Conservation Value Of Sites Research Articles

Limitations of beta diversity in conservation site selection

Preservation of diversity is a key issue in many conservation efforts. It has recently been suggested that beta diversity should be considered in conservation planning and that sites with high local contribution to beta diversity (LCBD) may be valuable for conservation. Yet, such an approach has not been applied to freshwater mussels, a highly imperiled group of organisms. We used a dataset on freshwater mussel from the five largest rivers of southwestern Ontario, Canada to examine whether LCBD would be an efficient approach for assessing the conservation value of sites and compared it to more traditional conservation approaches (biomonitoring, high richness, high abundance). Sites with high LCBD value were associated with low mussel richness and were often characterized by mussels that are regionally widespread and usually abundant in lentic systems or smaller streams, limiting site selection based on beta diversity. Species at risk (including IUCN categories of Critically Endangered through Near Threatened) were more likely to occur in communities with high richness and abundance at sites chosen by the more traditional approaches. Thus, protecting sites with higher alpha diversity of mussels would also support higher gamma diversity of mussels. The provision of important ecosystem services by higher abundances of mussels which was also correlated with local richness should be considered as well. Our study suggests that there likely is an important link between high richness and abundance of mussels and the presence of species at risk which we argue is driven by facilitation (i.e., positive species interaction), an important, yet understudied, process that deserves more attention in conservation.

Vegetation richness and rarity in habitats of European conservation value in Ireland

Abstract Species richness is widely used as a measure of biodiversity in quantifying the conservation value of sites or habitats and in researching ecological functioning, but it gives equal weighting to different species irrespective of their rarity. We developed a Rarity Co-efficient and related indices utilising plant species distribution records to investigate the significance of this limitation and applied these to quantitative vegetation plot data from Irish habitats of European importance. The conservation value of habitats and ecosystems differed markedly depending upon whether it was measured by species richness, species rarity or both richness and rarity. Application of abundance-weighting had noteworthy effects on index values at the community level; dominance of non-native or very common species reduced values, while abundance of rare species increased values. Index values varied along successional gradients occurring in coastal dune systems and saltmarsh. Almost no significant concordance was found between the rankings of habitats based on richness or rarity index values derived from vascular plant data and those based on index values derived from bryophyte data, therefore these taxonomic groups are poor surrogates for each other. Habitats were divided into three categories based on similar patterns in these rankings: (a) habitats with specialist vascular plants, (b) species-rich vascular plant habitats and (c) important bryophyte habitats. Habitat assessment criteria should reflect these broad differences in conservation value. Integration of rarity indices into site conservation value assessments is recommended.

Biodiversity conservation development based on Systematic Conservation Planning in urban areas

The purpose of this study is to apply the commonly used biodiversity conservation method, Systematic Conservation Planning, to identify the priority conservation areas in Harbin, China, using the conservation planning software C-Plan. Biodiversity features, spatial distributions and respective targets were compiled into C-Plan and built a database to calculate the irreplaceability index which represents the conservation value of sites. Results showed that about 30% of the study area has moderate or higher biodiversity conservation value. This process enables conservation planning and prioritizing work to be more scientific providing a feasible and effective framework for the establishment of urban conservation systems.

Global patterns in the divergence between phylogenetic diversity and species richness in terrestrial birds

