Conservation Biogeography of the Sahara-Sahel: additional protected areas are needed to secure unique biodiversity

摘要: Aim Identification of priority conservation areas and evaluation coverage the current protected are urgently needed to halt biodiversity loss. Identifying regions combining similar environmental traits (climate regions) species assemblages (biogroups) is for conserving patterns processes. We identify climate biogroups map diversity across Sahara-Sahel, a large geographical area that exhibits wide heterogeneity multiple groups with distinct biogeographical affinities, evaluate level network conservation. Location Sahara-Sahel, Africa. Methods We use spatially explicit data principal component analysis model-based clustering techniques regions. distributions 1147 terrestrial vertebrates (and 125 Sahara-Sahel endemics) apply distance methods both groups. reserve selection algorithms targeting 17% distribution, gap assess their representation within areas. Results Seven were identified, mostly arranged as latitudinal belts. Concentrations high richness found in Sahel, but central Sahara gathers most endemic threatened species. Ten (five identified. A range tend overlap specific Identified inadequately represented areas, six new top achieve targets. Main conclusions Biodiversity distribution structured apparently related variation. Although majority located outside intense human activities, many cross political borders require internationally coordinated efforts implementation management. Optimized solutions at regional scale needed. Our work contradicts general idea deserts uniform provide options endangered