Incorporating ecological functions in conservation decision making. Issue 20 (7th September 2017)

• Record Type: Journal Article
• Authors: Decker, Emilia; Linke, Simon; Hermoso, Virgilio; Geist, Juergen
• Is Part Of: Ecology and evolution. Volume 7:Issue 20(2017:Nov.)
• Page Start: 8273
• Page End: 8281
• Publication Date: 2017-09-07
• Subjects: biodiversity -- biological traits -- MARXAN -- systematic conservation planning -- trophic level; Ecology -- Periodicals; Evolution -- Periodicals; 577.05
• DOI: 10.1002/ece3.3353
• Languages: English
• ISSNs: 2045-7758

Abstract

Abstract: Systematic conservation planning has become a standard approach globally, but prioritization of conservation efforts hardly considers species traits in decision making. This can be important for species persistence and thus adequacy of the conservation plan. Here, we developed and validated a novel approach of incorporating trophic information into a systematic conservation planning framework. We demonstrate the benefits of this approach using fish data from Europe's second largest river, the Danube. Our results show that adding trophic information leads to a different spatial configuration of priority areas at no additional cost. This can enhance identification of priority refugia for species in the lower position of the trophic web while simultaneously identifying areas that represent a more diverse species pool. Our methodological approach to incorporating species traits into systematic conservation planning is generally applicable, irrespective of realm, geographical area, and species composition and can potentially lead to more adequate conservation plans. Abstract : We present a novel methodological solution on how to incorporate biological information into spatially explicit systematic conservation planning. Our results show that adding species traits leads to a different spatial distribution of priority areas which can enhance safety of prey by providing natural refugia while simultaneously identifying areas that represent all species, where trophic interactions can be maintained. The methodological solution proposed herein is generally applicable, irrespective of habitat type, geographical area and species composition and has the potential to change the current priority settings in biodiversity conservation planning.