Purposes of protected areas protect focal sp. / spp. –umbrella species protect biodiversity (spp. richness, endemism) protect large, functioning ecosystems BUT… how do we go about prioritizing?

Large-scale conservation planning ecoregions biodiversity hotspots limitation? –inappropriate for fine- scale conservation actions (i.e. protected area selection)

GAP Analysis: Proactive, multi-species approach to identify areas of conservation priority, and inform reserve planning and management efforts. Can be done at various spatial scales. for more info Groom et al, (2006)

(Vos et al. 2001) Population viability analysis (PVA): Method used to inform reserve system planning efforts that focus on single species that uses demographic and environmental data (including variability) to model probability of extinction. Can be based on population sizes and/or size of landscape.

Reserve design issues SLOSS ( Single Large or Several Small ) single large reserve should be preferred to several small reserves for nature conservation - J. Diamond 1975 agree or disagree? advantages / disadvantages to both approaches? vs.

Single large Theory of Island Biogeography: species-area curve –more spp. at equil. and w/ lower extinction rates protect –patch interior spp. (undisturbed habitat) –high trophic level spp. –communities / ecosystems –poor dispersers but… Immigration Extinction Near Far Small Large Number of Species Rate

Several small small reserves maximize diversity… why? –Locate areas of highest richness issue: what are you trying to conserve? –species richness –rare spp. –taxonomic diversity –ecological / system processes –not necessarily concordant

Shape of reserve circular is ideal to minimize edge effect Also minimize –within reserve dispersal distances –extinction risk interaction of size and shape what are characteristics of focal spp./system?

Principles of reserve design degree of protection size fragmentation number Generally Worse Generally Better

Connectivity - corridors Connectivity - stepping stones Habitat diversity shape Generally Worse Generally Better

reserve composition management human presence Generally Worse Generally Better

(Soulé 1991) (Shafer 1997)

UNESCO International Biosphere Reserve model 3 concentric zones –core –buffer –transition 3 complementary functions –conservation –development –logistic

Must consider how various factors influencing wildlife are impacted when designing reserves as well: Fragmentation Climate change Disturbance regimes Add to this various human stakeholders and different conservation goals and you have… A complex problem with many answers. One overarching message: Don’t do the same thing everywhere