate change on the spatial configuration of priority areas for the conservation of cacti species.
Volume 226
Pages 105282
Published 2024-11-28
DOI 10.1016/j.jaridenv.2024.105282
Resource
GBIF Herbarium Specimens of The Kagoshima University Museum (KAG) Plant specimens of Otaru Museum Vascular plant specimens of the Kagoshima Prefectural Museum Vascular plant specimens of Omachi Alpine Museum Herbarium, University Archives and Collections, Fukushima University, Japan (FKSE) Herbarium Specimens of Museum of Nature and Human Activities, Hyogo Pref., Japan Ibaraki Nature Museum, Vascular Plants collection Vascular plant collection of The University Museum, The University of Tokyo Plant Specimens of Kurashiki Museum of Natural History Plant specimens deposited in Osaka Museum of Natural History, Japan Vascular Plant Specimens of Kochi Prefectural Makino Botanical Garden Vascular Plant Specimens of the URO Herbarium (Faculty of Education, University of the Ryukyus) Vascular Plant Specimens of the RYU Herbarium (Faculty of Science, University of the Ryukyus) Database of Japanese semi-natural grassland flora Herbarium of Shinshu University Plant specimens of Toyota City Nature Sanctuary (from non-museum circle)