Global Ecology and Conservation最新文献

{"title":"The vulnerability of endemic vertebrates in Sri Lanka to climate change","authors":"Iresha Wijerathne ,&nbsp;Yiming Deng ,&nbsp;Eben Goodale ,&nbsp;Aiwu Jiang ,&nbsp;Suranjan Karunarathna ,&nbsp;Christos Mammides ,&nbsp;Madhava Meegaskumbura ,&nbsp;Dulan Ranga Vidanapathirana ,&nbsp;Zhixin Zhang","doi":"10.1016/j.gecco.2025.e03515","DOIUrl":"10.1016/j.gecco.2025.e03515","url":null,"abstract":"<div><div>Rapid climate change and ongoing habitat destruction pose a serious threat to global biodiversity. Understanding how species shift their geographical distributions in response to climate change is important for planning conservation actions for the biodiversity of isolated islands like Sri Lanka. Here, we used Maximum Entropy (MaxEnt) modeling to predict current and future (by 2100) distributions of 233 vertebrate endemics to Sri Lanka under three general circulation models of the atmosphere (GCMs) and three shared socioeconomic pathways (SSPs). We used six bioclimatic layers, together with land use, human population, elevation, and the distance to water, as environmental factors for SDMs. Resultant maps were used to calculate the area of habitat (AOH) of each species. Using general linear mixed models, we identified a significant influence of GCM, SSP, and current elevation on the change in AOH. The southwestern wet zone and the montane areas of Sri Lanka were found to be the most suitable regions for the species currently and in the future. However, all climate change scenarios indicated endemic species extinctions, which may be proportionally fewer for mammals and birds, but are expected to occur for all SSPs in amphibians and reptiles, ranging from 1.4 % to 22.5 % of these taxa in SSP5. Also, species declines were specific and severe at higher elevations. Our study highlights the risk to montane endemic vertebrates, yet given the vulnerability of the wet zone to urbanization, even lowland endemic species face an uncertain future.</div></div>","PeriodicalId":54264,"journal":{"name":"Global Ecology and Conservation","volume":"59 ","pages":"Article e03515"},"PeriodicalIF":3.5,"publicationDate":"2025-02-26","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"143512623","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":2,"RegionCategory":"环境科学与生态学","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"OA","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}

{"title":"The inbreeding paradox: Is inbreeding avoidance inevitable? - A case study of moose (Alces alces) in the Northeast China","authors":"Lu Jin ,&nbsp;Ning Zhang ,&nbsp;Hairong Du,&nbsp;Shiyu Chen,&nbsp;Wentao Zhang,&nbsp;Minghai Zhang","doi":"10.1016/j.gecco.2025.e03513","DOIUrl":"10.1016/j.gecco.2025.e03513","url":null,"abstract":"<div><div>Genetic diversity is key for species’ resistance (enabling them to endure disturbances with little alteration) and resilience (recovering swiftly to their original state or a similar condition). The prevailing view in population genetics is that species attempt to avoid the harms of inbreeding. We speculate that sometimes individuals do not reject mating requests from relatives when choosing mates. Moose (<em>Alces alces cameloides</em>) in the Greater Khingan Mountains (GKM) of China is a first-class key protected species. It represents the southernmost distribution of moose globally and serves as a thermosensitive species of global significance. Based on the state of moose in China, we used a non-invasive sampling method to conduct a series of studies on genetic diversity and inbreeding. The mitochondrial and nuclear genetic diversity of moose in this area are at a moderately high level worldwide, with good individual genetic quality, a high level of overall genotype heterozygosity. The Bayesian gene flow level indicates gene exchange between local populations. Molecular pedigrees revealed instances where individuals mated with their offspring or even grandchildren. The relatedness coefficient (<em>r</em>) between moose mating pairs were significantly higher than those of random mating. Therefore, there is no evidence that individuals in the GKM avoid inbreeding, and under these circumstances, there has not been a negative impact on genetic diversity of the moose population, as well as the genetic quality and genotype heterozygosity of offspring. In the context of future climate change and human activities, we need to closely monitor the long-term impact of this mating choice on the survival of the GKM moose population and promptly develop corresponding conservation and management strategies.</div></div>","PeriodicalId":54264,"journal":{"name":"Global Ecology and Conservation","volume":"59 ","pages":"Article e03513"},"PeriodicalIF":3.5,"publicationDate":"2025-02-25","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"143549318","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":2,"RegionCategory":"环境科学与生态学","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"OA","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}

