Potential risks of Tithonia diversifolia in Yunnan Province under climate change

Under climate change, the invasive grass Tithonia diversifolia is projected to expand its distribution in Yunnan Province by 12% (RCP2.6) and 93% (RCP8.5) by the 2050s, posing significant risks to protected areas. Currently affecting 26 sites across 2,822 km², its impact is expected to rise by 23–53%, with additional protected areas at risk under higher warming scenarios. The study used species distribution modeling to assess future threats, highlighting the need for climate mitigation and reduced human disturbance to safeguard native ecosystems in southern, southeastern, and northwestern Yunnan.

Dai, G., Wang, S., Geng, Y., Dawazhaxi, Ou, X., & Zhang, Z. (2020). Potential risks of Tithonia diversifolia in Yunnan Province under climate change. Ecological Research, 36(1), 129–144. Portico. https://doi.org/10.1111/1440-1703.12182