Spatial phylogenetics of Japanese ferns: Patterns, processes, and implications for conservation

Area of Science:

• Ecology
• Botany
• Conservation Biology

Background:

• Species richness alone is insufficient for conservation decisions, as it overlooks evolutionary history.
• Understanding multifaceted biodiversity is crucial for effective conservation planning.

Purpose of the Study:

• To characterize multiple facets and drivers of biodiversity in Japanese ferns.
• To analyze how biodiversity metrics relate to bioregions and conservation status.
• To identify threats to fern biodiversity in Japan.

Main Methods:

• Compiled a community dataset of 672 fern taxa across 1239 grid cells using over 300,000 specimen records.
• Analyzed taxonomic, phylogenetic, and functional diversity using community data, phylogeny, and functional traits.
• Modeled biodiversity patterns in response to environmental factors and reproductive mode, delimiting bioregions and assessing conservation status and threats.

Main Results:

• Taxonomic richness peaked at mid-latitudes, while phylogenetic and functional diversity were highest in southern islands.
• Three to four major bioregions were identified based on phylogenetic and taxonomic data.
• Temperature and apomixis influenced biodiversity patterns; deer herbivory posed a greater threat to taxonomic richness than other metrics.

Conclusions:

• An integrative approach reveals complex biodiversity patterns and drivers in Japanese ferns.
• Conservation priorities should consider multiple biodiversity metrics, as threats can vary.
• Future conservation efforts must account for metric-specific threats to effectively protect fern diversity.