Integration of anthropogenic threats and biodiversity value to identify critical sites for biodiversity conservation

Abstract

In this study, the goal was to identify critical sites for biodiversity conservation in the Gharesoo River Basin, Iran, based on integration of anthropogenic threats and biodiversity value. Firstly, the spatial patterns of threats were evaluated by combination of 13 anthropogenic threats using multi-criteria evaluation (MCE) method. Next, the spatial distribution of biodiversity value was mapped via assigning an expert-based value to each land type as habitat for mammals and bird species. Finally, the critical sites for biodiversity conservation were identified by combination of spatial threats and biodiversity value layers. We developed five threat-driven or value-driven scenarios using different weights for biodiversity threats and value. The result showed that, 7% of the river basin had very high conservation priority. We proposed 21 patches as critical sites for biodiversity conservation. Our results can be used by conservation planners to target conservation efforts towards selecting new conservation areas in Gharesoo River Basin.

Keywords:

• Anthropogenic threats
• biodiversity value
• biodiversity conservation
• Gharesoo River Basin
• Iran

Acknowledgements

We are grateful to the Golestan Provincial Office and Gorgan University of Agricultural Sciences and Natural Resources for sharing the required data.