Abstract
Small protected areas dominate some databases and are common features of landscapes, yet their accumulated contributions to biodiversity conservation are not well known. Small areas may contribute to global biodiversity conservation through matrix habitat improvement, connectivity, and preservation of localized ecosystems, but there is relatively little literature regarding this. We review one database showing that the average size of nearly 200,000 protected areas in the United States is ~2000 ha and the median is ~20 ha, and that small areas are by far the most frequent. Overall, 95% and 49% of the records are less than the mean (1648 ha) and median (16 ha), respectively. We show that small areas are prevalent features of landscapes, and review literature suggesting how they should be studied and managed at multiple scales. Applying systematic conservation planning in a spatially hierarchical manner has been suggested by others and could help insure that small, local projects contribute to global goals. However, there are data and financial limitations. While some local groups practice ecosystem management and conservation planning, they will likely continue to protect what is “near and dear” and meet site-based goals unless there is better coordination and sharing of resources by larger organizations.
Highlights
There is wide agreement that the biodiversity crisis is best met with a carefully planned system of large conservation areas within well-connected networks [1]
We show that small areas are prevalent features of landscapes, and review literature suggesting how they should be studied and managed at multiple scales
Applying systematic conservation planning in a spatially hierarchical manner has been suggested by others and could help insure that small, local projects contribute to global goals
Summary
There is wide agreement that the biodiversity crisis is best met with a carefully planned system of large conservation areas within well-connected networks [1]. There has been much research examining the effectiveness of the protected areas’ estate. There is a preponderance of literature concluding that protected areas’ coverage is inadequate, spatial distributions are biased, edge effects are eroding interior conditions, and that there is poor governance resulting in alienation of local human populations [4,5,6]. We will briefly review one dataset—the Protected Areas Database of the United. The Protected Areas Database of the United States V1.4 (PADUS) has 194,518 parcels for the continental. Land 2018, 7, x FOR PEER REVIEW easements, as well as large national parks and forests [10]. The database includes known public areas conservation and voluntarily provided,The private protected areas (e.g., conservation (e.g., easements). Presents unique research and by number, most areas are not large.
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