Effects of Habitat Fragmentation on the Population Structure and Genetic Diversity of Erythroneurini in the Typical Karst Rocky Ecosystem, Southwest China

SIMPLE SUMMARY: In this article, based on satellite imagery, field survey collection, and molecular sequencing data, the habitat fragmentation, species diversity, and genetic diversity of Erythroneurine leafhoppers in three typical karst areas (the Shibing Yuntai Mountain Nature Reserve, the Bijie Salaxi Demonstration Zone, and the Zhenfeng-Huajiang Demonstration Zone) in southwest China were explored. The results of the study show that the fragmentation degree of Erythroneurine leafhopper habitat is affected by the degree of rocky desertification in the area, and there is a positive correlation between them. The species diversity and genetic diversity of Erythroneurine leafhoppers in the study area and its various plots are all affected by habitat fragmentation, and there are certain differences in species, quantity, and gene-flow among different fragmented populations. The weaker the degree of habitat fragmentation in the region, the higher the species diversity and genetic diversity. In order to better protect the species diversity and genetic diversity of other organisms such as the Erythroneurine leafhopper species and their host plants, the following measures can be taken based on the background of the study area. (1) Strengthen the control of rocky desertification; (2) Enhance farmers’ awareness of ecological protection; (3) Increase the continuity of suitable habitats; (4) Improve the stability of the ecosystem; and (5) Improve management policies for protected areas. ABSTRACT: Karst rocky desertification is one of the main causes of habitat fragmentation in Southwest China. Guizhou Province is located in the center of the karst area in southern China and is a typical karst ecological environment fragile area. Many studies have shown that habitat fragmentation is the main factor leading to the loss of biodiversity and species extinction, and it is also one of the important factors that threaten the survival of natural organisms. This study initially explored the habitat fragmentation degree, species diversity, and genetic diversity of leafhoppers in three typical karst areas in Guizhou. The study was combined with the general situation of the study area, understanding the main factors affecting habitat fragmentation, and putting forward reasonable protection suggestions for species resources. Based on satellite imagery, field survey collection, molecular sequencing data, and related index measurement methods, we measured the habitat fragmentation degree, species diversity index, and genetic diversity index of Erythroneurine leafhoppers of Shibing Yuntai Mountain Nature Reserve, Bijie Salaxi Demonstration Zone, Zhenfeng-Huajiang Demonstration Zone. Moreover, we compared the differences in the three study areas, carried out correlation analysis with relevant environmental factors, and discussed the main factors that formed the results. The results of the study show that the species diversity and genetic diversity of Erythroneurine leafhoppers in the study areas are affected by habitat fragmentation, and the weaker the degree of habitat fragmentation in the region, the higher the species diversity and genetic diversity, which is specifically manifested in species, quantity, and gene-flow. Understanding the status of biodiversity in karst areas is conducive to the sustainable development of biological resources. In order to better protect the diversity of such insects and their host plants and other biological diversity, combined with the background of the research area, we propose corresponding protection measures for reference.