Abstract:

Aims: Analyzing biodiversity patterns across multiple dimensions such as species, evolution, and function is essential for deeply understanding biological diversification and informing effective conservation strategies. As the province with the richest biodiversity in China and an important distribution center of Lauraceae plants globally, Yunnan is a key region for studying the multidimensional diversity patterns of Lauraceae plants and their environmental driving mechanisms. To gain a comprehensive understanding of the multidimensional patterns of biodiversity and to enhance the conservation system in Yunnan, we focused on Lauraceae, which is highly endemic and threatened in Yunnan, to conduct studies on diversity patterns and conservation. 

Methods: By collecting distribution data, we examined the multidimensional diversity patterns of Lauraceae in Yunnan, identified its endemism and diversity hotspots, analyzed the dominant environmental factors shaping these patterns, conducted conservation gap analysis to inform conservation planning. 

Results: (1) The results indicate that there are 21 genera and 225 species of Lauraceae in Yunnan, and the diversity patterns of the different dimensions were mismatched. (2) Water and soil were the dominant factors affecting the patterns. (3) Southeast Yunnan, South Yunnan, Southwest Yunnan, Northwest Yunnan, Northeast Yunnan, as well as the Ailaoshan-Wuliangshan area in the central part are the diversity hotspots and centers of endemism. (4) Current protected areas in Yunnan do not adequately cover Lauraceae conservation hotspots, leaving 63.4% of the critical areas unprotected. Notably, 52.6% of these conservation hotspots were located in narrow areas adjacent to neighboring provinces and countries. 

Conclusion: A multidimensional comprehensive analysis method should be employed to fully understand the distribution patterns of regional biodiversity, and develop scientific and effective conservation planning. The conservation planning of Yunnan needs to focus particularly on edge conservation hotspot grids that are adjacent to neighboring provinces or countries.

Key words: Biodiversity pattern, Biodiversity hotspots, Priority conservation area, Lauraceae, Yunnan