Articles | Volume 25, issue 1
https://doi.org/10.5194/we-25-59-2025
© Author(s) 2025. This work is distributed under
the Creative Commons Attribution 4.0 License.
the Creative Commons Attribution 4.0 License.
https://doi.org/10.5194/we-25-59-2025
© Author(s) 2025. This work is distributed under
the Creative Commons Attribution 4.0 License.
the Creative Commons Attribution 4.0 License.
Standard article
| 
07 Apr 2025
Standard article |
| 07 Apr 2025
| 07 Apr 2025
Forested Natura 2000 sites under climate change: effects of tree species distribution shifts
Department of Remote Sensing, Helmholtz-Centre for Environmental Research – UFZ, Leipzig, Germany
Remote Sensing Centre for Earth System Research, RSC4Earth, Leipzig, Germany
Ingolf Kühn
Department of Community Ecology, Helmholtz-Centre for Environmental Research – UFZ, Halle (Saale), Germany
German Centre for Integrative Biodiversity Research (iDiv) Halle-Jena-Leipzig, Leipzig, Germany
Institute of Biology, Martin Luther University Halle-Wittenberg, Halle (Saale), Germany
Andreas Schmidt
Department of Remote Sensing, Helmholtz-Centre for Environmental Research – UFZ, Leipzig, Germany
Remote Sensing Centre for Earth System Research, RSC4Earth, Leipzig, Germany
Daniel Doktor
Department of Remote Sensing, Helmholtz-Centre for Environmental Research – UFZ, Leipzig, Germany
Remote Sensing Centre for Earth System Research, RSC4Earth, Leipzig, Germany
German Centre for Integrative Biodiversity Research (iDiv) Halle-Jena-Leipzig, Leipzig, Germany
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Roland Baatz, Pamela L. Sullivan, Li Li, Samantha R. Weintraub, Henry W. Loescher, Michael Mirtl, Peter M. Groffman, Diana H. Wall, Michael Young, Tim White, Hang Wen, Steffen Zacharias, Ingolf Kühn, Jianwu Tang, Jérôme Gaillardet, Isabelle Braud, Alejandro N. Flores, Praveen Kumar, Henry Lin, Teamrat Ghezzehei, Julia Jones, Henry L. Gholz, Harry Vereecken, and Kris Van Looy
Earth Syst. Dynam., 9, 593–609, https://doi.org/10.5194/esd-9-593-2018, https://doi.org/10.5194/esd-9-593-2018, 2018
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Focusing on the usage of integrated models and in situ Earth observatory networks, three challenges are identified to advance understanding of ESD, in particular to strengthen links between biotic and abiotic, and above- and below-ground processes. We propose developing a model platform for interdisciplinary usage, to formalize current network infrastructure based on complementarities and operational synergies, and to extend the reanalysis concept to the ecosystem and critical zone.
