Prediction of the spatial and temporal distribution pattern of Anemone rivularis based on samples collected in a source region of the Yellow River using UAV

Anemone rivularis is a perennial herb widely distributed in alpine grassland in the source region of the Yellow River (SRYR). It is one of the main poisonous weeds that restrict the development of local grassland animal husbandry and lead to declining ecosystem stability and service function. So far, no research has been conducted on the spatial and temporal distribution of A. rivularis at the regional scale. The main limiting factors are the lack of basic distribution data sets and efficient and high-precision observation methods. This study used unmanned aerial vehicle (UAV) near-ground remote sensing technology and FragMAP to set up sample collection plots in SRYR and obtained the basic distribution data set of A. rivularis. BIOMOD was used to simulate the potential distribution of A. rivularis and explore the spatial distribution patterns and habitat suitability of A. rivularis in the SRYR under different future climate scenarios. The study’s results were as follows: 1) the spatial distribution of A. rivularis is influenced by precipitation, soil pH, and average annual temperature, 2) A. rivularis is primarily distributed in the southeast regions of the SRYR under the current climate scenario, 3) the proportion of extremely suitable habitats for A. rivularis under future climate scenarios generally increases with a rise in temperature. This study depicted the spatial and temporal distribution of A. rivularis at the regional scale, which provides a scientific basis for timely prevention and control, rational management, and utilization of the poisonous weeds on alpine grassland.