Ecosystem risk assessment of Georgina gidgee woodlands in central Australia

摘要: Ecosystems across the world, and biodiversity they support, are experiencing increasing anthropogenic pressure, many will not persist without intervention. Given their complexity, International Union for Conservation of Nature has adopted an international standard ecosystem risk assessment that builds on strengths species-based Red List criteria. We applied this protocol to relatively understudied Georgina gidgee woodland ecosystem, which a patchy but widespread distribution in central Australia. To address extensive knowledge gaps, we gathered data provide first description characteristic biota, dominant species processes support ecosystem. Criteria evaluated include historical, current future declines spatial distribution, extent area occupancy, disruptions abiotic biotic processes. Future suitable habitat were based key climatic variables rainfall, temperature soil substrate. also quantified uncertainty bioclimatic models scenarios as part predicting degradation environment. Overall, assessed status woodlands vulnerable Bioclimatically was predicted decline by at least 30% eight over period 2000 2050. Predicted overall varied substantially all (7–95%). Pressures from grazing, weed encroachment altered fire regimes further threaten ecosystem; therefore, recorded Accurate mapping monitoring study should receive priority inform conservation decisions, sustainable grazing practices encouraged. Our findings focus attention other patchily distributed ecosystems may have escaped despite contribution supporting unique services. It is timely environmental policy account these natural assets.