Related subject area
Conservation Ecology
Insights into the habitat associations, phylogeny, and diet of Pipistrellus maderensis in Porto Santo, northeastern Macaronesia
Spatio-temporal patterns of co-occurrence of tigers and leopards within a protected area in central India
Models of poisoning effects on vulture populations show that small but frequent episodes have a larger effect than large but rare ones
Changes in the Cerrado vegetation structure: insights from more than three decades of ecological succession
Toward a new generation of effective problem solvers and project-oriented applied ecologists
Scientists' warning on endangered food webs
Towards the unravelling of the slug A. ater–A. rufus complex (Gastropoda Arionidae): new genetic approaches
Non-native invasive species as paradoxical ecosystem services in urban conservation education
Heat shock and plant leachates regulate seed germination of the endangered carnivorous plant Drosophyllum lusitanicum
Leaf litter is essential for seed survival of the endemic endangered tree Pouteria splendens (Sapotaceae) from central Chile
Sand quarry wetlands provide high-quality habitat for native amphibians
Overview of the translocation of rupestrian ferruginous fields of Capão Xavier mine to the Serra do Rola Moça State Park, Minas Gerais – Brazil
Biodiversity offsetting in England: governance rescaling, socio-spatial injustices, and the neoliberalization of nature
Human population density and tenebrionid richness covary in Mediterranean islands
Protected areas network and conservation efforts concerning threatened amphibians in the Brazilian Atlantic Forest
Biodiversity impacts of climate change – the PRONAS software as educational tool
Monitoring arthropods in protected grasslands: comparing pitfall trapping, quadrat sampling and video monitoring
Short Communication: Systems-based conservation and conflicts between species protection programs
The geography of high-value biodiversity areas for terrestrial vertebrates in Western Europe and their coverage by protected area networks
Eva K. Nóbrega, Nia Toshkova, Angelina Gonçalves, André Reis, Elena J. Soto, Sergio Puertas Ruiz, Vanessa A. Mata, Catarina Rato, and Ricardo Rocha
Web Ecol., 23, 87–98, https://doi.org/10.5194/we-23-87-2023, https://doi.org/10.5194/we-23-87-2023, 2023
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We conducted an island-wide survey to investigate if the Madeiran pipistrelle still persists on the island of Porto Santo, where it was believed to be extinct. We detected bats in 28 out of 46 sampling sites, and their activity was particularly associated with water points. Furthermore, we found that bats from Porto Santo and Madeira have a close phylogenetic affinity and that they feed on a wide variety of insects, including several economically important pest species and disease vectors.
Anindita Bidisha Chatterjee, Kalyansundaram Sankar, Yadvendradev Vikramsinh Jhala, and Qamar Qureshi
Web Ecol., 23, 17–34, https://doi.org/10.5194/we-23-17-2023, https://doi.org/10.5194/we-23-17-2023, 2023
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This study provides a record of co-occurrence patterns of tigers and leopards in a dry deciduous forest where both these sympatric predators coexist in high densities. Populations of large carnivores are decreasing on a global scale, and looking into their inter-species relationships is crucial to conserving these species. Our results show that leopards avoid tigers spatially in a dry deciduous system and show significant temporal overlap, with no fine-scale spatio-temporal avoidance.
Rigas Tsiakiris, John M. Halley, Kalliopi Stara, Nikos Monokrousos, Chryso Karyou, Nicolaos Kassinis, Minas Papadopoulos, and Stavros M. Xirouchakis
Web Ecol., 21, 79–93, https://doi.org/10.5194/we-21-79-2021, https://doi.org/10.5194/we-21-79-2021, 2021
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Despite frequent media references about the mass poisoning of vultures, this study shows that small but frequent poisoning events may be even worse. Using both mathematical and computer simulation approaches we show that a chain of small poisoning events is more likely to extirpate a newly established colony than a few massive ones with the same overall mortality. Survival also depends critically on the initial population size. These results are of great relevance for restocking initiatives.
Rogério Victor S. Gonçalves, João Custódio F. Cardoso, Paulo Eugênio Oliveira, and Denis Coelho Oliveira
Web Ecol., 21, 55–64, https://doi.org/10.5194/we-21-55-2021, https://doi.org/10.5194/we-21-55-2021, 2021
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Cerrado savannas in Brazil are under increasing pressure. Long-term vegetation dynamics (1987–2019) of a Cerrado area showed marked woody plant encroachment (WPE) processes, possibly linked to fire and grazing suppression. Open shrubby grasslands and wetlands shrunk, while forest and denser woodlands increased, concurrently with vegetation indexes (NDVI). Decreasing open cerrado and wetlands may imply biodiversity and water supply losses. WPE should be considered for Cerrado conservation.
Corrado Battisti, Giovanni Amori, and Luca Luiselli
Web Ecol., 20, 11–17, https://doi.org/10.5194/we-20-11-2020, https://doi.org/10.5194/we-20-11-2020, 2020
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In an era of environmental crises, conservation and management strategies need a new generation of applied ecologists. Here, we stimulate the next generation of applied ecologists to acquire a pragmatic mentality of problems solvers in real contexts, using the wide arsenal of concepts, approaches and techniques available in the project management (PM) arena and using a road map based on the main steps of the conservation project cycle.
