High Conservation Potential Research Articles

Protected species outside the protected areas: People's attitude, threats and conservation of the Yellow Monitor (Varanus flavescens) in the Far-western Lowlands of Nepal

Although there is high potential for conservation of species outside protected areas, it is often neglected in researches and conservation programs. Protected species are legally protected even outside the protected areas and can be flagships for conservation in these areas, but their conservation aspects in these areas are poorly studied. We studied conservation aspects of a poorly known species, Yellow Monitor (Varanus flavescens), which is protected in most of its range countries, outside the protected areas in the Far-western lowlands of Nepal. We studied people's relationship, attitudes and threats to the species through questionnaire survey with adults and children in Parasan Village Development Committee of Kanchanpur District. We found that most of the adults were unaware about the protected status and importance of the species, and both adults as well as children killed the species. The study revealed that most of the killing occurred in agricultural land and children were more responsible for the killing than the adults. We found that monsoon vacation in schools increased the threat to the species. Our study revealed that fear from the species was the main reason and use of the species as food, medicine and hide were other reasons for killing of the species by adults. Low awareness was the major reason behind the killing by children as most of the killing was not related to any good reasons. We estimated that 87 individuals of the species could have been killed in the area in that year. Based on available evidences, we recommend further studies to predict the vulnerability of the species. Our study suggests that raising awareness among locals about its legal status and importance is the simple and efficient measure for the conservation of the species as well as for conserving other protected species outside the protected areas.

Four decades of forest persistence, clearance and logging on Borneo.

The native forests of Borneo have been impacted by selective logging, fire, and conversion to plantations at unprecedented scales since industrial-scale extractive industries began in the early 1970s. There is no island-wide documentation of forest clearance or logging since the 1970s. This creates an information gap for conservation planning, especially with regard to selectively logged forests that maintain high conservation potential. Analysing LANDSAT images, we estimate that 75.7% (558,060 km2) of Borneo's area (737,188 km2) was forested around 1973. Based upon a forest cover map for 2010 derived using ALOS-PALSAR and visually reviewing LANDSAT images, we estimate that the 1973 forest area had declined by 168,493 km2 (30.2%) in 2010. The highest losses were recorded in Sabah and Kalimantan with 39.5% and 30.7% of their total forest area in 1973 becoming non-forest in 2010, and the lowest in Brunei and Sarawak (8.4%, and 23.1%). We estimate that the combined area planted in industrial oil palm and timber plantations in 2010 was 75,480 km2, representing 10% of Borneo. We mapped 271,819 km of primary logging roads that were created between 1973 and 2010. The greatest density of logging roads was found in Sarawak, at 0.89 km km−2, and the lowest density in Brunei, at 0.18 km km−2. Analyzing MODIS-based tree cover maps, we estimate that logging operated within 700 m of primary logging roads. Using this distance, we estimate that 266,257 km2 of 1973 forest cover has been logged. With 389,566 km2 (52.8%) of the island remaining forested, of which 209,649 km2 remains intact. There is still hope for biodiversity conservation in Borneo. Protecting logged forests from fire and conversion to plantations is an urgent priority for reducing rates of deforestation in Borneo.

Field survey on multi-family buildings in order to depict their energy characteristics

The energy performance of buildings directive (EPBD) (91/2002/EU) opened the way for member states of European Union to create and apply a holistic approach on buildings’ energy performance. Taking into consideration the reduced ratio of new buildings, energy refurbishment of existing building stock appears as a nodal point. In particular, buildings in Greece accounts approximately 4 million, while 70% has been constructed before the implementation of the first Thermal Insulation Regulation (TIR), thus they do not have any insulation. So, there is an extremely high potential for energy conservation in Greek building stock. Therefore, an extensive field study was carried out in northern area of Greece in Thessaloniki, through a detailed questionnaire. The purpose of the research is to create an integrated thermal insulation scheme in order to succeed the highest mitigation of energy losses through building envelope. Retrofitting insulation solutions were evaluated and applied through various simulation scenarios with different levels of insulation thickness.

