Simple tools for the evaluation of protected areas for the conservation of grasshoppers

摘要: Abstract Spatial conservation prioritization needs a strong informational background on the value of sites. However, standard diversity indices do not distinguish between less valuable (e.g. invasive species) and highly species threatened endemics). Furthermore, park managers often lack taxonomic capacity to study species-rich insect groups. Therefore, there is need for that consider simple indicators The aim our was develop such test them in biodiversity hotspot. We studied grasshopper UNESCO World Heritage “Cape Floral Region Protected Areas” (South Africa). used endemism, mobility rarity calculate index (GCI) each site standardized (GCIn) evaluate mean per site. analyzed indicator (IndVal) environmental factors identifying sites high or biodiversity. Unlike plant richness, we found highest richness Eastern Cape. main determining were vegetation heterogeneity, altitude cover bare ground. abundance wingless ratio winged suitable (regarding rare endemic These might function as other regions well, they are generally associated with occurrence species. GCI/GCIn globally applicable tools evaluation communities.