Conservation in a changing world: biodiversity hotspots and the distracting paradigm

摘要: A recent report from the Fifth World Parks Congress in Durban, South Africa, shows that global network of protected areas covers now 11.5% earth’s surface (Rodrigues et al. 2004). This percentage surpasses 10% target proposed last held Caracas a decade ago (McNelly 1993). Finally main conservation goal is reached! But… does it means biodiversity crisis reaches an end, returning hope for long term maintenance world’s biota? The answer rotund “not at all”: Rodrigues (2004) show still far representing most species terrestrial mammals, birds, turtles, and amphibians, some best known biological groups. Not even mentioning other groups like plants huge less insects fungi... all “invisible life” (Nee Were precedent estimates ten years too low? What then “optimal” with which biota will be protected? I won’t risk answer, rather believe this doesn’t exist, illusion, chimera supported by out-of date paradigm.