Publications
Conservation Gap Within a Nature Reserve: A Case Study in the Biodiversity Hotspot of Rare and Endangered Plants at the Southern Gaoligong Mountains
A significant conservation gap of 76.86% exists within the southern Gaoligong Mountains, part of the UNESCO-listed Three Parallel Rivers of Yunnan Protected Areas, highlighting the inadequacy of current protected zones in safeguarding rare and endangered plant species. Using distribution data for 361 species and environmental variables, the study employed InVEST and random forest models to project current and future potential habitats under climate change scenarios. Findings reveal that only 23.14% of the identified suitable habitat is protected, with agricultural expansion exacerbating habitat loss. The research underscores the need for prioritizing vertical zone integrity in conservation strategies to ensure continuous protection of biodiversity.
Spatial pattern and screening framework of national park agglomerations in the Greater Shangri-La region, China
Research identifies five distinct national park agglomerations in the Greater Shangri-La region of China, covering 52 protected areas. These agglomerations—Three Parallel Rivers, Shaluli Mountain-Daxue Mountain, Southeast Tibetan Plateau, Liangshan Mountain, and Panxi Rift—exhibit spatial clustering, diverse ecosystem types, and rich natural and cultural heritage. The study introduces a screening framework based on ecoregions, using indicators such as ecosystem characteristics, landscape type, cultural heritage, spatial distance, and protection management to assess these agglomerations. This approach enhances ecological protection by establishing functional connections between protected areas and improving regional conservation strategies. The findings provide a model for global national park agglomeration development.
New chrysophyte stomatocysts from high mountain lakes in Three Parallel Rivers of Yunnan Protected Areas, China
Fourteen new chrysophyte stomatocysts, microscopic structures produced by certain algae, were discovered in high mountain lakes within the Three Parallel Rivers of Yunnan Protected Areas. These findings, documented using scanning electron microscopy (SEM), expand our understanding of stomatocyst diversity in low-latitude, high-altitude aquatic ecosystems globally. The study compared these new cysts with similar morphotypes worldwide, highlighting their unique morphological characteristics and contributing to the broader knowledge of microbial biodiversity in remote mountain environments.
The Delineation and Ecological Connectivity of the Three Parallel Rivers Natural World Heritage Site
A significant increase in ecological connectivity within the Three Parallel Rivers Natural World Heritage Site has been observed, with high-connectivity areas expanding from 11.31% to 34.36% between 2000 and 2020. This improvement supports the migration and reproduction of large terrestrial animals, such as the Yunnan snub-nosed monkey, contributing to population growth. The study utilized landscape pattern indices, ecosystem service values, and a minimum cost distance model to assess barrier impacts (BEI) and ecological connectivity (ECI). Built-up areas, major roads, riversides, and arable land were identified as significant barriers. The research provides valuable insights for the delineation and conservation of natural heritage sites, emphasizing the importance of landscape connectivity in biodiversity preservation.
Multi-dimensional evaluation of small mammal diversity in tree line habitats across the Three Parallel Rivers of Yunnan Protected Areas: Implications for conservation
Research reveals significant variation in small mammal diversity along the treeline habitats of the Three Parallel Rivers of Yunnan Protected Areas (TPR), highlighting critical patterns in taxonomic, phylogenetic, and functional biodiversity. The study, conducted between 2013 and 2018, used standardized field investigations, genetic sequencing of the CYTB gene, and morphological measurements to assess diversity metrics. Findings underscore the importance of treeline ecosystems for small mammal conservation, providing actionable insights for developing targeted conservation strategies in this UNESCO-listed region.
Evolution Evaluation and Optimization of Industrial Structure in Ecologically-sensitive and Contiguous Severely Poverty-stricken Areas in West China--A case study of the Three Parallel Rivers of Yunnan Protected Area
A case study of the Three Parallel Rivers of Yunnan Protected Areas reveals that the region's industrial structure is characterized by unrealistic advancement, lack of diversification, and low specialization. This imbalance hinders poverty alleviation efforts in one of China's most ecologically sensitive and underdeveloped regions. The research employed diversification ratio and location quotient (LQ) to evaluate the evolution of industrial structure over time. Key findings suggest that sustainable development strategies should prioritize agriculture adapted to plateau characteristics, promote eco-friendly industrialization models, and leverage tourism as a driver for economic growth. These insights highlight the need for targeted structural optimization to balance ecological preservation with socioeconomic progress in such fragile landscapes.
Snow cover dynamics in and around the Shangri-La County, southeast margin of the Tibetan Plateau, 1974–2012: the influence of climate change and local tourism activities
Over the past four decades (1974–2012), snow cover in and around Shangri-La County, a core zone of the Three Parallel Rivers of Yunnan Protected Areas, has dramatically declined by 78%, from 4,188 km² to just 901 km². This reduction was most pronounced at mid-altitudes (4,000–5,000 meters) and more severe in the northwest than the southeast. While rising air temperatures (+0.22°C per decade) were the primary driver of this decline, local tourism activities in the southeastern Yulong Snow Mountains exacerbated snow loss compared to similar trends in the Meili Snow Mountains. The study analyzed 28 Landsat images to quantify spatial and temporal snow cover changes, revealing critical insights into the dual threats of climate change and human activity on this ecologically significant region.
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