Baseline Environmental Impact Assessment of Phytodiversity in a Proposed Floor Sweeping Canalization of Abonnema Wharf Adjoining Water Ways and Aiteo Jetty Development Project

This report describes the results of an ecological baseline impact assessment study of the Aiteo operational area. This baseline has merit based on the context of a proposed canalization / floor sweeping of adjoining water ways, construction and development of a Jetty project in Abonnema Wharf Area, Port Harcourt, Rivers State. This study was aimed at establishing the existing conditions of the environment and envisaged degrees of potential impact on the area against which future changes may be assessed and secondly, reviewing the possible risks to the environment likely to arise from the canalization, construction and operation of the Jetty. A standard procedure of integrated field study was adapted to qualitatively and quantitatively assess floristic profile of the vegetation in the area. The result of the study has recorded climax mangrove forest vegetation, though with some levels of heterogeneity and discrete homogeneity as a result of imbalances in the local environmental conditions incursioned by both natural and human factors. However, the ecosystem still maintains the status of abundance, richness and evenness with obvious similarity in floristic composition and forest structure to that in tropical forest elsewhere in the world. It is obvious that the Abonnema wharf forest ecosystem is gradually being destroyed without proper articulation of its wealth of flora diversity. Its mangrove forest vegetation is variable in size, form and plant community structure. It is one of the most productive ecosystems with enormous benefits to the people in this part of Niger Delta, Nigeria, and the store house of bio- diversity providing suitable habitats for plants, important areas for rare and endangered wildlife. The application of phyto-sociological indices of assessment for the mangrove vegetation complex in terms of species diversity in richness and evenness, density, abundance, IVI, distribution pattern and defined vegetation structure has been highlighted, indicating the area to be of high conservation potential if protected from both natural and human perturbation.

Dragonflies of freshwater pools in lignite spoil heaps: Restoration management, habitat structure and conservation value

Although numerous studies of several terrestrial groups have revealed high conservation potential of post-industrial sites, freshwater habitats in post-mining sites still remain little explored. Here we present a study of dragonflies (Odonata) colonizing 61 freshwater pools newly established at 9 lignite spoil heaps in the north-western Czech Republic, Central Europe. We aimed mainly on effects of the three prevailing pool restoration methods (spontaneously inundated depressions at non-reclaimed sites, at reclaimed sites; and novel technically constructed ponds) along with several factors of the local habitat and surrounding landscape on species richness, conservation values, and species composition of the dragonfly communities. By recording of 32 species of lentic dragonflies (including 8 threatened ones) and 2 additional threatened lotic species, we documented the conservation value of post-industrial habitats also for aquatic arthropods. None of the three restoration methods supported dragonfly communities of distinctly higher conservation value then did the two others, each method generated habitats for different threatened species. Similar patterns were revealed also for vegetation heterogeneity, bottom substrate, water shading, and surrounding terrestrial habitats. We thus conclude that a mosaic-like combination of the restoration methods and creating of heterogeneous water pools will be most effective for restoring of freshwater biodiversity in highly degraded sites.

Ecological niche models for the evaluation of management options in an urban floodplain—conservation vs. restoration purposes

Abstract The Lobau, a former dynamic floodplain area of the Danube River situated close to Vienna (Austria), was strongly affected by the river regulation in 1875. The reduced hydrological connectivity changed the conditions in the system which is nowadays groundwater-fed, back-flooded, and characterized by sedimentation and terrestrialisation processes. On one hand, the artificially created habitat types have a high conservation potential; they harbour a rich community whose habitat range has been reduced due to degradation in the cultural landscape. On the other hand, restoration efforts aim to reverse the anthropogenic impact due to damming and to restore the natural status of the wetland with its dynamic hydrological regime and its associated rheophilic community as far as possible. The challenge for floodplain managers is now to develop a compromise solution that integrates restoration and conservation efforts. The potential options range from the conservation of the present status to the restoration of the floodplain towards pristine conditions. We used a logistic regression approach to predict the potential habitat availability for indicator species including highly endangered and flagship species which are used for attracting public support for the conservation/restoration measures. The results represent the actual and potential future community of the system for the management options. Based on the results we make recommendations for the selection of a best compromise for the management of the floodplain with special regard to the legal objectives.

