Evaluation of habitat protection under the European Natura 2000 conservation network - The example for Germany.

摘要: The world´s largest network of protected areas-Natura 2000 (N2000)-has been implemented to protect Europe´s biodiversity. N2000 is built upon two cornerstones, the Birds Directive, which lists 691 bird species (plus one additional genus with no further classification) and Habitats next a variety species, 233 habitat types be protected. There evidence positive impact Directives on EU´s biodiversity, although overall improvement reported for in favourable condition last assessment was low. However, most assessments are focused, while habitats have received very little attention. Here we developed generic workflow, exemplified Germany, assess status coverage within combining information from publicly available data sources. Applying workflow allows identification gaps protection, followed by prioritization potential areas high protection value using conservation planning software Marxan. We found that, covers all target habitats. common were proportionally underrepresented relative rare ones, contrasts studies focussing representation species. Moreover, German case study suggests that especially highly (i.e. covered more than 90% sites) build an excellent basis towards cost-effective efficient network. Our provides approach deal problem missing distribution outside sites, however crucial managers plan actions appropriately across Europe. To avoid biased N2000, our results underpin importance defining qualitative quantitative targets will allow assesment trajectory Europe as well adjustment accordingly-a future necessity light climate change.