When the method for mapping species matters: defining priority areas for conservation of African freshwater turtles

摘要: Aim  Defining priority areas for conservation is essential to minimize biodiversity loss, but the adoption of different methods describing species distributions influences outcomes. In order provide a robust basis freshwater turtles in Africa, we compared effect that species-mapping approaches had on derived patterns richness, vulnerability and protected-area representativeness. Location  Africa. Methods  We adopted three with increasing complexity generating distribution maps. The first approach was based geographic intersection records grid squares; second union local convex polygons; third inductive modelling techniques. used maps, generated using these approaches, determine priorities richness vulnerability, as well conducting gap irreplaceability analyses. Results  obtained markedly maps methods, which turn caused differences priorities. grid-square underestimated range sizes while polygon overestimated attributes. provided most realistic outcome terms diversity patterns, by minimizing both commission omission errors. An integrated map – combining individual measures identified Gulf Guinea coast Albertine Rift major areas. Main conclusions  Each has advantages disadvantages. choice appropriate any given situation depends availability locality relative importance mitigating Our findings suggest circumstances, use many other approaches. this study should be considered targeting efforts conserve Africa coming years.