Conservation priorities and optimum allocation of conservation funds for Vietnamese local chicken breeds

The objectives of this study were to estimate conservation potential of Vietnamese local breeds and to investigate optimal allocation of conservation funds to maximize genetic diversity conserved between these breeds. Twenty-nine microsatellites were genotyped in 353 individuals from nine Vietnamese local chicken breeds and two chicken breeds of Chinese origin. The Vietnamese chicken breeds were sampled from the northern and southern parts of Vietnam while the two Chinese breeds have been kept as conservation flocks at the National Institute of Animal Sciences, Hanoi. The Weitzman approach was used to assess alternative strategies for conserving genetic diversity between breeds. Three different models, which reflect the range of possible functions in typical conservation situations, were applied. An average extinction probability of 48.5% was estimated for all Vietnamese chicken breeds. The highest conservation potential was found in the Te, Dong Tao and Ac chicken breeds, whereas the lowest corresponding values were observed in the Ri and Mia chicken breeds. The conservation funds were mainly allocated to the same three breeds (Te, Dong Tao and Ac) under all three models. This study suggests that conservation potential of the Vietnamese chicken breeds varies considerably. Population priorities for allocation of conservation funds in this study do not depend on the cost model used. The three breeds (Te, Dong Tao and Ac) with the highest conservation potential should be the prime candidates to be allocated conservation funds if the conservation budgets are limited.

Association of a functional variant downstream of TNFAIP3 with systemic lupus erythematosus

Systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE, MIM152700) is an autoimmune disease characterized by self-reactive antibodies resulting in systemic inflammation and organ failure. TNFAIP3, encoding the ubiquitin-modifying enzyme A20, is an established susceptibility locus for SLE. By fine mapping and genomic re-sequencing in ethnically diverse populations, we fully characterized the TNFAIP3 risk haplotype and identified a TT>A polymorphic dinucleotide (deletion T followed by a T to A transversion) associated with SLE in subjects of European (P = 1.58 × 10(-8), odds ratio = 1.70) and Korean (P = 8.33 × 10(-10), odds ratio = 2.54) ancestry. This variant, located in a region of high conservation and regulatory potential, bound a nuclear protein complex composed of NF-κB subunits with reduced avidity. Further, compared with the non-risk haplotype, the haplotype carrying this variant resulted in reduced TNFAIP3 mRNA and A20 protein expression. These results establish this TT>A variant as the most likely functional polymorphism responsible for the association between TNFAIP3 and SLE.

Saproxylic and non‐saproxylic beetle assemblages in boreal spruce forests of different age and forestry intensity

Current clear-cutting forestry practices affect many boreal organisms negatively, and those dependent on dead wood (saproxylics) are considered as particularly vulnerable. The succession of species assemblages in managed forest habitats regenerating after clear-cutting is, however, poorly known. We compared beetle assemblages in three successional stages of managed boreal spruce forests established after clear-cutting and two types of older spruce forests that had not been clear-cut. We also assessed whether saproxylic and non-saproxylic beetle assemblages show similar biodiversity patterns among these forest types. Beetles were collected in window traps in nine study areas, each encompassing a protected old-growth forest (mean forest age approximately 160 years, mean dead wood volume 34 m3/ha), an unprotected mature forest (approximately 120 years old, 15 m3/ha), a middle-aged commercially thinned forest (53 years old, 3 m3/ha), a young unthinned forest (30 years old, 4 m3/ha), and a clearcut (5-7 years after harvest, 11 m3/ha). Saproxylic beetles, in particular red-listed species, were more abundant and more species rich in older forest types, whereas no significant differences among forest types in these variables were detected for non-saproxylics. The saproxylic assemblages were clearly differentiated; with increasing forest age, assemblage compositions gradually became more similar to those of protected old-growth forests, but the assemblage composition in thinned forests could not be statistically distinguished from those of the two oldest forest types. Many saproxylic beetles adapted to late-successional stages were present in thinned middle-aged forests but absent from younger unthinned forests. In contrast, non-saproxylics were generally more evenly distributed among the five forest types, and the assemblages were mainly differentiated between clearcuts and forested habitats. The saproxylic beetle assemblages of unprotected mature forests were very similar to those of protected old-growth forests. This indicates a relatively high conservation value of mature boreal forests currently subjected to clear-cutting and raises the question of whether future mature forests will have the same qualities. Our results suggest a high beetle conservation potential of developing managed forests, provided that sufficient amounts and qualities of dead wood are made available (e.g., during thinning operations). Confirming studies of beetle reproduction in dead wood introduced during thinning are, however, lacking.

Sensitising rural policy: Assessing spatial variation in rural development options for Europe

Regional distinctiveness is supported by the European Union in rural development policy. However, there is little information about the spatial distribution of the potential for rural development across Europe. The concept of territorial capital is used to consider spatial characteristics in assessing the capacity for rural development. Expert-based descriptions of territorial capital are translated into mappable proxies to locate regions with development capacities in intensive agriculture, off-farm employment, rural tourism and conservation. Combining these potentials, the capacity for multiple functions within regions is assessed. A partial validation of the expert-based weighing of territorial capital is done by comparison with an empirical approach based on logistic regression. The results indicate strong variation between regions in rural development potentials. In Western Europe, regions with high rural tourism probability also share a high potential for conservation while opportunities for intensive agriculture and off-farm employment are generally low. In other parts of Europe these correlations are less pronounced. Several regions offer limited potential in all four considered functions while few regions have potential in all four functions. The assessment provides policymakers with assistance in identifying competitive rural development projects. Targeting rural development policies to high potential areas may increase policy efficiency.

