5. Conclusions
The capacity of species to locate appropriate habitats in the face of a
changing climate is influenced by many factors. In the case of the
species under investigation, it appears that various elements, including
geographical barriers and complex topography of the region,
characterized by a hot and arid Saharo-Sindian climate, as well as
limitations in seed dispersal (both species have heavy seeds),
competition from indigenous species and invasive species like Prosopis
juliflora, may impose constraints on the ability of Z.
spina-christi and Z. nummularia to track and inhabit
climatically suitable habitats in the future. Beyond these factors, the
dynamic niche analysis demonstrates the preservation of the climatic
niche of both species, implying that these species might encounter
difficulties migrating to anticipated climatically suitable habitats in
the future, given the projected climate scenarios. Climate change, while
pivotal, does not operate in isolation when it comes to influencing
species distribution. Other elements, such as land use and drought
alterations, should also be viewed as interrelated variables warranting
investigation in subsequent research endeavors, as they are influenced
by global warming. Top of Form
In light of the historical fidelity of the species to their climatic
niche and the precarious conditions characteristic of the
Khalijo-Omanian hot and arid ecosystem, the proposal is to implement a
comprehensive strategy and immediate conservation measures aimed at
safeguarding these two invaluable species.
Top of Form
Nevertheless, in order to substantiate the ability of these species to
adapt to suitable habitats and to validate evolutionary hypotheses, it
is imperative to take into account a range of factors, encompassing
biological interactions, topographic variations, edaphic conditions, and
phylogenetic considerations across diverse geographical scales. Such an
approach can significantly enhance the accuracy of our predictions.