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Global diversity hotspots and conservation priorities for sharks
Luis O Lucifora1, Verónica B García, Boris Worm
1Consejo Nacional de Investigaciones Científicas y Técnicas, Centro de Investigaciones Ecológicas Subtropicales, Centro de Investigaciones del Bosque Atlántico, Puerto Iguazú, Misiones, Argentina.
Plos One
|May 17, 2011
Summary
Global shark diversity peaks at mid-latitudes on continental shelves. Conservation planning requires understanding species richness, functional diversity, and endemicity hotspots for effective marine protection.
Area of Science:
- Marine Biology
- Conservation Science
- Biodiversity Research
Background:
- Sharks are highly threatened marine animals facing global population declines due to overexploitation.
- Effective conservation strategies require comprehensive data on shark geographic distribution and species diversity.
- Existing diversity information for sharks is fragmented and incomplete, hindering conservation efforts.
Purpose of the Study:
- To synthesize the first global pattern of shark diversity using a comprehensive database.
- To identify hotspots of shark species richness, functional diversity, and endemicity.
- To evaluate the congruence of these diversity measures and their utility for conservation prioritization.
Main Methods:
- Compiled a novel global database of shark diversity from published sources, encompassing all 507 currently described species.
- Analyzed geographic distribution data to map species richness, functional diversity, and endemicity patterns.
- Identified and evaluated congruence between different diversity metrics and their conservation implications.
Main Results:
- Global shark diversity peaks on continental shelves and at mid-latitudes (30-40° N and S).
- Key hotspots for species richness, functional diversity, and endemicity identified off Japan, Australia, Southeast Africa, Brazil, and the USA.
- Areas of lower species richness, like Southern Australia and Western Europe, exhibit high functional diversity, highlighting distinct conservation needs.
Conclusions:
- Global shark diversity patterns differ significantly from terrestrial and other marine taxa, necessitating tailored conservation approaches.
- Identifying hotspots of species richness, functional diversity, and endemicity is crucial for guiding spatial conservation strategies.
- Protected areas solely based on diversity and endemism hotspots may not fully safeguard the functional roles of sharks in marine ecosystems.
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