{"title":"Development of an eDNA-based qPCR and dPCR method for detecting the spatial distribution and relative abundance of the critically endangered Giant Barb (Catlocarpio siamensis)","authors":"Jesdakorn Ongkulee ,&nbsp;Chatmongkon Suwannapoom ,&nbsp;Toshifumi Minamoto ,&nbsp;Maslin Osathanunkul","doi":"10.1016/j.gecco.2025.e03511","DOIUrl":"10.1016/j.gecco.2025.e03511","url":null,"abstract":"<div><div>Giant Barb (<em>Catlocarpio siamensis</em>) is the largest freshwater fish in the Cyprinidae family and is found in several countries, including Thailand. Due to its large size, it has been a popular food source for local communities. However, the population of this species has drastically declined due to overfishing, habitat destruction, and water pollution. Consequently, the Giant Barb is now classified as Critically Endangered (CR) on the IUCN Red List, and there have been reports of its absence from some rivers. Monitoring Giant Barb’s distribution is essential for developing appropriate conservation strategies. Here, we developed environmental DNA (eDNA) assays using qPCR and dPCR for detecting and monitoring the Giant Barb. Both eDNA-based methods were successful in detecting Giant Barb eDNA, with dPCR being more sensitive, detected the Giant Barb at 27 out of 31 sites, whereas qPCR detected it at 14 sites. The average eDNA concentrations for qPCR varied from 0.522 to 0.716 copies/µl, while dPCR had a broader range of 0.470–0.871 copies/µl. dPCR detected fish eDNA at all seven visually confirmed sites, whereas qPCR only detected it at three locations. In the present study, dPCR demonstrated better performance in acquiring distribution data, making it important for detecting and monitoring endangered fish species. This eDNA-based method of conservation offers hope and assistance for protecting this important species and preserving our freshwater habitats.</div></div>","PeriodicalId":54264,"journal":{"name":"Global Ecology and Conservation","volume":"59 ","pages":"Article e03511"},"PeriodicalIF":3.5,"publicationDate":"2025-02-25","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"143534675","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":2,"RegionCategory":"环境科学与生态学","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"OA","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}

{"title":"Biomod2 for evaluating the changes in the spatiotemporal distribution of Locusta migratoria tibetensis Chen in the Qinghai-Tibet Plateau under climate change","authors":"Rulin Wang ,&nbsp;Nier Wu ,&nbsp;Zhaopeng Shi ,&nbsp;Chao Li ,&nbsp;Na Jiang ,&nbsp;Chun Fu ,&nbsp;Mingtian Wang","doi":"10.1016/j.gecco.2025.e03508","DOIUrl":"10.1016/j.gecco.2025.e03508","url":null,"abstract":"<div><div>[Objective] The present study endeavors to elucidate the impact of climate change on the distribution of <em>Locusta migratoria tibetensis</em> Chen and to furnish theoretical underpinnings for the forecasting and management of this pest. [Method] Utilizing 68 geographical distribution points of <em>L. migratoria tibetensis</em>, in conjunction with 6 environmental variables, a composite model was developed employing the Biomod2 software package to simulate potential shifts in the spatial distribution of <em>L. migratoria tibetensis</em> under future climate scenarios. [Result] The current highly inhabitable region of <em>L. migratoria tibetensis</em> was predominantly located in the eastern and southern sectors of the Qinghai-Tibet Plateau, encompassing an area of 8.27 × 10⁴ km². The inhabitable region was the most widely distributed under SSP5–8.5 in the 2050 s, with an expanded area reaching 42.96 × 10⁴ km², and contiguous distributed in the western and northern parts of the Qinghai Tibet Plateau. The centroid of the highly and total inhabitable regions would migrate northwest under most scenarios. The main environmental variables affecting the distribution of <em>L. migratoria tibetensis</em> were altitude, the mean temperature of coldest quarter and the precipitation of warmest quarter. The ensemble model constructed by integrating the five optimal individual models demonstrated superior predictive performance, as evidenced by an area under the receiver operating characteristic curve of 0.918 and a true skill statistics value 0.752. [Conclusion] The spatial distribution pattern of <em>L. migratoria tibetensis</em> was predominantly influenced by altitude, with hydrological and thermal conditions also playing significant roles. Under future climate conditions, the highly inhabitable region of <em>L. migratoria tibetensis</em> was expected to increment, with the exception of scenarios under SSP2.6 and SSP5–8.5 in the 2090 s. Conversely, the moderately inhabitable region was anticipated to expand under all climate scenarios. Our findings indicated that climate warming could be advantageous for the survival of <em>L. migratoria tibetensis,</em> necessitating vigilant monitoring and the implementation of targeted prevention strategies.</div></div>","PeriodicalId":54264,"journal":{"name":"Global Ecology and Conservation","volume":"58 ","pages":"Article e03508"},"PeriodicalIF":3.5,"publicationDate":"2025-02-22","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"143474240","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":2,"RegionCategory":"环境科学与生态学","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"OA","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}

