Identifying areas of high-value vertebrate diversity for strengthening conservation

摘要: Identifying areas with relevant features of biodiversity is useful to rank priorities for strengthening the design well-sited natural protected and optimize resource investment in conservation. This study provides decision makers critical tools highlighting pieces land worthy conservation Spain. We studied four taxa—amphibians, reptiles, nesting birds mammals— a 50 � km grid (n=259 cells). used five criteria identifying high-value diversity: species richness, rarity, vulnerability, combined index biodiversity, Standardized Biodiversity Index that measured all taxa together. As far as we know, are original. Areas diversity were defined those cells within 15% top segment ranked values different criteria. Congruence pairs was moderate low, averaged 38.5% based on biodiversity. The performance average proportion threatened excluded from followed biodiversity=rarity (0.3%) > vulnerability (9.9%) richness (13.8%). identified according included amphibian mammal species, but one reptile (categorized rare) six bird (three which categorized threatened). About 70% areas. However, they only 274.6 2 , thus occupying small fraction diversity, there no guarantee found an area site will be present its fraction. Consequently, urge managers conduct surveys. also additional established include gap 30% not currently protected. took step planning region, discuss usefulness maps conservation, ecological restoration, environmental impact assessment mitigation. # 2003 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.