Application of a trait‐based species screening framework for vegetation restoration in a tropical coral island of China

1. Selecting suitable species for vegetation restoration presents a notable challenge for land managers and scientists. Recently developed trait‐based approaches may be an effective means of overcoming this challenge. However, we lack a trait‐based species screening model that can be used to select potential species for restoration of degraded ecosystems.

2. Here, we developed a species screening model based on quantitative trait‐based theory and a maximum entropy algorithm. The objective was to select more species that have comparable restoration abilities to the target species that have high survival rates for vegetation restoration based on species’ functional traits. Thus, species diversity will be improved to facilitate restoration. We also developed a software platform that can be used to implement the model. We then applied our model and software platform to select species for restoration efforts in a tropical coral island which is part of Hainan Island, China.

3. As a prer...