Spontaneous succession in limestone quarries as an effective restoration tool for endangered arthropods and plants

Summary1.The view of post‐mining sites is rapidly changing among ecologists and conservationists, as sensitive restoration using spontaneous succession may turn such sites into biodiversity refuges in human‐exploited regions. However, technical reclamation, consisting of covering the sites by topsoil, sowing fast‐growing herb mixtures and planting trees, is still commonly adopted. Until now, no multi‐taxa study has compared technically reclaimed sites and sites left with spontaneous succession.2.We sampled communities of vascular plants and 10 arthropod groups in technically reclaimed and spontaneously restored plots in limestone quarries in the Bohemian Karst, Czech Republic. For comparison, we used pairedt‐tests and multivariate methods, emphasizing red‐list status and habitat specialization of individual species.3.We recorded 692 species of target taxa, with a high proportion of red‐listed (10%) and xeric specialist (14%) species, corroborating the great conservation potential of the quarries.4.Spontaneously restored post‐mining sites did not differ in species richness from the technical reclaimed sites but they supported more rare species. The microhabitat cover of leaf litter, herbs and moss, were all directly influenced by the addition of topsoil during reclamation.5.Synthesis and applications.Our results show that the high conservation potential of limestone quarries could be realized by allowing succession to progress spontaneously with minimal intervention. Given the threat to semi‐natural sparsely vegetated habitats in many regions, active restoration measures at post‐mining sites should be limited to maintenance of early successional stages, instead of acceleration of succession.

Comparative efficiency and accuracy of variable area transects versus square plots for sampling tree diversity and density

Agroforestry systems have been recognized as areas with high conservation potential, and there is a need to quickly assess the biodiversity and tree stocking density available in these systems. However, it is not clear if the commonly used fixed area plot is most efficient for sampling such landscapes, or if a different method could provide equivalent data with less effort. Thus, a field and simulation-based study was carried out to compare the efficiency and accuracy of a variable area transect versus the fixed area square plot. Field efficiency tests were carried out in three habitat types, robusta coffee plantations, arabica coffee plantations and a privately owned forest fragment, in Kodagu, southern India. A simulation study of bias, precision and accuracy of the two methods for tree density estimation also was carried out using various spatial distribution patterns and densities. The variable area transect was significantly more efficient per unit effort in the field than the fixed area square plot. In the simulation tests both methods performed equally well under random spatial distribution. However, under simulated aggregated distribution both methods were positively biased (square plot up to 12% at low density, variable area transect 9–12% at all densities), and under simulated regular distribution the variable area transect was slightly negatively biased (−5 to −7% at medium to high density). The variable area transect thus can be recommended over the square plot for rapid assessment of tree diversity and density, when the vegetation is expected to be randomly dispersed.

Analysis of genetic diversity and conservation priorities for six north Ethiopian cattle breeds

Genetic diversity and conservation potential of six indigenous cattle breeds of north Ethiopia was analysed based on 20 microsatellite markers using core set methods. Expected future diversity (assuming assigned extinction probabilities are valid for the next 20-50 years) were 0.988+/-0.011 and 0.980+/-0.010 with expected loss of diversity estimated at 0.02% and 0.74% of current level for the Maximum Variance Total (MVT) and Maximum Variance Offspring (MVO) core sets, respectively. Even though all breeds have contributed to current diversity levels, the Afar and Abergelle breeds only contributed 51% and 62% to the MVT and MVO core sets, respectively, while the Raya breed contributed only 6% and 1.5% to the MVT and MVO core set diversities, respectively. Moreover, prioritizing the six north Ethiopian cattle breeds using the conservation potential obtained from the MVT core set method seems reasonable considering the origin and migration histories of the breeds. Our results suggest that the total current genetic diversity of these breeds can be sufficiently maintained by designing a conservation strategy based on conservation potential of each breed from the MVT core set so that priority is given to lowering the extinction probabilities of breeds with high conservation potential to zero.

