Related Experiment Video
Updated: Jul 16, 2026
11:53
Spatial Multiobjective Optimization of Agricultural Conservation Practices using a SWAT Model and an Evolutionary Algorithm
Published on: December 9, 2012
Area-based refinement for selection of reserve sites with the benefit-function approach
Anni Arponen1, Hanna Kondelin, Atte Moilanen
1Metapopulation Research Group, Department of Biological and Environmental Sciences, University of Helsinki, P.O. Box 65 (Viikinkaari 1), FI-00014, Helsinki, Finland. anni.arponen@helsinki.fi
Summary
Conservation planning can be improved by prioritizing larger sites for species persistence. A new species-area refinement method in reserve selection ensures larger sites are chosen with minimal impact on species representation.
Area of Science:
- Conservation Biology
- Ecology
- Environmental Management
Background:
- Efficient conservation planning requires optimizing resource use.
- Current reserve-selection algorithms often favor small, inexpensive sites for species representation.
- Larger sites are crucial for long-term species persistence, but are often overlooked.
Purpose of the Study:
- To develop and test an area-based refinement for reserve-selection algorithms.
- To balance site representation, cost, and species' long-term persistence.
- To prioritize endangered species in conservation planning.
Main Methods:
- Utilized a reserve-planning framework with continuous benefit functions for representation.
- Incorporated differential species weights based on rarity and threatened status.
- Introduced a species-area relationship refinement to favor larger sites.
Main Results:
- The species-area refinement led to selecting significantly larger conservation sites.
- Trade-offs between site size and species representation were minor.
- Prioritizing endangered species shifted trade-offs towards representation of lower-priority species.
Conclusions:
- A species-area refinement is effective for practical, maximum-coverage conservation planning.
- This method enhances the selection of larger sites, improving long-term species persistence.
- Balancing site size and species representation is key for efficient conservation.
Related Concept Videos
01:17Design Example: Analyzing Capacity Contours for Flood Risk Assessment
Flood risk assessment involves careful planning and analysis to ensure the safety of communities near water retention structures. Capacity contours are a vital tool in this process, as they illustrate the potential spread of water at specific levels in a given area. In the context of building a bund across a small valley, these contours play a critical role in evaluating the safety of nearby residential areas.In this example, the bund is intended to store stormwater in the valley. The engineers...
01:12Design Example: Marking Boundaries of a Site Using a Compass
Marking site boundaries using a compass is a precise surveying technique that ensures the accuracy of boundary delineation. The process begins by using provided site details, including the bearings and lengths of each boundary line. The initial step involves calculating latitudes and departures for all sides of the site. This computation verifies that the traverse is free of errors, ensuring a closed and accurate boundary.The process starts at a known point, such as Point A, which is often...
01:17Design Example: Alignment of a Road Line Using GIS
The alignment of a road line using Geographic Information Systems (GIS) is a critical process in civil engineering, combining advanced technology with practical decision-making. This methodology begins with the collection of geospatial data, including information on land cover, geomorphology, drainage patterns, slope, and contour details. Such data is typically acquired through satellite imagery and GIS tools, offering a comprehensive understanding of the terrain.Once the data is gathered, it...
01:24Area Computation by the Alternative Coordinate Method
The alternative coordinate method, also known as the Shoelace Formula, is a technique for determining the area of a traverse using Cartesian coordinates. This method relies on the sequential arrangement of x and y coordinates for each point of the shape, ensuring accuracy and ease of application.In this approach, each corner's x and y coordinates are listed as fractions, with the x-coordinate as the numerator and the y-coordinate as the denominator. These coordinates are arranged sequentially...
01:30The Midpoint Rule for Double Integrals
The midpoint rule for a double integral provides a practical method for estimating volume over a rectangular region when the surface height varies continuously. In civil engineering, this method is useful for approximating the amount of soil to be moved when planning a road across uneven terrain. The road footprint is represented as a rectangle in the xy-plane. At the same time, the terrain elevation above a flat reference level is described by a continuous height function f(x,y). The objective...
01:21Manipulation and Analysis
GIS manipulation and analysis functions are vital for decision-making and planning. These activities range from data retrieval tasks, such as selecting information based on specific criteria, to advanced analytical techniques that address complex spatial problems.One critical GIS analysis method is overlaying, which combines multiple data layers to examine impacts. For example, overlaying a river-dammed lake boundary with road networks can identify affected infrastructure. Another common...