{"title":"A population structure and flowering traits in endangered Sonneratia mangroves: Conservation implications on Hainan Island, China","authors":"Tengmin Li ,&nbsp;Xinran Ke ,&nbsp;He Bai ,&nbsp;Kaixuan Deng ,&nbsp;Mengwen Zhang ,&nbsp;Zanshan Fang ,&nbsp;Cairong Zhong ,&nbsp;Shen Li ,&nbsp;Min Pan ,&nbsp;Nora Fung-yee Tam ,&nbsp;Tao Lang ,&nbsp;Yiqing Chen ,&nbsp;Haichao Zhou","doi":"10.1016/j.gecco.2025.e03483","DOIUrl":"10.1016/j.gecco.2025.e03483","url":null,"abstract":"<div><div><em>Sonneratia</em>, a critical genus within tropical and subtropical coastal mangrove forests in the Indo-West Pacific biogeographic region, includes <em>Sonneratia × hainanensis</em>, <em>Sonneratia × gulngai</em>, and <em>Sonneratia ovata</em>, which are rare and endangered mangrove plants on Hainan Island, China. Despite its conservation significance, there has been a lack of comprehensive scientific study on the population status and endangerment mechanisms of this genus. In this study, using the multiple methods like diameter at the breast height (DBH, acquiring from the field) instead of age classes, calculation in the quantity between each pair of adjacent DBH classes (laboratory analysis, the same below), static life table compilation, population prediction, and artificial pollination, we investigated the population structures, dynamics, and flowering traits of these above-mentioned three endangered <em>Sonneratia</em> plants. Our findings revealed that <em>S. × hainanensis</em> and <em>S. × gulngai</em> populations had a critical deficiency in young individuals, indicating poor self-renewal capacity and a likely population decline in the future. In contrast, <em>S. ovata</em> showed a high proportion of young individuals, suggesting a potential for population increase. This divergence in population dynamics correlates with differences in flowering traits among the mangroves. <em>S. ovata</em> exhibited the highest pollen viability, fruit set rate, and average seed count per fruit. Consequently, our study suggests that the flowering traits of these <em>Sonneratia</em> plants are pivotal to their conservation status. To address the current population challenges, we recommend the promotion of artificial pollination, the preservation of ex situ germplasm resources, and the enhancement of in situ conservation efforts. Additionally, strict measures should be implemented to prevent anthropogenic deforestation and habitat destruction and long-term conservation education. These strategies are essential for the sustainable conservation and management of endangered <em>Sonneratia</em> plants.</div></div>","PeriodicalId":54264,"journal":{"name":"Global Ecology and Conservation","volume":"59 ","pages":"Article e03483"},"PeriodicalIF":3.5,"publicationDate":"2025-02-22","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"143512626","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":2,"RegionCategory":"环境科学与生态学","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"OA","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}

{"title":"Mixing-in native thorny shrubs greatly improves the habitat quality of short rotation coppice strips within a modern agroforestry system for breeding birds","authors":"Jana Linnebank,&nbsp;Felix Zitzmann","doi":"10.1016/j.gecco.2025.e03506","DOIUrl":"10.1016/j.gecco.2025.e03506","url":null,"abstract":"<div><div>Silvoarable agroforestry systems (AFS) with short rotation coppice strips (CS) are novel land-use systems that combine fast-growing trees with croplands to simultaneously produce woody biomass and arable crops. Since their effects on biodiversity remain underexplored, we studied nesting site selection and breeding success of tree- and shrub-breeding birds in three different CS variants, located on an AFS experimental site in northern Germany: CS-C (poplar clones only), CS-A (aspen trees and poplar clones) and CS-E (native woody species and poplar clones). Thereby, the study focused on the question of whether CS can be enhanced for breeding birds by integrating native woody plants that typically grow in hedgerows (variant CS-E). CS-E significantly outperformed CS-C and CS-A, hosting two-thirds of all nests, 70 % of breeding attempts, and two-thirds of successful broods, despite comprising only one-third of the CS area. Native woody plants, covering only about 10 % of the total CS area, accounted for nearly 70 % of all nests and two-thirds of breeding attempts and successful broods. By contrast, poplars (aspen and poplar clones as the actual crop), occupying nearly 90 % of the CS area, accounted for only 30 % of all nests and breeding attempts, respectively, and 22 % of successful broods. Number of nests per 1000 trees was 13 times higher in native woody plants (26.0) than in poplars (2.0) and thorny shrubs of the Rosaceae family such as <em>Rosa</em> or <em>Crataegus</em> species and <em>Pyrus pyraster</em> were particularly preferred for nesting. To improve the habitat quality for breeding birds, we therefore recommend the integration of native woody plants, especially thorny Rosaceae species, into CS in modern AFS.</div></div>","PeriodicalId":54264,"journal":{"name":"Global Ecology and Conservation","volume":"58 ","pages":"Article e03506"},"PeriodicalIF":3.5,"publicationDate":"2025-02-21","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"143474395","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":2,"RegionCategory":"环境科学与生态学","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"OA","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}