Ruben H. Heleno, William J. Ripple, and Anna Traveset
Web Ecol., 20, 1–10, https://doi.org/10.5194/we-20-1-2020, https://doi.org/10.5194/we-20-1-2020, 2020
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It is not only the climate that is changing. We are now also observing a global biological change. Here we revise the overwhelming evidence that these changes affect not only individual species but also simplify the structure of entire food webs, threatening long-term community persistence. We must take urgent action to protect the integrity of natural food webs, or we might rapidly push entire ecosystems outside their safe zones.
María L. Peláez, Antonio G. Valdecasas, Daniel Martinez, and Jose L. Horreo
Web Ecol., 18, 115–119, https://doi.org/10.5194/we-18-115-2018, https://doi.org/10.5194/we-18-115-2018, 2018
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The Arion ater complex comprises two morphological forms: A. rufus and A. ater, and no consensus exists about their species status. Both forms belong to different phylogenetic clades, and we have investigated the correspondence to different species. To do it, we analysed three mitochondrial genes with two different genetic approaches (one classic, one cutting-edge). Results suggested that both clades, thus forms, are different species, and shed light on the taxonomic classification of the group.
Corrado Battisti, Giuliano Fanelli, Sandro Bertolino, Luca Luiselli, Giovanni Amori, and Spartaco Gippoliti
Web Ecol., 18, 37–40, https://doi.org/10.5194/we-18-37-2018, https://doi.org/10.5194/we-18-37-2018, 2018
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Many practices have been proposed in conservation education to facilitate a re-connection between nature and young digitally dependent people in anthropized contexts. In this paper we suggest that, at least in some specific circumstances (urban and suburban areas), non-native invasive species may have a paradoxical and positive impact on conservation education strategies, playing a role as an experiential tool, which represents a cultural ecosystem service.
Susana Gómez-González, Maria Paniw, Kamila Antunes, and Fernando Ojeda
Web Ecol., 18, 7–13, https://doi.org/10.5194/we-18-7-2018, https://doi.org/10.5194/we-18-7-2018, 2018
Gastón Javier Sotes, Ramiro Osciel Bustamante, and Carolina Andrea Henríquez
Web Ecol., 18, 1–5, https://doi.org/10.5194/we-18-1-2018, https://doi.org/10.5194/we-18-1-2018, 2018
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Pouteria splendens is an endemic endangered tree from central Chile. Natural regeneration in the species seems to be low and its distribution is restricted. We investigate seed dispersal and survival. Results indicated a low distance of seed dispersal, and the presence of leaf litter covering seeds increased survival. We suggest that future conservation programs should focus on protecting both adult plants and leaf litter under trees.
Michael Sievers
Web Ecol., 17, 19–27, https://doi.org/10.5194/we-17-19-2017, https://doi.org/10.5194/we-17-19-2017, 2017
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Artificial wetlands are becoming critical habitats as natural wetlands continue to be degraded and destroyed. I surveyed quarry wetlands to assess how they provide habitat for frogs and the factors driving patterns. Quarry wetlands consistently harboured more species and healthier individuals than reference wetlands. We need to encourage wildlife utilisation of quarry wetlands, and the methods outlined here provide a powerful, yet simple, tool to assess the overall health of artificial wetlands.
Alessandra F. Fernandes, Ana C. Maia, Juan F. S. Monteiro, João N. Condé, and Mauro Martins
Web Ecol., 16, 93–96, https://doi.org/10.5194/we-16-93-2016, https://doi.org/10.5194/we-16-93-2016, 2016
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The Serra do Rola Moça State Park is located in Brazil and is home to Canga vegetation. The objective of the study was to conserve biodiversity. The species present mainly belong to the Asteraceae, Rubiaceae, Myrtaceae, Velloziaceae, Bromeliaceae, and Orchidaceae families. Approximately 15 000 individuals of Canga species were translocated and planted. This study indicates the possibility of nursery breeding of some of the native species and their use in the recovery of areas in mining regions.
