Reserve design to optimize the long‐term persistence of multiple species

摘要: Protected areas form the cornerstone of global efforts to conserve biodiversity. Most current methods for designing reserve networks focus on maximizing representation species, but with no assurance that those species will persist in protected landscapes into future. We present a new strategy design combines metapopulation theory spatial conservation prioritization estimate solutions minimize extinction risk across numerous simultaneously. Our framework optimizes configuration reserves maximize persistence an entire assemblage by accounting both and landscape connectivity. As case study, we network 114 terrestrial mammal Indonesian New Guinea. approach builds Marxan, flagship representation-based tool, improving estimated (metapopulation capacity) average 4.6-fold without increasing socioeconomic cost. suggest enhancing persistence, rather than protecting arbitrary proportions species' ranges, should be ultimate objective planning.