Maximizing species conservation in continental Ecuador: a case of systematic conservation planning for biodiverse regions.

ABSTRACT: Ecuador has the largest number of species by area worldwide, but also a low representation of species within its protected areas. Here, we applied systematic conservation planning to identify potential areas for conservation in continental Ecuador, with the aim of increasing the representation of terrestrial species diversity in the protected area network. We selected 809 terrestrial species (amphibians, birds, mammals, and plants), for which distributions were estimated via species distribution models (SDMs), using Maxent. For each species we established conservation goals based on conservation priorities, and estimated new potential protected areas using Marxan conservation planning software. For each selected area, we determined their conservation priority and feasibility of establishme

SUBMITTER: Lessmann J 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC4203289 | biostudies-literature | 2014 Jun

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature