Global conservation prioritization areas in three dimensions of crocodilian diversity.

ABSTRACT: Crocodilians are a taxonomic group of large predators with important ecological and evolutionary benefits for ecosystem functioning in the face of global change. Anthropogenic actions affect negatively crocodilians' survival and more than half of the species are threatened with extinction worldwide. Here, we map and explore three dimensions of crocodilian diversity on a global scale. To highlight the ecological importance of crocodilians, we correlate the spatial distribution of species with the ecosystem services of nutrient retention in the world. We calculate the effectiveness of global protected networks in safeguarding crocodilian species and provide three prioritization models for conservation planning. Our results show the main hotspots of ecological and evolutionary values are in s

SUBMITTER: Lourenco-de-Moraes R 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC9925794 | biostudies-literature | 2023 Feb

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature