Chinese and foreign scientists focus on changes in tropical flora and fauna under climate change

On June 29, the 62nd annual meeting of the Association for Tropical Biology and Conservation (ATBC) was held in Xishuangbanna, Yunnan. Scientists from China and abroad discussed the latest changes in tropical flora, fauna, and ecosystems against the backdrop of climate change. At the conference, researchers shared their progress on topics including the impact of intensifying drought on the resilience of tropical plants, the mechanisms by which climate and habitat changes drive declines in tropical forest birds, and changes in the reproductive phenology of tropical trees. Experts at the meeting said that as drought and hightemperature events increase, some tropical savannas and shrublands are showing strong adaptive and recovery capacities. However, tropical bird communities, especially understory insectivorous birds, are simultaneously facing pressures from habitat loss and climate change. Experts also noted that the reproductive rhythm of some tropical tree species in Southeast Asia may be affected by climate change, and that more detailed research combining genetic and environmental factors will be needed in the future. This annual meeting will continue until July 3 and has attracted more than 700 scientists, conservation practitioners, and young scholars from over 60 countries and regions.