{"title":"Elevational patterns of hydrological properties of forest litter layers in Daming Mountain, southern China","authors":"Gang Hu ,&nbsp;Chunlin Huo ,&nbsp;Cong Hu ,&nbsp;Chaofang Zhong ,&nbsp;Siyu Chen ,&nbsp;Chaohao Xu ,&nbsp;Zhonghua Zhang","doi":"10.1016/j.gecco.2025.e03510","DOIUrl":"10.1016/j.gecco.2025.e03510","url":null,"abstract":"<div><div>Forest ecosystems is critical for the global water cycle and hydrological process in the world. As an indispensable composition of forest ecosystem, litter plays a vital role in rainfall interception and water retention. however, limited research has investigated the variation of litter physical properties and hydrological properties across mountainous altitudinal gradients. This study analyzed the changes in hydrological properties of forest litter and its response to environmental factors over eight altitudinal gradients (300–1400 m) in Daming Mountain, southern China. Results showed that elevation significantly influenced litter properties (litter thickness and mass) and hydrological properties (maximum water holding rate and capacity, and effective interception rate and capacity) of undecomposed and semi-decomposed litter layers. Both of litter mass and thickness initial increased and then decreased with increasing elevation, and the maximum and minimum value were at 700 and 1400 m, respectively. The maximum water holding rate and effective water interception rate in both semi-decomposed and undecomposed layers tended to increase from 500 to 1300 m, while others decreased. Laboratory soaking experiments also indicated that high elevation (≥ 700 m) and low elevation (≤ 500 m) affect the water absorption capacity of these two layers. In addition, partial least squares regression showed that the annual, maximum and minimum land surface temperature were the most important factors for maximum water holding rate and effective water interception capacity, while elevation was the moderate important factor for the litter hydrological properties and had significant high collinearity with other environmental factors. Therefore, the elevation might be an important factor in indirectly affecting litter hydrological properties though the directly influencing the temperature and vegetation factors.</div></div>","PeriodicalId":54264,"journal":{"name":"Global Ecology and Conservation","volume":"58 ","pages":"Article e03510"},"PeriodicalIF":3.5,"publicationDate":"2025-02-21","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"143474293","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":2,"RegionCategory":"环境科学与生态学","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"OA","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}

{"title":"Ecological traits predict mammal temporal responses to land development but not human presence","authors":"Mingzhang Liu ,&nbsp;Fei Duan ,&nbsp;Jiangyue Wang ,&nbsp;Yidan Wang","doi":"10.1016/j.gecco.2025.e03507","DOIUrl":"10.1016/j.gecco.2025.e03507","url":null,"abstract":"<div><div>Shifts in daily activity patterns are a key behavioral response of wildlife to human disturbance, with many mammals increasingly active at night. However, it remains unclear whether these nocturnal shifts are consistent across species or influenced by species-specific ecological and life-history traits. Using a large-scale camera trap dataset from 102 sites across the contiguous USA, we explored the relationship between the traits of 40 mammal species and their nocturnal shifts in response to land development and human presence. The results indicated that mammal communities generally increased nocturnal activity with higher levels of land development but showed a nearly neutral response to human presence. Larger species with greater space requirements and more flexible activity patterns exhibited stronger nocturnal shifts in response to land development. The nocturnal shifts in response to human presence, however, appeared random with respect to species traits. These findings highlight the temporal filter effect of land development, driving species with certain traits to adopt more nocturnal behaviors, while allowing others to remain their original activity patterns. This provides insights into the mechanisms through which human activities shape the daily behavior of mammalian communities.</div></div>","PeriodicalId":54264,"journal":{"name":"Global Ecology and Conservation","volume":"58 ","pages":"Article e03507"},"PeriodicalIF":3.5,"publicationDate":"2025-02-21","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"143474292","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":2,"RegionCategory":"环境科学与生态学","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"OA","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}

