Critical Habitats at Risk: Three-quarters of vegetation types in the Americas are under-protected

Study identifies vegetation types most in need of conservation efforts to protect threatened species.

The Americas are home to some of the world's most biologically diverse regions, yet they are confronted with significant challenges due to habitat loss and degradation. While substantial protected areas exist, many smaller, yet crucial habitats within these landscapes remain unprotected. Despite the protection of large habitats, the specific needs of many species, especially those that are rare, specialised, and threatened, are often overlooked by broader habitat categorisations, leaving them vulnerable to habitat loss and degradation. Detailed fine-scaled habitat assessments at localised scales are essential to identify and protect critical habitats for species in the region.

To address this gap, a team of researchers led by iDiv and MLU conducted a comprehensive continent-wide analysis. Their study integrated fine-scale habitat maps, utilising the International Vegetation Classification (IVC) system, which encompasses over 300 vegetation types classified by unique plant communities and local environmental conditions. The research team also utilised the highest-resolution species distribution maps available for over 6,000 bird and mammal species. They then identified critical vegetation types by developing a conservation value index that incorporated the distribution of threatened species, habitat-associated species, current protection levels, and projected future threats across the Americas.

"Fine-scale vegetation mapping allowed us to pinpoint the localised vegetation types that harbour disproportionately high numbers of specialised species," said first author Lea Schulte (Leibniz University Hannover). "This level of precision is critical for effective conservation planning."

The study found significant differences in the level of protection between vegetation types, with nearly three-quarters of assessed vegetation types currently below the Global Biodiversity Convention’s 30% protection target. Additionally, 20% of assessed bird and mammal species had at least half of their habitat range within a single vegetation type. Alarmingly, this included over 40% of all threatened species, emphasising the importance of targeted efforts to conserve these vegetation types.

"Our study demonstrates the value of finer-scale, localised habitat assessments, which reveal vulnerabilities often overlooked in broader classifications," stated senior author Dr Jose Valdez (iDiv, MLU). "By identifying key vegetation types vital for threatened and specialised species, we can implement tailored conservation strategies to protect biodiversity."

Priority areas identified included the species-rich Northern Andean montane forests and Central American highlands, Brazil's Cerrado savanna and Atlantic Forest, and the Caribbean islands. However, the study found these critical areas remain dangerously under-protected and highly threatened by human activities.

The researchers emphasize that reaching global 30% protection targets requires comprehensive approaches encompassing habitat diversity, not just area-based goals. They advocate for expanded efforts to map critical vegetation types and species distributions, which can inform precise conservation planning when combined with emerging land use threats.

"This study not only emphasises the urgent need for conservation action in the Americas but also provides a comprehensive blueprint for identifying at-risk habitats globally," said Lea Schulte. "By utilising a flexible framework, we can effectively identify critical vegetation types that support threatened biodiversity and vegetation-associated species. This enables us to efficiently mobilise resources and prioritise the protection of areas where they are most critically needed."

Vielfalt beitragen. So können wir Ressourcen effizient einsetzen und dem Schutz von Gebieten dort Priorität einräumen, wo er am dringendsten gebraucht wird".

Study: Schulte L. et al. Identifying Critical Vegetation Types for Biodiversity Conservation in the Americas. Global Ecology and Conservation (2024). doi: 10.1016/j.gecco.2024.e02831

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