AbstractAimThe conservation value of sites is often based on species richness (SR). However, metrics of phylogenetic diversity (PD) reflect a community's evolutionary potential and reveal the potential for additional conservation value above that based purely on SR. Although PD is typically correlated with SR, localized differences in this relationship have been found in different taxa. Here, we explore geographical variation in global avian PD. We identify where PD is higher or lower than expected (from SR) and explore correlates of those differences, to find communities with high irreplaceability, in terms of the uniqueness of evolutionary histories.LocationGlobal terrestrial.MethodsUsing comprehensive avian phylogenies and global distributional data for all extant birds, we calculated SR and Faith's PD, a widely applied measure of community PD, across the terrestrial world. We modelled the relationship between avian PD for terrestrial birds and its potential environmental correlates. Analyses were conducted at a global scale and also for individual biogeographical realms. Potential explanatory variables of PD included SR, long‐term climate stability, climatic diversity (using altitudinal range as a proxy), habitat diversity and proximity to neighbouring realms.ResultsWe identified areas of high and low relative PD (rPD; PD relative to that expected given SR). Areas of high rPD were associated with deserts and islands, while areas of low rPD were associated with historical glaciation. Our results suggest that rPD is correlated with different environmental variables in different parts of the world.Main conclusionsThere is geographical variation in avian rPD, much of which can be explained by putative drivers. However, the importance of these drivers shows pronounced regional variation. Moreover, the variation in avian rPD differs substantially from patterns found for mammals and amphibians. We suggest that PD adds additional insights about the irreplaceability of communities to conventional metrics of biodiversity based on SR, and could be usefully included in assessments of site valuation and prioritization.

Simple tools for the evaluation of protected areas for the conservation of grasshoppers

Spatial conservation prioritization needs a strong informational background on the conservation value of sites. However, standard diversity indices do not distinguish between less valuable (e.g. invasive species) and highly valuable species (e.g. threatened endemics). Furthermore, park managers often lack the taxonomic capacity to study species-rich insect groups. Therefore, there is a need for indices that consider the conservation value of species and simple indicators for the conservation value of sites. The aim of our study was to develop such indices and test them in a biodiversity hotspot. We studied grasshopper diversity in the UNESCO World Heritage “Cape Floral Region Protected Areas” (South Africa). We used endemism, mobility and rarity to calculate a grasshopper conservation index (GCI) for each species and site and a standardized index (GCIn) to evaluate the mean conservation value of species per site. We analyzed the indicator value (IndVal) of environmental factors for identifying sites of high conservation value or high biodiversity. Unlike plant species richness, we found the highest species richness in the Eastern Cape. The main factors determining grasshopper diversity were vegetation heterogeneity, altitude and cover of bare ground. The abundance of wingless grasshopper species and the ratio of wingless to winged species were suitable indicators of conservation value (regarding the diversity of rare or endemic species) of sites. These factors might function as conservation indicators in other regions as well, as they are generally associated with the occurrence of endemic species. GCI/GCIn are globally applicable tools for the evaluation of grasshopper communities.

Introducing Intensively Managed Spruce Plantations in Swedish Forest Landscapes will Impair Biodiversity Decline

Due to pressure to raise forest productivity in Sweden, there are proposals to apply more intensive forestry methods, but they could have potentially large effects on biodiversity. Here we report a compilation and evaluation of the extent and significance of such effects. We evaluated potential effects on biodiversity by introducing intensively fertilized Norway spruce plantations as a management option in Swedish forests with low conservation values on insects, vascular plants, lichens, bryophytes, and red-listed species. Due to a lack of specific studies addressing this question, we based the evaluation on a combination of available and appropriate empiric and anecdotic knowledge; literature data, and expert judgments largely available in species data bases. Our evaluations suggest that such forests will only harbor species that are common and widespread in conventionally managed stands and that species of conservation interest will be lacking, due to the low heterogeneity and light intensity of even-aged monocultures with dense canopies, short rotation times and low availability of coarse woody debris. Effects at the landscape scale are more difficult to evaluate, but will be dependent on the area utilized and the conservation value of sites used. We conclude that negative effects on biodiversity can be reduced if: (1) only land with the lowest conservational value is utilized; (2) plantations are spatially arranged to minimize fragmentation of the landscape; (3) the quality and quantity of key structural elements (e.g., coarse woody debris, old living trees and snags) are maintained at the landscape level; and (4) management intensity is relaxed on other land. For effective implementation of these measures, legislative frameworks and policy instruments need to be adjusted and new models for planning and monitoring need to be developed.

