Synergistic Impact of Complex Topography and Climate Variability on the Loss of Microclimate Heterogeneity in Southeast Asia

Abstract

Microclimate heterogeneity in Southeast Asia and its implications for biodiversity remain understudied. We investigated microclimate changes between 1982 and 2017 using high-resolution data and a patch-mosaic model. Our findings reveal a decline in microclimate heterogeneity (as indicated by Shannon's diversity index) and a significant increase in elevation. Topographical factors (∼50.6%) and climatic factors (∼21.5%) primarily influenced the decline. Spatial heterogeneity weakened with larger moving windows and coarser grid-scale data sets. Our study suggests that shifting mountainous microclimates play a crucial role in mediating biodiversity in Southeast Asia.