Distribution patterns, conservation status and suitable habitat areas of highly valuable medicinal plants in China
Year: 2025
Type: article
Abstract: (RCMPs) to analyze their distribution patterns, identify diversity hotspots, assess conservation status, and predict suitable habitats across China. Results reveal that RCMPs are primarily concentrated in southwestern China, particularly the Qilian Mountains, Qinling-Bashan Mountains, and southeastern Xizang. As the hotspot threshold increases, the conservation effectiveness of provincial nature reserves is surpassed by that of national reserves. Concurrently, overall effectiveness declines, with over 16.43% of hotspot grids (containing >91.48% of species) remaining unprotected, indicating persistent conservation gaps in southwestern China and Xinjiang. Predictive modeling suggests a potential decrease in RCMPs richness in southeastern and central China. Under the RCP 2.6 and 8.5 scenarios for 2070, approximately 42.99% and 57.01% of RCMPs are projected to experience habitat contraction and expansion, respectively. Based on these findings, we propose a comprehensive priority conservation framework to inform future protection planning and promote the long-term conservation and sustainable use of China's medicinal plants.
Source: Frontiers in Plant Science
Institutions: Chinese Research Academy of Environmental Sciences, Guizhou Normal University, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences & Peking Union Medical College, Institute of Medicinal Plant Development, Midwestern University, Kunming Institute of Botany, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Research Center for Eco-Environmental Sciences, China Agricultural University, Institute of Botany, University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, China National Botanical Garden
Language: English
Subfield: Ecological Modeling
Field: Environmental Science
Domain: Physical Sciences
Open Access status: gold
Estimated APC paid: $3,801
OpenAlex ID: W4416935975