The Effectiveness of Iberian Protected Areas in Conserving Terrestrial Biodiversity

摘要: The Iberian Peninsula harbors about 50% of European plant and terrestrial vertebrate species more than 30% endemic species. Despite the global recognition its importance, selection protected areas has been ad hoc effectiveness such choices rarely assessed. We compiled most comprehensive distributional data set available to date used it assess degree representation within existing areas. Existing in Spain Portugal reasonably represented animal we considered (73-98%). Nevertheless, some groups (amphibians, reptiles, birds, gymnosperms) did not accumulate at a rate higher expected by chance (p > 0.05). determined that conserve all Peninsula, least 36 additional are needed. Selection for conservation would be facilitated if coincided with sites community importance (SCI) designated under Commission Habitats Directive. Additional required full selected coincide SCI Spain. coincidence varies between 0.3% 74.6%, there is possibility important occur outside SCI. Our results support view current can prioritization conservation, but systematic reevaluation priorities necessary ensure effective one European's biodiversity regions achieved.