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Tree cover homogenization in semi-open ecosystems worldwide and implications for ecosystem stability and conservation

Wang, Lanhui LU orcid ; Boonman, Coline C.F. ; Vogel, Susanne Marieke ; Fang, Zhongxiang LU and Svenning, Jens Christian (2025) In Cell Reports Sustainability
Abstract

Semi-open ecosystems, such as savannas and open woodlands, are biodiversity hotspots due largely to their heterogeneous tree cover (TC), which supports diverse habitats. However, increasing woody encroachment is altering TC heterogeneity, with unclear consequences for ecosystem stability. Using global satellite-based TC estimates (2000–2020), we reveal widespread TC homogenization (24.1%) in semi-open ecosystems, predominantly in temperate and boreal bioclimates undergoing substantial warming. Contrary to the assumption that vegetation heterogeneity promotes ecosystem stability, we find that TC homogenization has mixed correlations with ecosystem functional stability. Notably, positive relations dominate in water-abundant areas with... (More)

Semi-open ecosystems, such as savannas and open woodlands, are biodiversity hotspots due largely to their heterogeneous tree cover (TC), which supports diverse habitats. However, increasing woody encroachment is altering TC heterogeneity, with unclear consequences for ecosystem stability. Using global satellite-based TC estimates (2000–2020), we reveal widespread TC homogenization (24.1%) in semi-open ecosystems, predominantly in temperate and boreal bioclimates undergoing substantial warming. Contrary to the assumption that vegetation heterogeneity promotes ecosystem stability, we find that TC homogenization has mixed correlations with ecosystem functional stability. Notably, positive relations dominate in water-abundant areas with increasing TC, while negative correlations prevail in water-constrained regions with stable or decreasing TC. Protected areas exhibit lower homogenization and greater stability than surrounding landscapes, underscoring their conservation value. Our findings highlight the need for nuanced land management strategies that balance biodiversity conservation, carbon sequestration, and ecosystem stability under global reforestation and restoration initiatives.

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author
; ; ; and
organization
publishing date
type
Contribution to journal
publication status
epub
subject
keywords
functional stability, GPP, gross primary productivity, heterogeneity, landscape homogenization, protected areas, semi-open ecosystems, tree cover, woody encroachment
in
Cell Reports Sustainability
article number
100343
publisher
Cell Press
external identifiers
  • scopus:86000714628
DOI
10.1016/j.crsus.2025.100343
language
English
LU publication?
yes
additional info
Publisher Copyright: © 2025 The Author(s)
id
1c4113f8-d77e-40f5-9bfc-75c0f911675f
date added to LUP
2025-05-16 09:15:54
date last changed
2025-05-22 13:38:29
@article{1c4113f8-d77e-40f5-9bfc-75c0f911675f,
  abstract     = {{<p>Semi-open ecosystems, such as savannas and open woodlands, are biodiversity hotspots due largely to their heterogeneous tree cover (TC), which supports diverse habitats. However, increasing woody encroachment is altering TC heterogeneity, with unclear consequences for ecosystem stability. Using global satellite-based TC estimates (2000–2020), we reveal widespread TC homogenization (24.1%) in semi-open ecosystems, predominantly in temperate and boreal bioclimates undergoing substantial warming. Contrary to the assumption that vegetation heterogeneity promotes ecosystem stability, we find that TC homogenization has mixed correlations with ecosystem functional stability. Notably, positive relations dominate in water-abundant areas with increasing TC, while negative correlations prevail in water-constrained regions with stable or decreasing TC. Protected areas exhibit lower homogenization and greater stability than surrounding landscapes, underscoring their conservation value. Our findings highlight the need for nuanced land management strategies that balance biodiversity conservation, carbon sequestration, and ecosystem stability under global reforestation and restoration initiatives.</p>}},
  author       = {{Wang, Lanhui and Boonman, Coline C.F. and Vogel, Susanne Marieke and Fang, Zhongxiang and Svenning, Jens Christian}},
  keywords     = {{functional stability; GPP; gross primary productivity; heterogeneity; landscape homogenization; protected areas; semi-open ecosystems; tree cover; woody encroachment}},
  language     = {{eng}},
  publisher    = {{Cell Press}},
  series       = {{Cell Reports Sustainability}},
  title        = {{Tree cover homogenization in semi-open ecosystems worldwide and implications for ecosystem stability and conservation}},
  url          = {{http://dx.doi.org/10.1016/j.crsus.2025.100343}},
  doi          = {{10.1016/j.crsus.2025.100343}},
  year         = {{2025}},
}