The performance of the global protected area system in capturing vertebrate geographic ranges

摘要: Given the heavy reliance placed on and investment in protected areas for biological conservation, there has been much debate as to how effective these are representing biodiversity features within their boundaries. The majority of studies addressing this issue have conducted a regional or national basis, precluding broad picture patterns representation at species level. We present global assessment terrestrial geographic ranges complete taxonomic groups: all known extant amphibians, birds mammals (20,736 species) current system areas. conclude that it is necessary substantially improve levels coverage species, even widespread ones. This particularly true rare which might be assumed foci area systems. To low vertebrate attained by existing areas, key regions should targeted, but will also approaches sustaining populations wider, unprotected landscape.