High-Resolution Ultrasonography of Xenografted Domestic Cat Ovarian Cortex

Transplantation of ovarian tissue has high potential for female gamete conservation. However, optimal timing of oocyte recovery for in vitro maturation and fertilization is still critical. Therefore the aim of the present study was to use high-resolution transcutaneous ultrasonography to monitor follicular development within xenografted ovarian tissue. Ovarian cortex fragments (n=44) from domestic cats were transplanted into athymic nude rats (n=12). Graft development in the animals was assessed weekly by high frequency ultrasound (10-22 MHz) under two different FSH regimes. Blood collection for serum estradiol determination and vaginal smears were performed simultaneously. The xenografts were removed at different time points according to the ultrasound findings. The survival rate of the transplants 4 weeks after surgery was 54.5% and antral follicular growth was observed within 10 grafts from 5 different hosts (8.6 +/- 6.43 follicles per graft). Early follicle antrums could be detected from 0.4 mm onwards. The growth rate of the antral cavity was calculated from weekly measurements (0.56 +/- 0.44 mm per week). Although vaginal cells and estradiol levels followed a cyclic pattern, no correlation was found between follicular diameter, estradiol and keratinized vaginal cells. We recovered 5, 1 and 4 cumulus oocyte complexes from three different individuals during weeks 19, 21, and 23 respectively. Extrusion of a polar body (1 oocyte) and germinal vesicle break down (7 oocytes) indicated progression of maturation after in vitro culture. We conclude that ultrasonography und provided a reliable method to examine xenograft survival and follicular development within the grafts. Furthermore, this technique is suitable for assessment of the efficiency of hormonal treatment and narrowing of the optimal time frame for oocyte retrieval. To our knowledge, this is the first report of the in vivo development of early antral follicles in mammalian species.

Business strategies for conservation on private lands: Koa forestry as a case study

Innovative financial instruments are being created to reward conservation on private, working lands. Major design challenges remain, however, to make investments in biodiversity and ecosystem services economically attractive and commonplace. From a business perspective, three key financial barriers for advancing conservation land uses must frequently be addressed: high up-front costs, long time periods with no revenue, and high project risk due to long time horizons and uncertainty. We explored ways of overcoming these barriers on grazing lands in Hawaii by realizing a suite of timber and conservation revenue streams associated with their (partial) reforestation. We calculated the financial implications of alternative strategies, focusing on Acacia koa ("koa") forestry because of its high conservation and economic potential. Koa's timber value alone creates a viable investment (mean net present value = $453/acre), but its long time horizon and poor initial cash flow pose formidable challenges for landowners. At present, subsidy payments from a government conservation program targeting benefits for biodiversity, water quality, and soil erosion have the greatest potential to move landowners beyond the tipping point in favor of investments in koa forestry, particularly when combined with future timber harvest (mean net present value = $1,661/acre). Creating financial mechanisms to capture diverse ecosystem service values through time will broaden opportunities for conservation land uses. Governments, nongovernmental organizations, and private investors have roles to play in catalyzing this transition by developing new revenue streams that can reach a broad spectrum of landowners.

4349 水平平滑管内CO_2蒸発熱伝達率への質量速度と熱流束の影響に関する実験的研究(S58 高効率ヒートポンプの要素技術とその応用,S58 高効率ヒートポンプの要素技術とその応用)

The CO_2 heat pump water heater has a high potential for energy conservation and greenhouse abatement. To encourage the broader use of the heat pump water heater, it is necessary to develop space saving and high efficient equipment. The most important element is always the evaporator. Experimental studies have been conducted to measure the pure CO_2 (99.999% purity, without oil) flow boiling heat transfer coefficient in a horizontal smooth tube (outer diameter 6mm, thickness 0.4mm). In our previous report, the mean heat transfer coefficient had a peak value at a certain mass velocity or a heat flux, but which influence strongly affected the result was not understood. In this report, to distinguish the influence of mass velocity and that of heat flux to the heat transfer coefficient, the tube length is varied to 3.0m, 4.0m and 5.0m. The test conditions were: CO_2 mass velocity from about 150 to about 700kg/(m^2s), saturation temperature of CO_2 are about 0, 5 and 10℃, quality at inlet of test section is fixed to be 0.17 and CO_2 super heat at outlet of test section is fixed to be 5K. As a result, it has been understood that heat flux has a greater influence on the heat transfer coefficient.

