Representation of natural vegetation in protected areas: capturing the geographic range

摘要: Current conservation strategies for plant and animal species rarely address the need to protect throughout its geographic range thereby capturing potential genetic ecological variation. We examined degree that existing protected areas in western United States satisfied this goal four widespread vegetation cover types. used latitude longitude stratify distribution of these types into 16 cells, each which was further stratified by up five elevation classes. While protection some high parts their range, it minimal nonexistent other parts. is yet be shown protecting a given essential long-term existence, face often unpredictable environmental changes, seems prudent course follow. Our results suggest if full goal, network may inadequate task.