Year: 2023
Type: article
Abstract: Background: Soil animals, essential components of terrestrial ecosystems, play a crucial role in regulating the structural and functional integrity of ecosystems.They significantly contribute to maintenance of biodiversity, energy flow, and nutrient cycles.Unfortunately, the persistent impacts of climate change and human activities have resulted in the degradation of soil animal diversity, escalating the risk of extinction for soil biota.Recognizing the urgency of this situation, there is a growing emphasis on monitoring, protecting, and restoring soil animal diversity.In response to this imperative, the Soil Organisms Monitoring Network was officially established in 2016 as a prominent component of the China Biodiversity Monitoring and Research Network (Sino BON).This network encompasses various ecosystems, such as forests, farmland, islands, and desert, and has established a robust foundation for advancing standardization, data sharing, and multi-scale biodiversity change assessments.Progress: This study delineates the inception and development of the global soil animal diversity monitoring network in the 21st century, with a specific focus on the goals and representative research progress within the context of the Chinese network.Furthermore, it offers insights into the collection and identification of soil animal specimens on a national scale, monitoring activities in typical mountainous vertical natural zones, dynamic tracking of large fixed sample plots, and long-term controlled experimental plots dedicated to soil animal diversity.This study aims to summarize the progress and shortcomings of soil animal monitoring in China and promote the further development of soil animal monitoring.We look forward to future research directions and providing a solid foundation for enhancing the understanding of the multi-scale spatial patterns of soil animal diversity, elucidating maintenance mechanisms, promoting the protection of soil animal diversity, and facilitating the rational utilization of resources.The ultimate goal is to provide essential data support for informed decision-making in environmental conservation and sustainable resource management.
Source: Biodiversity Science
Authors: Xie Zhijing, Liu Xiangyu, Sun Xiaoming, Liu Jiliang, Liu Zhanfeng, Zhang Xiaoke, Chen Jun, Yang Xiaodong, Zhu Bo, Ke Xin, Wu Donghui
Institutions: Northeast Normal University, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Northeast Institute of Geography and Agroecology, Chengdu Institute of Biology, Northwest Institute of Eco-Environment and Resources, South China Botanical Garden, Institute of Applied Ecology, Institute of Zoology, Xishuangbanna Tropical Botanical Garden, Institute of Mountain Hazards and Environment, Center for Excellence in Molecular Plant Sciences
Language: English
Domain: Life Sciences
SDG: Life on land
Open Access status: bronze
OpenAlex ID: W4393208929