An evaluation of alternative strategies for building networks of nature reserves

摘要: Abstract The challenge to maintain biodiversity with limited funding and personnel puts a premium on building reserve networks that maximize species number per area. Here I compare two alternative strategies suggested by the SLOSS debate (accumulating nature reserves from small-to-large (STL) or large-to-small (LTS) best possible network of reserves. was determined computer program (BEST) which considered all combinations then selected subset satisfied specified selection criterion. Here, criterion included target in smallest total In addition, compared null model randomly accumulated For ten data sets including diversity biotas (nonvolant mammals, bats, birds, reptiles, amphibians, ants, isopods plants), found STL LTS be equivalent maximizing To include species, however, both required much more area than and, most cases, random accumulations These results argue strongly against generic prescriptions for conserving biodiversity. Given empirical studies biota question, analytical solutions such as presented here will serve valuable tools preserving