Functional diversity of sharks and rays is highly vulnerable and supported by unique species and locations worldwide - Université de Montpellier
Article Dans Une Revue Nature Communications Année : 2023

Functional diversity of sharks and rays is highly vulnerable and supported by unique species and locations worldwide

Résumé

Elasmobranchs (sharks, rays and skates) are among the most threatened marine vertebrates, yet their global functional diversity remains largely unknown. Here, we use a trait dataset of \textgreater1000 species to assess elasmobranch functional diversity and compare it against other previously studied biodiversity facets (taxonomic and phylogenetic), to identify species- and spatial- conservation priorities. We show that threatened species encompass the full extent of functional space and disproportionately include functionally distinct species. Applying the conservation metric FUSE (Functionally Unique, Specialised, and Endangered) reveals that most top-ranking species differ from the top Evolutionarily Distinct and Globally Endangered (EDGE) list. Spatial analyses further show that elasmobranch functional richness is concentrated along continental shelves and around oceanic islands, with 18 distinguishable hotspots. These hotspots only marginally overlap with those of other biodiversity facets, reflecting a distinct spatial fingerprint of functional diversity. Elasmobranch biodiversity facets converge with fishing pressure along the coast of China, which emerges as a critical frontier in conservation. Meanwhile, several components of elasmobranch functional diversity fall in high seas and/or outside the global network of marine protected areas. Overall, our results highlight acute vulnerability of the world’s elasmobranchs’ functional diversity and reveal global priorities for elasmobranch functional biodiversity previously overlooked.
Fichier principal
Vignette du fichier
s41467-023-43212-3.pdf (18.96 Mo) Télécharger le fichier
Origine Fichiers éditeurs autorisés sur une archive ouverte

Dates et versions

hal-04492197 , version 1 (15-04-2024)

Licence

Identifiants

Citer

Catalina Pimiento, Camille Albouy, Daniele Silvestro, Théophile L. Mouton, Laure Velez, et al.. Functional diversity of sharks and rays is highly vulnerable and supported by unique species and locations worldwide. Nature Communications, 2023, 14 (1), pp.7691. ⟨10.1038/s41467-023-43212-3⟩. ⟨hal-04492197⟩
29 Consultations
7 Téléchargements

Altmetric

Partager

More