{"title":"Evolutionary population dynamics and conservation strategies for Salix baileyi - a species with extremely small populations","authors":"Guang-Nan Gong ,&nbsp;Yuan Wang ,&nbsp;Zhi-Ying Zhu ,&nbsp;Yi Wang ,&nbsp;Elvira Hörandl ,&nbsp;Xiao-Ru Wang ,&nbsp;Zhi-Qing Xue ,&nbsp;Li He","doi":"10.1016/j.gecco.2025.e03504","DOIUrl":"10.1016/j.gecco.2025.e03504","url":null,"abstract":"<div><div>Effective conservation actions for endangered species rely on a good understanding of the evolutionary forces driving population decline. Detailed genetic analyses, including assessment of demographic history, population structure and diversity, are essential for gaining insights into the species’ adaptive potential and developing strategies of genetic rescue. <em>Salix baileyi</em> is an endemic vulnerable species in China with extremely small population sizes and a limited distribution. The samples of <em>S. baileyi</em> used for whole-genome resequencing cover its whole distribution. The results reveal four distinct genetic lineages within <em>S. baileyi</em> (DBSW, DBSE, TMS, and LXS), with divergence likely driven by paleoclimatic events and geographic barriers. All populations contracted during the Marine Isotope Stage 5 (MIS 5) up to the Last Glacial Maximum (LGM), with most recovering after the LGM, except for LXS lineage that continued to decline. Our results show that climate events, isolation barriers, inbreeding, and population bottlenecks have impacted the genetic status and evolutionary potential of these lineages of <em>S. baileyi</em>. Lineage-specific conservation measures should be applied based on the unique population dynamics of each lineage. This study provides valuable results for studies of vulnerable dioecious plants.</div></div>","PeriodicalId":54264,"journal":{"name":"Global Ecology and Conservation","volume":"58 ","pages":"Article e03504"},"PeriodicalIF":3.5,"publicationDate":"2025-02-20","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"143471298","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":2,"RegionCategory":"环境科学与生态学","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"OA","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}

{"title":"Population genetics reveal potential threats from low maternal genetic diversity in wild Asian elephants in China","authors":"Minhui Shi ,&nbsp;Yinping Tian ,&nbsp;Yongjing Tang ,&nbsp;Haimeng Li ,&nbsp;Jishan Wang ,&nbsp;Yue Ma ,&nbsp;Xin Liu ,&nbsp;Ahimsa Campos-Arceiz ,&nbsp;Fei Chen ,&nbsp;Tianming Lan","doi":"10.1016/j.gecco.2025.e03503","DOIUrl":"10.1016/j.gecco.2025.e03503","url":null,"abstract":"<div><div>In China, wild Asian elephants (<em>Elephas maximus</em>) are primarily distributed in three prefectures in Southwest Yunnan, along the border with Laos and Myanmar. These elephants occur in small, fragmented populations and face significant threats from habitat loss and fragmentation. Here, we successfully retrieved 48 mitochondrial genomes, including those from 35 wild Asian elephants in China and those from 13 captive Asian elephants, based on whole genome sequencing data to analyze their maternal population structure and genetic diversity. In addition, we extracted approximately 600 kb of non-coding genomic regions for a comparative analysis of the genetic structure between the nuclear and mitochondrial DNA. Wild Asian elephants in China exhibited extremely low genetic diversity compared to global populations, with only two haplotypes detected in the Chinese population. Despite limited mitochondrial haplotypes, the Xishuangbanna population maintains gene flow with external populations. In contrast, the genetic diversity in the Cangyuan population was even more severely limited, with no evidence of gene flow with the nearest populations in Myanmar. Given the close genetic relationship between the Cangyuan population and populations in other countries, the most promising strategy for introducing genetic diversity to rescue the Cangyuan population may involve translocating Asian elephants from other countries. This study provides a deeper understanding of the genetic status of wild Asian elephants in China and offers important insights for future conservation efforts in China and elsewhere.</div></div>","PeriodicalId":54264,"journal":{"name":"Global Ecology and Conservation","volume":"58 ","pages":"Article e03503"},"PeriodicalIF":3.5,"publicationDate":"2025-02-20","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"143464585","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":2,"RegionCategory":"环境科学与生态学","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"OA","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}