Area prioritization and performance evaluation of the conservation area network for the Moroccan herpetofauna: a preliminary assessment

摘要: The integration of spatial area prioritization algorithms and species distribution modelling has shown great promise in conservation planning recent years. However, despite the fact that reptiles amphibians have highest threat status all terrestrial vertebrates, these are often under-represented planning. Kingdom Morocco possesses richest most varied herpetofauna Maghreb western Mediterranean, is characterized by high richness, endemism number European relict species. Despite Moroccan been subject numerous studies a large international herpetologists since beginning 20th century, few or none concerned their conservation. This study had three main objectives: (1) to identify those areas harbour richness; (2) evaluate existing proposed future ‘important biological ecological sites’ (SIBES) network (CAN) with respect ability protect adequately; (3) priority into which protected can be augmented. We used maximum-entropy run models for 11 amphibian 86 reptile (27.6% endemics 12.4% threatened) we 2,170 single geographic records. A total 97 were create richness map thereby detect both patterns individual was subsequently as basis performance evaluation CAN using ConsNet software initialized “Rarity” first, while representation targets 5% 10%. Additionally, evaluated terms its overlay proximity solutions visual interpretation distance measurements GIS. Our results show poorly under CAN. Prioritization shows major increase required guarantee persistence even global minimum target only An especially needed along parts Atlantic coast, north-western Mediterranean region, on north-eastern well several Sahara, notably vast proportions Vallee du Haut Bas Drâa.