Biogeographic crossroads as priority areas for biodiversity conservation

Publication Type:Journal Article
Year of Publication:2002
Authors:S. Spector
Journal:Conservation Biology
Volume:16
Pagination:1480-1487
Date Published:Dec
Accession Number:ISI:000179420100009
Keywords:assemblages, complementary areas, congruence, diversity, forest, hotspots, patterns, species richness, strategies, tiger beetles
Abstract:

Threats to biodiversity outpace the resources of the conservation community and necessitate careful prioritization of conservation actions. I suggest that targeting the regions where biogeographic assemblages intersect - " biogeographic crossroads" - is a strategy that may achieve significant conservation economy by focusing on areas that satisfy many conservation criteria. I used a combination of data on Scarabaeine beetles in Bolivia and on other taxa and locations from the literature to consider the short- and long-term benefits of conserving these biogeographic crossroads. Biogeographic crossroads are areas of high species richness and beta diversity, often across many taxonomic groups. They are also regions where representativeness can be achieved with relative efficiency. Recent evidence that ecotones may be loci of evolution suggests that evolutionary processes such as speciation and coevolution may be conserved at biogeographic crossroads. Biogeographic crossroads appear to be areas of high conservation priority and opportunity in both the short and long term and require increased attention in the process of setting conservation priorities.

URL:<Go to ISI>://000179420100009
Alternate Journal:Conserv. Biol.
Scratchpads developed and conceived by (alphabetical): Ed Baker, Katherine Bouton Alice Heaton Dimitris Koureas, Laurence Livermore, Dave Roberts, Simon Rycroft, Ben Scott, Vince Smith