Evaluating the Potential of Four Native Ziziphus Species for Restoring Savanna‐Like Habitats in Jinsha River Under Climate Change

ABSTRACT

The Jinsha River, as the upper section of the Yangtze River, plays a key role as an ecological barrier, yet its dry‐hot valleys face severe degradation due to harsh climate and human activities. Four native Ziziphus species ( Z. mauritiana , Z. montana , Z. mairei , and Z. xiangchengensis ) were selected to assess their potential for restoring “valley‐type savanna” vegetation through field investigations, species distribution modeling, germination experiments, and interviews. Field investigations showed that Z. mairei and Z. xiangchengensis exhibit limited distributions and small populations, requiring artificial propagation and protection. MaxEnt models performed well (AUC > 0.9). Ziziphus montana occurs in northwestern Yunnan and is primarily limited by temperature seasonality (bio4), elevation, and coldest quarter temperature (bio11). Under future climate scenarios, its suitable habitat is projected to contract by 11.3%–20.4%, with the remaining highly suitable area retreating toward the Jinsha River basin. Bio11 is the primary factor influencing the distribution of Z. mauritiana , and its suitable range is projected to expand by 44.1%–119.1%. Seed heteromorphism was documented for the first time in Z. xiangchengensis , Z. montana , and Z. mairei , classified into Type A (2 carpels) and B (3 carpels) based on carpel number, with Type A seeds dominating (66.0%–94.8%). These two seed types showed significant differences in temperature response and dormancy characteristics. Four Ziziphus species displayed strong physical dormancy, removing the endocarp and cracking the seed coat results in a 100% germination rate, providing a practical solution for large‐scale seedling propagation. Based on assessment, Z. montana is more suitable for ecological restoration in the Jinsha River Basin. The population age structure is of the expanding type and serves medicinal, edible, agricultural, ecological restoration, and handicraft purposes. We advocate for community‐based “interactive” ecological restoration, using economic incentives to drive ecological recovery. This study contributes to ecological restoration, germplasm conservation, and local economic development.