Climate Change and the Distribution of Graellsia integrifolia (Rech.f.) Rech.f.

Climate change is increasingly recognized as a major driver of biodiversity loss and ecosystem alteration, significantly impacting the distribution and survival of plant species worldwide. Rising temperatures, altered precipitation patterns, and increased frequency of extreme weather events are reshaping ecological niches and forcing species to migrate, adapt, or face local extinction. Graellsia integrifolia (Rech.f.) Rech.f. is a species belonging to the Brassicaceae family. It is native to specific regions in Iran, notably in the Khorasan area, where it has been recorded at elevations ranging from ۱,۱۰۰ to ۱,۰۰۰ meters above sea level. This species typically inhabits shady crevices of calcareous rocks, often found in mountainous terrains. Such specialization often results in limited dispersal ability and reduced adaptive capacity, heightening vulnerability to environmental changes. Consequently, climate change may drive shifts in the suitable habitat of G. integrifolia toward higher altitudes or latitudes, leading to range contraction or fragmentation. Species distribution models (SDMs) and ecological niche models (ENMS) have become essential tools for predicting how climate change might alter the geographic ranges of vulnerable species. For G. integrifolia, these models can identify future climate refugia and guide conservation efforts such as habitat protection or assisted migration. However, limited data on its precise ecological requirements and population genetics highlight the need for further research to accurately forecast its response to climate change. Understanding the impact of climate change on Graellsia integrifolia is critical not only for preserving this unique species but also for illustrating the broader implications of global climate change on endemic and range-restricted plants.

کلیدواژه ها:

Climate change ، Graellsia integrifolia ، Distribution ، Biodiversity loss ، Ecological niche ، Species distribution models ، Iran