Population status, habitat preferences and predictive current and future distributions of three endangered Silene species under changing climate

Three endangered Silene species in Egypt's Saint Catherine Area face ongoing population decline due to climate change and habitat degradation. Research using field surveys, historical records, Random Forest (RF) analysis, Canonical Correspondence Analysis (CCA), and predictive modeling revealed critical habitat variables—elevation, soil texture, moisture, slope, and precipitation—as key determinants of their distribution. The central northern sector is identified as a hotspot for current suitable habitats, with projected contractions by 2050 and 2070 under climate change scenarios. Urgent conservation measures, including ex-situ preservation and fenced enclosures, are recommended to mitigate threats and ensure survival.

Abdelaal, M., AL-Huqail, A. A., Alghanem, S. M. S., Alhaithloul, H. A. S., Al-Robai, S. A., Abeed, A. H. A., Dakhil, M. A., El-Barougy, R. F., & Yahia, A. A. (2024). Population status, habitat preferences and predictive current and future distributions of three endangered Silene species under changing climate. Frontiers in Plant Science, 15. https://doi.org/10.3389/fpls.2024.1336911