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Wild, connected, and diverse: building a more resilient system of protected areas.

Authors :
Belote RT
Dietz MS
Jenkins CN
McKinley PS
Irwin GH
Fullman TJ
Leppi JC
Aplet GH
Source :
Ecological applications : a publication of the Ecological Society of America [Ecol Appl] 2017 Jun; Vol. 27 (4), pp. 1050-1056. Date of Electronic Publication: 2017 May 05.
Publication Year :
2017

Abstract

Current systems of conservation reserves may be insufficient to sustain biodiversity in the face of climate change and habitat losses. Consequently, calls have been made to protect Earth's remaining wildlands and complete the system of protected areas by establishing conservation reserves that (1) better represent ecosystems, (2) increase connectivity to facilitate biota movement in response to stressors including climate change, and (3) promote species persistence within intact landscapes. Using geospatial data, we conducted an assessment for expanding protected areas within the contiguous United States to include the least human-modified wildlands, establish a connected network, and better represent ecosystem diversity and hotspots of biodiversity. Our composite map highlights areas of high value to achieve these goals in the western United States, where existing protected areas and lands with high ecological integrity are concentrated. We also identified important areas in the East rich in species and containing ecosystems that are poorly represented in the existing protected area system. Expanding protection to these priority areas is ultimately expected to create a more resilient system for protecting the nation's biological heritage. This expectation should be subject to rigorous testing prior to implementation, and regional monitoring will ensure areas and actions are adjusted over time.<br /> (© 2017 by the Ecological Society of America.)

Details

Language :
English
ISSN :
1051-0761
Volume :
27
Issue :
4
Database :
MEDLINE
Journal :
Ecological applications : a publication of the Ecological Society of America
Publication Type :
Academic Journal
Accession number :
28263450
Full Text :
https://doi.org/10.1002/eap.1527