Gaps in ecological research on the world's largest internationally coordinated network of protected areas: A review of Natura 2000

摘要: Abstract Natura 2000 (N2k) is a multinational and coordinated conservation network designated to support the long-term survival of Europe's most valuable species habitats. It key tool in European Union. We reviewed 510 peer-reviewed publications (period 1998–2014) focusing on ecological aspects N2k, with aims identifying research gaps proposing future priorities for improved success. categorized articles by spatial scale, biogeographical regions, taxonomic groups, habitat types, analytical methods used. The majority studies were performed single N2k sites or at regional level within countries. Mediterranean region had greatest number terrestrial Black Sea, Macaronesia, Pannonian Steppic regions overrepresented relation their total area that they comprised. Grasslands, freshwater wetland habitats comparison N2k. Plants commonly studied group quantitative empirical dominated. Future should address knowledge directing more efforts towards: 1) Boreal region, 2) alpine, agricultural, forest marine habitats, 3) underrepresented groups such as reptiles, amphibians, lichens fungi. For enhanced evaluation realization potential will need encompass large scales utilize modelling approaches effectively climate land-use changes.