Assessment of the network of protected areas for birds in Taiwan with regard to functional and phylogenetic diversity

Abstract

In Taiwan, conserved areas represent more than 20% of the current jurisdiction, which is about twice that of the proportion of protected land worldwide. In this study, we explored the spatial distribution of bird assemblages in Taiwan. By analysing functional and phylogenetic diversity relative to elevational gradient, we assessed the network of bird protected areas. Hotspots of species richness were located at the coastal areas of northern and western Taiwan, although hotspots for protected bird species were located in the mountain areas. We found that phylogenetically close birds have similar trait values, and the protected species were evenly distributed in the functional and phylogenetic trees. The assemblages in higher-elevation areas were more phylogenetically clumped than those in lower-elevation areas, indicating that, in addition to elevational gradient, phylogenetic constraint may be a crucial factor that influences bird distribution in Taiwan. However, the current bird protected areas in Taiwan may overly depend on species richness and overlook the importance of the overall phylogenetic diversity.