Which plant traits predict species loss in calcareous grasslands with extinction debt

摘要: Aim  Habitat loss and degradation pose a major threat to biodiversity, which can result in the extinction of habitat characteristic species. However, many species exhibit delayed response environmental changes because slow intrinsic dynamics populations, resulting debt. We assess directly composition by comparing historical (1923) current inventories highly fragmented grasslands. aim characterize that constitute debt European calcareous grasslands. Location  Europe, Estonia, 59–60° N, 24–25° E. Methods  related eleven life-history traits selected preferences local extinctions populations grasslands where has been largely paid. Traits were chosen describe dispersal persistence abilities quantified from databases. Results  The studied have lost 90% their area 30% plant 90 years. Species more prone population characterized shorter life span, self-pollination, lack clonal growth, fewer seeds per shoot, lower average height, soil nitrogen preference higher requirements for light, indicating limited ability tolerate range biotic abiotic conditions sites. Locally extinct also wind-dispersed seeds, seed weight terminal velocity suggesting strategies long-distance are not favoured landscapes. Thus, both increased isolation decreased quality important determining extinction. Main conclusions  Populations number traits, demonstrating greater risk with poorer competition. Our results be applied less degraded is yet paid determine those most susceptible future extinction.