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Global hotspots of traded phylogenetic and functional diversity.

Published version
Peer-reviewed

Repository DOI


Type

Article

Change log

Abstract

Wildlife trade is a multibillion-dollar industry1 targeting a hyperdiversity of species2 and can contribute to major declines in abundance3. A key question is understanding the global hotspots of wildlife trade for phylogenetic (PD) and functional (FD) diversity, which underpin the conservation of evolutionary history4, ecological functions5 and ecosystem services benefiting humankind6. Using a global dataset of traded bird and mammal species, we identify that the highest levels of traded PD and FD are from tropical regions, where high numbers of evolutionary distinct and globally endangered species in trade occur. The standardized effect size (ses) of traded PD and FD also shows strong tropical epicentres, with additional hotspots of mammalian ses.PD in the eastern United States and ses.FD in Europe. Large-bodied, frugivorous and canopy-dwelling birds and large-bodied mammals are more likely to be traded whereas insectivorous birds and diurnally foraging mammals are less likely. Where trade drives localized extinctions3, our results suggest substantial losses of unique evolutionary lineages and functional traits, with possible cascading effects for communities and ecosystems5,7. Avoiding unsustainable exploitation and lost community integrity requires targeted conservation efforts, especially in hotspots of traded phylogenetic and functional diversity.

Description

Keywords

Animals, Biodiversity, Birds, Conservation of Natural Resources, Datasets as Topic, Endangered Species, Europe, Extinction, Biological, Geographic Mapping, Mammals, Phylogeny, Tropical Climate, United States, Commerce

Journal Title

Nature

Conference Name

Journal ISSN

0028-0836
1476-4687

Volume Title

620

Publisher

Springer Science and Business Media LLC
Sponsorship
Natural Environment Research Council (NE/R017441/1)