In a study published in Conservation Biology, researchers from Xishuangbanna Tropical Botanical Garden (XTBG) of the Chinese Academy of Sciences and their collaborators outlined a new framework for transboundary conservation in the biodiversity-rich Gaoligong Mountains in Yunnan. This framework emphasizes integrating biodiversity hotspots, ecological gradients, and ecosystem services to create an effective conservation plan that transcends national boundaries.
The researchers used remote sensing techniques and geographic information systems (GIS) to collect and analyze biodiversity data, ecological gradient information, and ecosystem service functions of the Gaoligong Mountains region. They established a multi-criteria framework by applying principles of ecology and conservation biology, on the basis of threatened species distribution, key ecosystem services, border gradient characteristics, and ecological connectivity between protected areas.
They found that multidimensional conservation hotspots in the transboundary Gaoligong Mountains region currently cover approximately 20% of the existing protected areas, primarily located in the northern and central parts. However, 27.7% of newly identified priority conservation areas lie outside existing protected zones, with only 2.93% receiving formal protection.
Threatened plant and animal richness showed a positive spatial correlation but were spatially mismatched, meaning their hotspots are in different locations. Threatened species richness was positively correlated with carbon storage and soil retention but negatively correlated with water retention. Threatened animal diversity showed the opposite pattern.
Most significantly, the richness of threatened plants and animals decreased substantially as distance from the border increased, showing a strong linear relationship.
The researchers proposed to prioritize areas in the central and southern regions and expand protection areas within 5km of the border, while enhancing ecological connectivity networks in the south by implementing conservation actions.
Moreover, collaborative management for biodiversity-friendly borders is needed. The researchers suggested creating borders that facilitate rather than hinder species movement.
“Our study provides a pathway for aligning conservation with ecological reality,”said BAI Yang of XTBG. “By basing strategies on species distribution, ecosystem services, and the critical border gradient effect, we can significantly improve the effectiveness of transboundary conservation efforts globally.”
First published: 24 August 2025