Evangelia Apostolopoulou
Web Ecol., 16, 67–71, https://doi.org/10.5194/we-16-67-2016, https://doi.org/10.5194/we-16-67-2016, 2016
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I use primary empirical data obtained through interviews in case studies around England to explore the neoliberal character of biodiversity offsetting, its interrelationship with governance rescaling, and the way the latter influences the distribution of offsetting’s costs and benefits. My results show that biodiversity offsetting in England has been a reactionary neoliberal policy characterized by important deficits from an environmental and socio-spatial justice perspective.
Simone Fattorini and Giovanni Strona
Web Ecol., 16, 63–65, https://doi.org/10.5194/we-16-63-2016, https://doi.org/10.5194/we-16-63-2016, 2016
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An unexpected high biodiversity can be found even in densely inhabited areas, possibly as a result of a tendency of human settlements to be located in sites particularly favourable also for other organisms. We studied the relationship between human density and tenebrionid beetle richness in Italian islands. Tenebrionid richness increased with human population density. This suggests that islands that are more hospitable to humans are also those that can be more favourable for tenebrionids.
F. S. Campos, G. A. Llorente, L. Rincón, R. Lourenço-de-Moraes, and M. Solé
Web Ecol., 16, 9–12, https://doi.org/10.5194/we-16-9-2016, https://doi.org/10.5194/we-16-9-2016, 2016
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This study evaluated the efficiency of the protected areas (PAs) from the Brazilian Atlantic Forest on the conservation of threatened amphibian species. This brief overview highlights not only the crisis faced by unprotected amphibians, but it also sounds the alarm regarding the situation of species covered by the PAs network. Such context can improve the environmental actions for the PAs integrity and reduce the extinction risk of threatened amphibian species in this region.
K. Ulbrich, O. Schweiger, S. Klotz, and J. Settele
Web Ecol., 15, 49–58, https://doi.org/10.5194/we-15-49-2015, https://doi.org/10.5194/we-15-49-2015, 2015
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Only little of current biodiversity knowledge reaches the young generation. We developed the educational software PRONAS to show how scientists handle questions about the impact of climate change on species' habitats. About fifty European species have been used to demonstrate habitat losses and shifts and the mismatch of habitat dynamics of interacting species. We found that “educational software” is a useful format for scientific outreach. PRONAS is freely accessible in German and English.
J. G. Zaller, G. Kerschbaumer, R. Rizzoli, A. Tiefenbacher, E. Gruber, and H. Schedl
Web Ecol., 15, 15–23, https://doi.org/10.5194/we-15-15-2015, https://doi.org/10.5194/we-15-15-2015, 2015
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Arthropod monitoring in protected areas often requires non-destructive methods in order to avoid detrimental effects on natural communities. Video monitoring recorded the highest number of individuals followed by quadrat sampling and pitfall trapping. Quadrat sampling showed the highest diversity followed by video monitoring and pitfall trapping. Thus, video monitoring has a great potential as a supplementary method for biodiversity assessments especially at the level of parataxonomic units.
F. Jordán and A. Báldi
Web Ecol., 13, 85–89, https://doi.org/10.5194/we-13-85-2013, https://doi.org/10.5194/we-13-85-2013, 2013
M. J. T. Assunção-Albuquerque, J. M. Rey Benayas, F. S. Albuquerque, and M. Á. Rodríguez
Web Ecol., 12, 65–73, https://doi.org/10.5194/we-12-65-2012, https://doi.org/10.5194/we-12-65-2012, 2012
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Short summary
We quantify the extent to which forested Natura 2000 sites are affected by tree species distribution shifts in a changing climate. As ecosystems of any type are highly dynamic, climate change can lead to additional severe pressure on statically defined conservation goals and management activities associated with this. We utilised 26 bio-climatic variables and analysed the climate-induced change of tree species distribution at Natura 2000 sites, the largest conservation area network worldwide.
We quantify the extent to which forested Natura 2000 sites are affected by tree species...
