IMIS

Publications | Institutes | Persons | Datasets | Projects | Maps
[ report an error in this record ]basket (0): add | show Print this page

A global gap analysis of sea turtle protection coverage
Mazaris, A.D.; Almpanidou, V.; Wallace, B.P.; Pantis, J.D.; Schofield, G. (2014). A global gap analysis of sea turtle protection coverage. Biol. Conserv. 173: 17-23. dx.doi.org/10.1016/j.biocon.2014.03.005
In: Biological Conservation. Elsevier: Barking. ISSN 0006-3207; e-ISSN 1873-2917, more
Peer reviewed article  

Available in  Authors 

Keyword
    Marine/Coastal
Author keywords
    Coastal conservation; Global gap analysis; Irreplaceability; Regionaleffort; Reserve networks; Uncertainty

Authors  Top 
  • Mazaris, A.D.
  • Almpanidou, V.
  • Wallace, B.P.
  • Pantis, J.D.
  • Schofield, G.

Abstract
    Although the number and extent of protected areas (PAs) are continuously increasing, their coverage of global biodiversity, as well as criteria and targets that underline their selection, warrants scrutiny. As a case study, we use a global dataset of sea turtle nesting sites (n = 2991) to determine the extent to which the existing global PA network encompasses nesting habitats (beaches) that are vital for the persistence of the seven sea turtle species. The majority of nesting sites (87%) are in the tropics, and are mainly hosted by developing countries. Developing countries contain 82% nesting sites, which provide lower protection coverage compared to developed countries. PAs encompass 25% of all nesting sites, of which 78% are in marine PAs. At present, most nesting sites in PAs with IUCN ratification receive high protection. We identified the countries that provide the highest and lowest nesting site protection coverage, and detected gaps in species-level protection effort within countries. No clear trend in protection coverage was found in relation to gross domestic product, the Global Peace Index or sea turtle regional management units; however, countries in crisis (civil unrest, war or natural catastrophes) provided slightly higher protection coverage of all countries. We conclude that global sea turtle resilience against threats spanning temperate to tropical regions require representative PA coverage at the species level within countries. This work is anticipated to function as a first step towards identifying specific countries or regions that should receive higher conservation interest by national and international bodies.

All data in the Integrated Marine Information System (IMIS) is subject to the VLIZ privacy policy Top | Authors