Theoretical framework, indicator system and practical application of key biodiversity areas.

Area of Science:

• Conservation Biology
• Ecology
• Environmental Science

Background:

• Global biodiversity decline necessitates effective conservation strategies.
• Existing methods for identifying important conservation areas lack unified standards.
• Key Biodiversity Areas (KBAs) offer a standardized global approach.

Purpose of the Study:

• To summarize the theoretical and technical framework for Key Biodiversity Areas (KBAs) identification.
• To present a unified system of identification criteria and assessment parameters for KBAs.
• To analyze the application and future prospects of KBA identification in China.

Main Methods:

• Developed a framework based on the theoretical and technical foundation of KBAs.
• Defined five high-level criteria, further divided into eleven sub-level criteria.
• Included parameters at ecosystem, species, and gene levels, plus a comprehensive parameter.

Main Results:

• A structured system of 11 evaluation parameters for KBA identification was established.
• The parameters cover ecosystem, species (8 parameters), gene, and a comprehensive level.
• Analysis of domestic and international case studies demonstrated KBA application.

Conclusions:

• The KBA identification framework provides a unified global standard for conservation.
• This approach is critical for identifying habitats vital to endangered species across ecosystems.
• KBA methods offer a new perspective for ecological policy and protected area planning in China.