Optimized spatial priorities for biodiversity conservation in China: a systematic conservation planning perspective

Area of Science:

• Conservation Science
• Spatial Planning
• Biodiversity Studies

Background:

• Previous conservation planning in China overlooked key factors like human disturbance and integrated ecosystem/species data.
• Systematic conservation planning requires considering representativeness and complementarity for effective biodiversity protection.

Purpose of the Study:

• To conduct the first national-scale systematic conservation planning for China, optimizing spatial priorities for biodiversity conservation.
• To assess the impact of human disturbance on conservation priority setting.
• To identify key areas for cost-effective conservation implementation.

Main Methods:

• Compiled a spatial database of ecosystem and species distributions.
• Modeled a human disturbance index (HDI) using socioeconomic data.
• Utilized Marxan software with and without HDI to compare conservation scenarios.

Main Results:

• The HDI-considered scenario reduced overall disturbance and increased the area and irreplaceability of conservation priorities.
• Conservation priorities were identified in moderately disturbed, lower-altitude, and rugged terrain areas.
• 23 primary large-scale conservation areas were delineated, with urgent needs in disturbed regions.

Conclusions:

• Incorporating human disturbance is crucial for cost-effective and efficient biodiversity conservation planning.
• The study provides a spatially optimized national conservation portfolio for China, balancing biodiversity and development.
• The methodology is transferable and applicable for national and local conservation prioritization.