The Geological Conservation Review (GCR) in Great Britain—Rationale and methods

Geoconservation – protecting, managing and enhancing natural geological features and materials, and geomorphological landforms and processes – is especially important in Great Britain, a place sometimes described as the ‘cradle’ of the science of geology. For such a small area of land, Britain has an unusually diverse geological make-up, with rocks from every geological period present. Many stratigraphical terms used internationally were devised here, and British sites provide key study areas where important new geological theories were developed in the pioneering era of the Earth sciences. Therefore, with such a wealth of geology, and Britain's seminal place in the science itself, it is particularly important to conserve and protect key localities here for future generations. A first step in that process is the auditing of the geology and geomorphology of Britain, by carrying out a scientific evaluation exercise according to standard criteria, and creating an inventory of the most important sites for science. In the mid-1970s, the Nature Conservancy Council (NCC) began an ambitious programme for assessment and documentation of the most important sites for the scientific study of geology and geomorphology in Great Britain, building on previous statutory site conservation activity that had already been started in 1949 by the former Nature Conservancy. As a result, the ‘Geological Conservation Review’ (GCR) was formally launched in 1977. The GCR was a world-first project of its type in the systematic assessment of the whole geological heritage of a country, from first principles. Widespread consultation with geologists and geomorphologists across Great Britain was co-ordinated; their guidance and involvement was a key component of the site selection process. Almost 3000 nationally or internationally important sites had been selected for around 100 site-selection categories for the GCR register by 1990. Almost all the GCR sites are now conserved under British law as Sites of Special Scientific Interest (SSSIs), the GCR information providing the scientific evidence-base that underpins that designation. As part of the site-selection process – which is still active – a considerable archive of information about geological sites was amassed. A major publication exercise detailing all the GCR sites in what was to become the GCR Series of books was devised early on in the GCR programme. Thirty-six volumes of the GCR Series have been seen to completion by NCC and the Joint Nature Conservation Committee, and many GCR site reports have been many made freely available on the World Wide Web. As a new venture, the remaining nine volumes will now be published by Elsevier Science Publishers as Special Issues of the Proceedings of the Geologists’ Association. Each GCR volume includes an overview of the subject and outlines the history of study of the relevant branch of the Earth sciences, but most importantly contains detailed accounts of the features of geological importance in the sites described. A scientific interpretation is provided for each site account, which includes supportive illustrations, tables and photographs and an extensive reference list. The GCR rationale, methods and information resource have been invaluable in almost every aspect of geoconservation carried out in Britain, including World Heritage Site nominations, protection of stratotypes, justifying the scientific conservation value of sites at Public Inquiries, in stimulating geological research and in providing a readily available information resource for local, regional, national and international geoconservation activities.

Testing a typology system of running waters for conservation planning in Hungary

Landscape and site classifications are increasingly being used in conservation planning and biodiversity management. We examined the utility of a simple typology system for predicting the conservation value of running-water sites in Hungary using aquatic invertebrates. Aquatic invertebrates (444 species) were collected by kick and sweep sampling technique, in a few cases also with a net, at 317 running-water sites covering the entire area of Hungary. On the basis of three criteria (naturalness, altitude and size of catchment area) we obtained a typology scheme distinguishing five running-water types: artificial lowland stream, natural highland river, natural highland stream, natural lowland river and natural lowland stream. We expressed the conservation value of each site using the numbers of native species, unique native species, red-list species, protected species and alien species. Furthermore, the conservation value of each river type was expressed by a measure of beta diversity. Our results show that any interpretation of the effect of a single criterion might be misleading. Consequently, the use of the whole typology system is recommended. The study revealed that all stream types are valuable to a certain extent because they maintain distinct biological communities. We found that the conservation value of artificial watercourses is comparable to that of natural running-water sites. We identified that natural lowland rivers and artificial lowland streams are the ones mostly exposed to species invasions. These findings are essential in maintaining and protecting conservation values of any freshwater ecosystem, and may contribute to management decisions on running waters in Hungary.

