Restoration richness tipping point meta-analysis: finding the sweet spot

Species richness is a fundamental component of ecological research including restoration. Managing for enhanced native species richness in restoration is a powerful goal and outcome; nonetheless, local species richness can also be used as a proximate mechanism to decide on the lands to acquire, protect, and restore. Here, a meta-analysis was used to test the hypothesis that local species richness is a viable consideration in predicting varied restoration outcomes as identified by the primary researchers for drylands. In all dryland contexts, the most effective restoration outcomes across varied restoration interventions were at mid-to-relatively lower species rich sites. Consequently, restoration of degraded or low diversity arid grasslands is an important strategic opportunity during the UN Decade on Ecosystem Restoration, and plant species richness is an excellent starting point to inform decisions.

Automated summary

This study used meta-analysis to examine the impact of local species richness on restoration outcomes in dryland areas, and found that the most effective restoration outcomes were observed at sites with intermediate to relatively low species richness. Therefore, restoring degraded or low diversity arid grasslands should be prioritized during the UN Decade on Ecosystem Restoration, and plant species richness can serve as a crucial factor in decision-making.