A simple and extensible framework to identify key areas for the conservation of single vulnerable freshwater species

Abstract

One of the main challenges in conservation biogeography of freshwater fishes is the improvement of conservation planning strategies. Nonetheless, the implementation of such strategies has lagged in freshwater systems, limiting their protection to the priorities of land organisms. Since the repercussions and relative importance for conservation across freshwater species can vary tremendously, and the application of such strategies requires information on multiple species, it is valuable to consider extensible and straightforward approaches that can be applied to single species. Here we use a freshwater fish species native to the Colombian Andes (Brycon henni) as a model to implement a methodology for spatial conservation prioritization considering four criteria: i) representativeness (protection of species distribution), ii) viability (maximizing probability of success), iii) complementarity (recognition of the currently protected area network), and iv) connectivity (promoting connectivity amongst protected areas). Using the proposed methodology based on the potential distribution of B. henni and hydrographic sub-basins as planning units, we recommend the protection of nine sub-basins climatically suitable for the species and with strategic river corridors that would promote the connection amongst basins and the currently protected areas. This methodological proposal can contribute to the current strategy design implemented by the National System of Protected Areas in Colombia to conserve or recover ecosystems and fragmented natural habitats, providing design options that meet ecological and socioeconomic objectives. Lastly, we consider that the methodology proposed here could be used with a more significant number of species of interest and implemented on a regional and global scale.