Accelerating global mountain forest loss threatens biodiversity hotspots

He，Xinyue1,2; Ziegler，Alan D.3; Elsen，Paul R.4; Feng，Yu1,5; Baker，Jessica C.A.2; Liang，Shijing1; Holden，Joseph6; Spracklen，Dominick V.2; Zeng，Zhenzhong1

2023-03-17

10.1016/j.oneear.2023.02.005

One Earth   Impact Factor & Quartile

2590-3330

2590-3322

The frontier of forest loss has encroached into mountains in some regions. However, the global distribution of forest loss in mountain areas, which are home to >85% of the world's birds, mammals, and amphibians, is uncertain. Here we combine multiple datasets, including global forest change and selected species distributions, to examine spatiotemporal patterns, drivers, and impacts of mountain forest loss. We find 78 Mha of montane forest was lost during 2001–2018 and annual loss accelerated significantly, with recent losses being 2.7-fold greater than those at the beginning of the century. Key drivers of mountain forest loss include commercial forestry, agriculture, and wildfire. Areas with the greatest forest loss overlap with important tropical biodiversity hotspots. Our results indicate protected areas within mountain biodiversity hotspots experienced lower loss rates than their surroundings. Increasing the area of protection in mountains should be central to preserving montane forests and biodiversity in the future.

biodiversity hotspots elevational gradient endemism forest loss highlands protected areas range-size rarity threatened species

SCI ; SSCI

English

First ; Corresponding

Southern University of Science and Technology[29/Y01296122];National Natural Science Foundation of China[42071022];

Science & Technology - Other Topics ; Environmental Sciences & Ecology

Green & Sustainable Science & Technology ; Environmental Sciences ; Environmental Studies

WOS:000990183700001

CELL PRESS

2-s2.0-85150031891

Scopus

1.School of Environmental Science and Engineering,Southern University of Science and Technology,Shenzhen,China
2.School of Earth and Environment,University of Leeds,Leeds,United Kingdom
3.Faculty of Fisheries and Aquatic Resources,Mae Jo University,Chiang Mai,Thailand
4.Wildlife Conservation Society,Global Conservation Program,Bronx,United States
5.Department of Civil Engineering,The University of Hong Kong,Hong Kong,Hong Kong
6.School of Geography,University of Leeds,Leeds,United Kingdom

He，Xinyue,Ziegler，Alan D.,Elsen，Paul R.,et al. Accelerating global mountain forest loss threatens biodiversity hotspots[J]. One Earth,2023,6(3):303-315.

He，Xinyue.,Ziegler，Alan D..,Elsen，Paul R..,Feng，Yu.,Baker，Jessica C.A..,...&Zeng，Zhenzhong.(2023).Accelerating global mountain forest loss threatens biodiversity hotspots.One Earth,6(3),303-315.

He，Xinyue,et al."Accelerating global mountain forest loss threatens biodiversity hotspots".One Earth 6.3(2023):303-315.