Species distribution models (SDMs) have been widely used to project how species respond to future climate changes as forecasted by global climate models (GCMs). While uncertainties in GCMs specific to the Tibetan Plateau have been acknowledged, their impacts on species distribution modeling needs to be explored. Here, we employed ten algorithms to evaluate the uncertainties of SDMs across four GCMs (ACCESS-CM2, CMCC-ESM2, MPI-ESM1-2-HR, and UKESM1-0-LL) under two shared socioeconomic pathways (SSP2-4.5 and SSP5-8.5) at two time stages. We selected two endemic species of the Tibetan Plateau, Gentiana yunnanensis and G. siphonantha, distributed in the Hengduan Mountain regions of the southeast plateau and northeast plateau regions, respectively, as case studies. Under the two SSPs and two time periods, there are significant differences in the distribution areas of G. yunnanensis predicted by different GCMs, with some showing increases and others showing decreases. In contrast, the distribution range trends for G. siphonantha predicted by different GCMs are consistent, initially increasing and then decreasing. The CMCC-ESM2 model predicted the largest increase in the distribution range of G. yunnanensis, while the UKESM1-0-LL model predicted the greatest decrease in the distribution range of G. siphonantha. Our findings highlight that the four selected GCMs still lead to some variations in the final outcome despite the existence of similar trends. We recommend employing the average values from the four selected GCMs to simulate species potential distribution under future climate change scenarios to mitigate uncertainties among GCMs.

Saxifraga sect. Ciliatae, comprising about 200 species, primarily concentrated in the Qinghai–Tibet Plateau (QTP), exhibits high species richness in alpine regions, showing variations in habitat, morphology, physiology, and life cycles. Its adaptation to alpine environments renders it ideal for understanding the genetic basis of how species cope with cold climates. In this study, we sequenced, assembled and analyzed the chloroplast genomes of 20 Saxifraga sect. Ciliatae species and found that chloroplast genomes are generally conserved, with three highly variable regions: psbI-trnS, petG-trnW, and gene ycf1. Phylogenetic analyses (ML and BI) supported the monophyly of Saxifraga sect. Ciliatae, identifying three main clades. Genes cemA, infA and psbB were found to be associated with high-altitude adaptation. Furthermore, psbB may have undergone intracellular gene transfer and exhibited different selective pressures between the transcriptome and chloroplast genome.

Thalictrum elegans Wall. ex Royle, a species within the family Ranunculaceae, is mainly distributed along forest margins and grassy slopes at altitudes 2700-4000 m on the Qinghai-Tibetan Plateau. Despite its wide distribution in alpine ecosystems, its genetic diversity remains poorly understood. In this study, we assembled and characterized the complete chloroplast genome of T. elegans, addressing a significant gap in our understanding of its genetic composition. The chloroplast genome is 155,864 base pairs long and contains 131 genes, including 86 protein-coding genes, 37 tRNA genes, and 8 rRNA genes. Phylogenetic analysis of 15 representative Thalictrum species revealed that the genus can be classified into three clades. T. elegans along with another nine other species formed the largest monophyletic clade and is most closely related to T. petaloideum and T. foliosum. These findings enhance our understanding of the genetic diversity of T. elegans and contribute to its conservation and utilization. [GRAPHICS]

Ephedra przewalskii is a key species in arid regions recognized for its remarkable ecological, economic, and medicinal importance. However, climate change and anthropogenic activities have severely threatened their survival, reduced genetic diversity, and increased the risk of extinction. Nonclimatic variables lack systematic integration in current modeling frameworks, and intraspecific genetic variation is similarly poorly explored. This study assessed the vulnerability and adaptive capacity of E. przewalskii populations by applying ensemble species distribution models (ESDMs) and Climate‐Niche Factor Analysis (CNFA), incorporating climate scenarios and human activity data. Additionally, we calculated the haplotype genetic vulnerability and constructed a multidimensional scoring system that combined habitat and genetic vulnerabilities. High vulnerability was observed in regions such as Nilka County and Hotan, whereas regions such as the Ejina Banner‐Hami‐Heiying Mountain‐Jiuquan range area exhibited reduced vulnerability for E. przewalskii . The habitat vulnerability decreased over time under Shared Socioeconomic Pathways 1‐2.6 (SSP1‐2.6) but significantly increased by the 2090s under Shared Socioeconomic Pathways 5‐8.5 (SSP5‐8.5). Haplotypes G, E, and A were identified as being at high risk for genetic diversity loss under SSP5‐8.5. Application of the multidimensional scoring system successfully identified and prioritized key conservation hotspots—including populations in Wuheshalu, Qiemo, and Ruoqian (Tarim Basin) as well as Karamay, Wuchang, and Burqin (Junggar Basin)—based on their high haplotype diversity and vulnerability. The approach thereby offers an adaptable framework for vulnerability assessment and supporting broader conservation efforts.

Saxifraga giraldiana Engler is a common subalpine and alpine plant belonging to Saxifragaceae. However, the genetic diversity of this species has remained to be explored. In this study, we have assembled and characterized the complete chloroplast genome of S. giraldiana, filling this knowledge gap and uncovering its genetic composition. The chloroplast genome is 147,267 bp long and contains 131 genes, including 85 protein-coding genes, 38 tRNA genes, and eight rRNA genes. Furthermore, we have performed a phylogenetic analysis of 19 representative species within Saxifraga. As a result, we have found that S. giraldiana, together with S. implicans and S. stellariifolia, forms a monophyletic group. These findings have implications for the conservation and utilization of S. giraldiana.