Global priorities for conservation across multiple dimensions of mammalian diversity
Publisher DOI
PubMed ID
28674013
Abstract
Conservation priorities that are based on species distribution, endemism, and vulnerability may underrepresent biologically unique species as well as their functional roles and evolutionary histories. To ensure that priorities are biologically comprehensive, multiple dimensions of diversity must be considered. Further, understanding how the different dimensions relate to one another spatially is important for conservation prioritization, but the relationship remains poorly understood. Here, we use spatial conservation planning to (i) identify and compare priority regions for global mammal conservation across three key dimensions of biodiversity—taxonomic, phylogenetic, and traits—and (ii) determine the overlap of these regions with the locations of threatened species and existing protected areas. We show that priority areas for mammal conservation exhibit low overlap across the three dimensions, highlighting the need for an integrative approach for biodiversity conservation. Additionally, currently protected areas poorly represent the three dimensions of mammalian biodiversity. We identify areas of high conservation priority among and across the dimensions that should receive special attention for expanding the global protected area network. These high-priority areas, combined with areas of high priority for other taxonomic groups and with social, economic, and political considerations, provide a biological foundation for future conservation planning efforts.
Date Issued
2017-07-18
Publication Type
Article
Subject(s)
Subjects
complementarity
•
phylogenetic dimension
•
spatial conservation prioritization
•
taxonomic dimension
•
trait dimension
Language(s)
en
Author(s)
Brum, Fernanda T. | |
Graham, Catherine H. | |
Costa, Gabriel C. | |
Hedges, S. Blair | |
Radeloff, Volker C. | |
Rondinini, Carlo | |
Loyola, Rafael | |
Davidson, Ana D. |
Additional Credits
Journal
Proceedings of the National Academy of Sciences of the United States of America - PNAS
Publisher
National Academy of Sciences NAS
ISSN
0027-8424
Access(Rights)
restricted