Conservation Value and Degree of Threat of Natural Habitats—An Attempt for Evaluation Matrix

ABSTRACT

The main problem of developing an evaluation matrix is the transformation of “quality” parameters into “quantity” parameters. Based on our previous experience an attempt for elaboration of evaluation matrix for natural habitats was made. A four level scale of 25, 50, 75 to 100 relative units gives the possibility to measure the conservation value and degree of threat. Several types of parameters were used for evaluation: spatial, temporal and functional. The occurrence of species with conservation value in the habitats and specie' presence in national and international legislation was taken into account. The most significant condition for the effective use of the matrix is the sufficient knowledge about the habitats and threats selected for evaluation. Corresponding with the IUCN categories, four degrees of the Index of Threat were accepted: CRh—Critically Endangered; ENh—Endangered; VUh—Vulnerable; NTh—Near Threatened, where the letter “h” indicates “habitat”. Four degrees of the Index of Conservation Value were accepted: HSh—Highly Significant; CSh—Conservation Significant; LSh—Least Significant; NSh—Non Significant.

Keywords:

• conservation value
• degree of threat
• evaluation
• matrix
• natural habitats