Improving the surrogacy effectiveness of charismatic megafauna with well-surveyed taxonomic groups and habitat types

摘要: Summary 1. Conservation planning often relies on the use of surrogates for representing many aspects biodiversity. Previous tests effectiveness charismatic mammals as biodiversity have suffered from lack fine-resolution data and produced varied contrasting results. 2. In this study, we used unique high-resolution more than 600 features Maputaland–Pondoland–Albany global hot spot to assess how surrogacy ‘Big Five’ mammal species could be improved. 3. We found that combining with well-known surveyed taxonomic groups, such birds, amphibians reptiles, habitat types, which can mapped quickly inexpensively, increases representation poorly endemic threatened invertebrate plant species, well other species. particular, types were an integral component a successful surrogate strategy. Nevertheless, broad cross-taxon group composed Five’, was effective their own. Meanwhile, groups not 4. As important marketing value, they promoted generate funding, then facilitate implementation conservation action cover management costs, thereby indirectly benefiting 5. Synthesis applications. While some geographic areas taxa been extensively studied, detailed information about distributions is missing much world. This study provides operational relevance prioritize in world poor are good also necessary strategies plants insects. Overall, combination mammals, complemented (birds, reptiles), provided highest effects.