Biology subjects

Nic Lughadha, E.

Publications and source records attributed to Nic Lughadha, E..

4 recordsLinked to original sources

bioRxiv2025

Setting priorities for the acquisition of primary plant occurrence data

AimEffective implementation of the Global Biodiversity Framework and Global Strategy for Plant Conservation depends on accurate species distribution data. Current vascular plant distribution data, while crucial for understanding terrestrial ecosystems, is often sparse and biased and requires significant expansion. This study developed a scalable approach to prioritize areas for plant occurrence data acquisition, adaptable to national priorities and providing a framework for botanical institutions to coordinate efforts and allocate resources. LocationGlobal. MethodsUsing a Technique for Order Preference by Similarity to Ideal Solution (TOPSIS) analysis, we prioritized areas based on: (a) ecosystem service value; (b) floristic value threatened by climate or land-use change; and (c) uncertainty in species richness estimates, stratified by biome and region. Regional prioritization maps for Africa & Madagascar; East, South and Southeast Asia; Siberia and the Russian Far East; South America; and North & Central America were reviewed by botanical experts for validation. Scalability was assessed by comparing regional and global analyses. ResultsData-driven priority maps, divided into tree-dominated and grassland/deforested areas, largely received expert support. High similarity between global and regional maps demonstrated scalability. Main conclusionsOur approach provides a framework for supporting national implementation of the Global Biodiversity Framework. Variables and their weights can be tailored to national or local needs. The methods flexibility and adaptability extend to other taxonomic groups and objectives, such as protected area selection By prioritizing data acquisition, whether field-based or digital, this research promotes the efficient use of resources. A key advantage of this approach is its capacity to systematically translate expert opinion into explicit and quantitative criteria, which in turn facilitates clear communication with policymakers and funders.

plant biology↗

bioRxiv2025

Big angiosperm genera are priorities for conservation

Species in big angiosperm genera ([≥]500 species) are often considered to be less well-known than those in smaller genera. Consequently, species in big genera are likely underrepresented in conservation at all levels, from analyses to actions. However, emerging evidence indicates that species in larger genera tend to have smaller geographic ranges (a strong correlate of increased extinction risk). Here, we test the generality of this pattern by quantifying the relationships between plant taxon size, extinction risk and climatic zone on a global scale. We find that species in larger genera are more likely to have small ranges, less likely to have a global Red List assessment, and, when assessed, are more likely to be threatened. Persistent obstacles to improving conservation documentation of big genera include taxonomic uncertainty, data shortfalls and number of species involved, requiring continued collaboration between taxonomy and conservation to reduce this bias and enable effective conservation of the quarter of plant species that big genera encompass. Article Impact StatementSpecies in big angiosperm genera are under-studied, under-assessed, and their extinction risk has been underestimated.

ecology↗

bioRxiv2023

Extinction risk predictions for the world's flowering plants to support their conservation

O_LIMore than 70% of all vascular plants lack conservation status assessments. We aimed to address this shortfall in knowledge of species extinction risk by using the World Checklist of Vascular Plants to generate the first comprehensive set of predictions for a large clade: angiosperms (flowering plants, [~]330,000 species). C_LIO_LIWe used Bayesian Additive Regression Trees (BART) to predict the extinction risk of all angiosperms using predictors relating to range size, human footprint, climate, and evolutionary history and applied a novel approach to estimate uncertainty of individual species level predictions. C_LIO_LIFrom our model predictions we estimate 45.1% of angiosperm species are potentially threatened with a lower bound of 44.5% and upper bound of 45.7%. C_LIO_LIOur species-level predictions, with associated uncertainty estimates, do not replace full Red List assessments, but can be used to prioritise predicted threatened species for full Red List assessment and fast-track predicted non-threatened species for Least Concern assessments. Our predictions and uncertainty estimates can also guide fieldwork, inform systematic conservation planning and support global plant conservation efforts and targets. C_LI

ecology↗

bioRxiv2020

An analysis of Species Conservation Action Plans in Guinea

To achieve conservation success, we need to support the recovery of threatened species. Yet, <5% of plant species listed as threatened on the IUCN Red List have Species Conservation Action Plans (CAPs). If we are to move from a Red List to a Green List for threatened plant species, CAPs need to be devised and implemented. Guinea is one of the most botanically diverse countries in West Africa. Recent research found that nearly 4000 vascular plants occur in Guinea, a 30% increase from previous estimates. 273 of these plant species are now assessed as threatened with global extinction. There is increasing pressure on the environment from the extractive industry and a growing population. In parallel with implementation of an Important Plant Area programme in Guinea, CAPs were developed for 20 threatened plant species. These plans elaborate conservation efforts needed first to safeguard threatened species both in situ and ex situ and then to support their recovery. We document the approach used to assemble the Species Conservation Action Plans, and we discuss the importance of having up to date field information, IUCN Red List assessments, and use of a collaborative approach. The need for these plans is increasingly important with recent calculations suggesting a third of African plants are threatened with extinction. This paper outlines initial detailed plant conservation planning in Guinea and offers a template for conservation practitioners in other tropical African countries to follow.

ecology↗