Artikel

Mathur, M., and P. Mathur. 2023. Ecological niche modelling of Tecomella undulata (Sm.) Seem: an endangered (A2a) tree species from arid and semi-arid environment imparts multiple ecosystem services. Tropical Ecology. https://doi.org/10.1007/s42965-023-00311-y

The objective of this study was to utilize niche modelling techniques and predictors, including bioclimatic, soil, habitat heterogeneity indices, and land-use land cover (LULC), to ascertain the present and potential distribution of Tecomella undulata in India. The bio-climatic variables of 2050 and 2070 timeframes were employed to forecast future occurrences. The study also examined the level of indigeneity of T. undulata and analysed the factors that impact its fundamental and realized niche. The Maxent model utilized for forecasting the distribution of T. undulata demonstrated a high level of precision, incorporating both bioclimatic and non-bioclimatic variables. The study highlights the significance of mean and maximum temperatures during the warmest quarter and month, as well as the wettest months and years’ worth of precipitation. In addition, threshold values for these predictors were calculated. In contrast to the limiting effects of climatic factors, the species in question was found to exhibit a greater degree of facilitation in response to soil conditions (including rooting conditions, nutrient availability, and salt excess), habitat heterogeneity indices (such as range, maximum, and coefficient of variance of diversity), and lLULC predictors (including urban areas, residential and infrastructure development, forested regions, and sparsely vegetated areas). As a result, this species was able to expand its range across a wider expanse of India. The Churu and Jhunjhunu districts and a transact region including Pali, Jalor, Jodhpur, Sanchor, and Barmer have been identified as the best possible locations for its occurrences. Shrinkage would begin around 2050 in all of these areas. By 2070, the Churu and Jhunjhunu regions had become significantly more fragmented, while the Jodhpur region and the surrounding areas of Barmer, Sanchor, Jalor, and Vav had grown. Specific coordinates were also identified pertains to zone of extinction, zone of re-occurrence and zone of maximum occurrence. The aforementioned discoveries enable us to ascertain the extent of land that is conducive to the growth of T. undulata across diverse ecological niches, as well as the underlying factors and critical points that impact its dispersion dynamics both presently and prospectively. This shall aid us in determining the necessity of extensive captive cultivation for the preservation of the species and its consequential ecological advantages.

James Edward Tierney Aitchison
James Edward Tierney Aitchison

28. Oktober 1836 – 30. September 1898

United Kingdom of Great Britain and Ireland

Asteraceae

Asteraceae gesammelt und Asteraceae identifiziert

Derral Raymon Herbst

13. Oktober 1934 – 06. März 2023

Vereinigte Staaten

Poaceae

Poaceae gesammelt und Asteraceae identifiziert

Walter N. Koelz
Walter N. Koelz

11. September 1895 – 24. September 1989

Vereinigte Staaten

Poaceae

Poaceae gesammelt und Poaceae identifiziert

John Henry Lace

17. Juni 1857 – 09. Juni 1918

United Kingdom of Great Britain and Ireland

Asteraceae

Asteraceae gesammelt und Ranunculaceae identifiziert

William Roxburgh
William Roxburgh

29. Juni 1751 – 10. April 1815

United Kingdom of Great Britain and Ireland

Fabaceae

Fabaceae gesammelt und Fabaceae identifiziert

Ralph Randles Stewart

15. April 1890 – 06. November 1993

Vereinigte Staaten

Asteraceae

Asteraceae gesammelt und Balsaminaceae identifiziert

Nathaniel Wolff Wallich
Nathaniel Wolff Wallich

28. Januar 1786 – 28. April 1854

Kingdom of Denmark

Asteraceae

Asteraceae gesammelt und Lamiaceae identifiziert