Conservation gaps for Neotropical vipers: Mismatches between protected areas, species richness and evolutionary distinctiveness

Author(s)

Oliveira-Dalland, Luis G. ; Alencar, Laura R. V. ; Tambosi, Leandro R. ; Carrasco, Paola A. ; Rautsaw, Rhett M. ; Sigala-Rodriguez, Jesus ; Scrocchi, Gustavo ; Martins, Marcio

• Document type: Journal article
• Source: Biological Conservation; v. 275, p. 8-pg., 2022-10-05.

Abstract

The continuous decline in biodiversity despite global efforts to create new protected areas calls into question the effectiveness of these areas in conserving biodiversity. Numerous habitats are absent from the global protected area network, and certain taxonomic groups are not being included in conservation planning. Here, we analyzed the level of protection that the current protected area system provides to viper species in the Neotropical region through a conservation gap analysis. We used distribution size and degree of threat to set species-specific con-servation goals for 123 viper species in the form of minimum percentage of their distribution that should be covered by protected areas, and assessed the level of protection provided for each species by overlapping their distribution with protected areas of strict protection. Furthermore, using species richness and evolutionary distinctiveness as priority indicators, we conducted a spatial association analysis to detect areas of special concern. We found that most viper species have <1/4 of their distribution covered by protected areas, including 22 threatened species. Also, the large majority of cells containing high levels of species richness were signifi-cantly absent from protected areas, while evolutionary distinctiveness was particularly unprotected in regions with relatively low species richness, like northern Mexico and the Argentinian dry Chaco. Our results provide further evidence that vipers are largely being excluded from conservation planning, leaving them exposed to serious threats that can lead to population decline and ultimately extinction. (AU)

• FAPESP's process: 20/12658-4 - Challenges to the conservation of amphibians and squamate reptiles, with emphasis on the Brazilian fauna: from basic information to conservation actions
• Grantee: Marcio Roberto Costa Martins
• Support Opportunities: BIOTA-FAPESP Program - Thematic Grants
• FAPESP's process: 18/14091-1 - Effects of habitat disturbance on communities of amphibians and squamate reptiles: subsidies for management programs, species conservation assessments and conservation action plans
• Grantee: Marcio Roberto Costa Martins
• Support Opportunities: Regular Research Grants
• FAPESP's process: 16/14292-1 - Spatial and temporal dynamics of species coexistence: a global approach using snakes and lizards as models
• Grantee: Laura Rodrigues Vieira de Alencar
• Support Opportunities: Scholarships in Brazil - Post-Doctoral