Estimating biodiversity changes in the Camargue wetlands: An expert knowledge approach.

摘要: Mediterranean wetlands are critical strongholds for biodiversity and the provision of ecosystem functions services; yet, they being severely degraded by a number socio-economic drivers pressures, including climate change. Moreover, we still lack comprehensive understanding extent to which loss in will accelerate change processes. Here, evaluate how changes can alter Camargue (southern France). We collected data on species presence/absence, trends abundance over 40-year period combining observations from scholarly literature with insights derived expert knowledge. In total, gathered more than 1500 estimates 1400 abundance, about eight taxonomic groups, i.e. amphibians, reptiles, breeding birds, fish, mammals, dragonflies (odonates), orthopterans vascular plants. Furthermore, used information recently arrived invasive identify compositional across multiple taxa. Complementing targeted searches knowledge allowed filling important gaps regarding status Camargue. Species trend revealed sharp population declines odonates orthopterans, while birds plants experienced an average increase between 1970s 2010s. The general increasing novel is suggested as explanation changing While observed certain taxa reflect relative failure protection measures established Camargue, exposure reveal major community structure different groups. This study first attempt assess using approach, help manage uncertainties complexities associated rapid social-ecological other wetlands.