Extinction threat evaluation of endemic fig trees of New Caledonia: Priority assessment for taxonomy and conservation with herbarium collections

This article focuses on the relationship between priority-setting in conservation and in taxonomy. A simple and generally applicable scheme is presented based on prior quantitative extinction threat evaluation. In the main part of the study we describe the assessment of the herbarium voucher collection date time series of 21 endemic fig tree species of Ficus sect. Oreosycea (Moraceae). The fig tree assessment is then compared with the available IUCN Red List data and with the collection information on two other groups of endemic tree radiations in New Caledonia: ebonies of Diospyros sect. Maba (Ebenaceae) and the Iguanura palm lineage (Arecaceae). We find a remarkably low level of extinction threat evident in Ficus but a pronounced need to differentiate between true species rarity and putative rarity of potential taxonomic artifacts. To this end it is proposed how such numerical evaluations can be used to set future priorities for the assessment or validation of the taxonomic and conservation status of taxa. The limitations and implications of the evaluation are discussed and relevant criteria for a meaningful analysis of collection records are listed. Finally, putting our results on woody plants into perspective, we briefly review the general conservation situation and outlook of New Caledonia, acknowledging both its high conservation priority and potential.

Land use and conservation value for forest birds in Central Sulawesi (Indonesia)

Unprecedented deforestation is currently underway in Southeast Asia. Since this trend is likely to continue, it is critical to determine the value of human-modified habitats (e.g., mixed-rural habitat) for conserving the regional native forest avifauna. The impacts of ongoing deforestation on the highly endemic avifauna (33%) of Sulawesi (Indonesia) are poorly understood. We sampled birds in primary and secondary forests in the Lore Lindu National Park in central Sulawesi, as well as the surrounding plantation and mixed-rural habitats. Species richness, species density and population density of forest birds showed a consistent decreasing trend in the following order: primary forests > secondary forests > mixed-rural habitat > plantations. Although primary forests contained the highest proportion (85%) of a total of 34 forest species recorded from our point count surveys, 40-yr old secondary forests and the mixed-rural habitat showed high conservation potential, containing 82% and 76% of the forest species, respectively. Plantations recorded only 32% of the forest bird species. Fifteen forest species had the highest abundance in primary forests, while two species had higher abundance outside primary forests. Our simulations revealed that all forest birds that were sensitive to native tree cover could be found in areas with at least 20% continuous native tree cover. Our study shows that although primary forests have the highest conservation value for forest avifauna, the potential of degraded habitats, such as secondary forests and the mixed-rural habitat, for conserving forest species can be enhanced with appropriate land use and management decisions.

Threatened plants of New Caledonia: Is the system of protected areas adequate?

~With 76 % of its 3063 native species of flora endemic, the New Caledonia biodiversity hotspot has long been recognized as having a high potential for conservation. Under the new IUCN Red List categories, 25 % of the endemic plants are at risk (Conservation Dependent, Vulnerable, Endangered, Critically Endangered), and five species are already extinct. A review of their distribution demonstrates that 83 % of the threatened species do not occur at all in a conservation area, and only 11 % have their conservation status improved by a protected area. The protected area network is geographically and floristically very unbalanced, with the rainforest and high altitude maquis in the south concentrating most of the conservation effort. Conversely, the middle and northern segments of the island, as well as all of the dry west coast, are left without adequate conservation area. Two vegetation types, the sclerophyll forest and the unique low/middle altitude maquis, are virtually totally unprotected. We conclude that the current network of protected areas needs to be considerably expanded, in terms of both geographical/floristic subregions within New Caledonia and vegetation type covered. With only 54 % of the conservation area covered by strict mining restrictions, existing reserves need to have their conservation efficiency improved by a more vigorous enforcement of their status, and by extending mining bans to all of them.

Quantification of Conservation Criteria Using Invertebrates

(1) Rarity indices and typicalness measurements were generated for sites within habitat groups defined by classifications of water and ground beetle communities in north-east England. (2) Differences in the rarity values of sites were most easily interpreted when a geometric scale was used to calculate species rarity scores and when the estimate was standardized by the number of species. (3) Inclusion of an extra weighting for associations of rare species led to sites that were likely to have the highest conservation potential being more easily distinguished. (4) Measurements of site typicalness were made using ordination scores derived from detrended correspondence analysis. Of the two methods attempted, the most appropriate calculations of site typicalness were those based on ordination scores derived from analyses of individual habitat group data rather than those derived from analyses of all data. (5) No consistent relationship between measurements of site rarity value and typicalness was found, in contrast to accepted thought.