Work

Simulated biodiversity hotspots from traditional ecological knowledge and Western metrics do not always overlap

Year: 2025

Type: article

Abstract: As global climate change impacts ecosystems, establishing conservation priorities is crucial for managing threatened areas with limited resources. Biodiversity hotspots, typically defined by high degrees of endemism, play a key role in conservation. However, traditional hotspots may not capture the full extent of biodiversity, including functional and phylogenetic biodiversity or biodiversity incorporating traditional ecological knowledge (TEK). This study compares biodiversity hotspots identified by 17 diversity indices in the Pacific Northwest, USA, using data from 318 plant species. We consider species richness, phylogenetic diversity, functional diversity, and TEK-based diversity. Using simulated plant communities, we assess whether indices identify the same biodiversity hotspots. We find biodiversity metrics form two groups based on shared hotspot identification, suggesting single metrics may overlook other forms of biodiversity. Interestingly, TEK metrics cluster with some traditional indices, including species richness. This work offers new insights on integrating biodiversity measures for discerning regional biodiversity hotspots and conservation priorities.

Source: Communications Earth & Environment

DOI: 10.1038/s43247-025-02309-x

Authors: Kyle J.-M. Dahlin, Elisa Van Cleemput, Subodh Adhikari, Karen Castillioni, Lynette R. Strickland

Institutions: Virginia Tech, Leiden University, University of Idaho, University of Minnesota, Boston University

Language: English

Topic: Ecology and Vegetation Dynamics Studies

Subfield: Nature and Landscape Conservation

Field: Environmental Science

Domain: Physical Sciences

SDG: Life on land

Open Access status: gold

Estimated APC paid: $3,490