Xie Yan

Bio: Xie Yan is an academic researcher from Chinese Academy of Sciences. The author has contributed to research in topics: Action plan & East Asia. The author has an hindex of 3, co-authored 4 publications receiving 265 citations.

Invasive species in China — an overview

Abstract: China is a vast country with rich biodiversity, which makes China especially vulnerable to invasive species. It has a long history of introduction of non-native species, especially those with perceived beneficial impacts. Its rapid economic development, including an explosive growth in international trade and transportation, has increased the potential for new introductions. Currently, alien species are widespread in the country, occur in many ecosystems, represent most major taxonomic groups, and are introduced unintentionally as well as intentionally for cultivation. The paper lists various cases of invasive species which have caused significant threats or damages to local natural or artificial ecosystems, and indicates that two example industries (fresh water fisheries and lawn grasses) have brought or tend to bring in many invasive species and hence have caused or will cause changes and loss of biodiversity in local ecosystems. Based on these studies, it is suggested that China combat the problem through enhancing awareness, development of a database on invasive species, strengthening international co-operation, preparing case studies and introducing the necessary legislation, regulations and monitoring.

China's environment in a globalizing world

Abstract: How China and the rest of the world affect each other. China's environmental problems dominate those of the world, not only because China contains a fifth of the world's people, but also because China's economy is so big and developing so rapidly. The expanding links of globalization mean that China's problems are the world's problems too. In a Feature this week, Jianguo Liu and Jared Diamond look at the effects of China's sweeping environmental change and socio-economic challenges, synthesizing detailed literature that is scattered even for Chinese readers and largely inaccessible to western readers. On the cover, crowds on Nanjing Lu, Shanghai's famous shopping street where global influences are clear to see (Mark Henley/Panos). Elsewhere in the issue, Peter Aldhous reports on how China plans to cope with its exploding need for energy.

A Guide to the Mammals of China

Abstract: Edited by Andrew T. Smith & Yan Xie: A Guide to the Mammals of China is published by Princeton University Press and copyrighted, © 2008, by Princeton University Press. All rights reserved. No part of this book may be reproduced in any form by any electronic or mechanical means (including photocopying, recording, or information storage and retrieval) without permission in writing from the publisher, except for reading and browsing via the World Wide Web. Users are not permitted to mount this file on any network servers.

Freshwater fish biodiversity in the Yangtze River basin of China: patterns, threats and conservation

Abstract: We synthesized information on freshwater fish biodiversity in the Yangtze River basin We documented 361 species and subspecies that had been recorded and described from the basin Of these, 177 species are endemic The basin is usually divided into three parts, ie the upper reaches, the middle reaches and the lower reaches This study indicated that the ‘three reaches’ approach was not supported by fish distribution patterns Hydrological alterations are perhaps the largest threat to fish biodiversity in the basin Fishes in the upper reaches will be seriously affected by the construction of the Three Gorges Dam and other dams, and action should be taken for priority conservation The most immediate restoration need is reconnection of the Yangtze River with its lakes The cluster of lakes in the Central Yangtze should be protected to maintain habitats for spawning, feeding and migration of migratory fishes Our study indicates a need to identify areas of high fish biodiversity and to select nature reserves to mitigate the loss of fish biodiversity in the Yangtze River basin

Understanding the drivers of Southeast Asian biodiversity loss

Abstract: Southeast Asia (SE Asia) is a known global hotspot of biodiversity and endemism, yet the region is also one of the most biotically threatened. Ecosystems across the region are threatened by an array of drivers, each of which increases the probability of extinction of species in a variety of ecosystems. These issues are symptomatic of the issues that face the global tropics; however, with around 4 billion people in the wider region and the associated pressures on biodiversity, this region may be under some of the greatest levels of biotic threat. Deforestation rates in SE Asia are some of the highest globally, additionally it has the highest rate of mining in the tropics, around the greatest number of hydropower dams under construction, and a consumption of species for traditional medicines which is a threat to biodiversity globally. In this review, the greatest threats to regional biodiversity in the SE Asian region are discussed. Tree-plantations and deforestation represent one of the most imminent threats, and some countries have already lost over half their original forest cover (i.e., the Philippines, parts of Indonesia), with projections of as much as 98% loss for some regions in the coming decade. Hunting and trade represent a significant threat as demand stems not only for food, but also for medicine, for ornamentation, and as a status symbol. Mining represents a frequently overlooked threat, as the Asian region is one of the greatest exporters of limestone and various minerals globally, and the cost of this to biodiversity is not only through the direct loss of areas for mines, but also through the development of roads that further fragment the landscape, the leakage of heavy metals, and the destruction of limestone karsts, which represent global endemicity hotspots. Reservoir construction, wetland drainage, fires, pollution, invasive species, disease, and finally climate change are also considered. Once each issue has been discussed, the overall prognosis of regional biodiversity and priority actions to protect SE Asian biodiversity in the future is discussed.