Conservation Value of Sites of Hybridization in Peripheral Populations of Rare Plant Species

Populations at the periphery of a species' range are of interest to conservation biologists because they can show marked genetic differentiation from populations at the center of a range and because of potential hybridization among rare and common species. We examined two closely related Cyclamen species. One is a narrow endemic, and the other is more geographically widespread (both protected by law in continental southern France). We used floral traits and genetic variability to test for hybridization among the species in peripheral populations of the rare species. The species co-occurred on Corsica in a disjunct, peripheral part of the distribution of the endemic species and in an ecologically marginal area for the widespread species. The two species have hybridized and the endemic species showed high levels of introgression with its widespread congener. Genetic and floral variability in sites with both species was markedly higher than in sites with a single species. Our results highlight the need for a conservation strategy that integrates hybrid populations because they represent a source of novel diversity that may have adaptive potential.

A landscape approach for estimating the conservation value of sites and site-based projects, with examples from New Zealand

In the absence of detailed biodiversity information it is difficult to prioritise site-based conservation projects. However, if conservation goals are expressed in terms of habitat then conservation projects may be readily valued and prioritised. The New Zealand Government has adopted the goal of maintaining and restoring a full range of remaining natural habitats to a healthy and functioning state. We derive a measure of progress towards this goal using a quantitative environmental classification of habitats. The measure involves the biodiversity value (i.e. the total economic value) of natural habitats at their original extent, the proportions of natural habitats remaining, and their condition. Sites and associated conservation projects can be valued by calculating contribution to the measure of progress. The valuation methodology is demonstrated for estimating site value, protection project value, and restoration project value for selected applications in New Zealand. Where the costs of proposed conservation projects are known, then a cost–benefit analysis may be performed to prioritise projects to maximise the gain in conservation value per dollar spent. This provides a simple and rapid method for prioritising conservation projects without having detailed site-based biodiversity information.

Biodiversity: bridging the gap between condition and conservation

The aim of this study is to create a two-tiered assessment combining restoration and conservation, both needed for biodiversity management. The first tier of this approach assesses the condition of a site using a standard bioassessment method, AUSRIVAS, to determine whether significant loss of biodiversity has occurred because of human activity. The second tier assesses the conservation value of sites that were determined to be unimpacted in the first step against a reference database. This ensures maximum complementarity without having to set a priori target areas. Using the reference database, we assign site-specific and comparable coefficients for both restoration (Observed/Expected taxa with >50% probability of occurrence) and conservation values (O/E taxa with <50%, rare taxa). In, a trial on 75 sites on rivers around Sydney, NSW, Australia we were able to identify three regions: (1) an area that may need restoration; (2) an area that had a high conservation value and; (3) a region that was identified as having significant biodiversity loss but with high potential to respond to rehabilitation and become a biodiversity hotspot. These examples highlight the use of the new framework as a comprehensive system for biodiversity assessment.

The conservation-related benefits of a systematic marine biological sampling programme: The Tasmanian reef bioregionalisation as a case study

In order to maximise the conservation value of sites within a proposed system of representative marine protected areas (MPAs) around Tasmania, quantitative surveys of plants and animals were made at over 150 shallow rocky reef sites around the Tasmanian coastline and Bass Strait islands. Data were analysed using several different methods (overlap of species ranges, multidimensional scaling and ecotone analysis) to produce a state bioregionalisation. Reef communities in the northern Bass Strait area were found to be distinctly different from those occurring further south, and are considered here to reflect a division between two biogeographical provinces. These two areas were each divisible into four biogeographical regions (bioregions), which occurred along the northern, northeastern, southeastern, southern and western coasts of Tasmania, and around the Kent Group, the Furneaux Group and King Island in Bass Strait. At least one marine reserve within each bioregion would be required within an integrated system of representative MPAs. In addition to the production of a state-wide bioregionalisation and the identification of appropriate MPA sites, the systematic sampling programme generated a number of other benefits. Tasmanian data have been used as baseline data (1) to assess the impact of MPAs after they have been declared; (2) to determine the biological effects of an oil spill; (3) to monitor changes in the ranges of introduced species (e.g. the kelp Undaria pinnatifida) and to detect their impacts on native species; and (4) to identify associations between marine plants and animals, including species of commercial importance. Data are also expected to be used for monitoring long-term effects of climate change.