Conservation areas were not able to protect species that are considered unique and endangered. This was revealed in a recent study that maps the qualifying species.
Only 5 percent of the protected area, which is the main living area for the endangered mammals are categorized globally and distinct in terms of its evolution or Evolutionarily Distinct and Globally Endangered (EDGE), such as black and white ruffed lemur (Varecia variegata). Even more alarming, only 15 percent of reptiles EDGE is protected in conservation areas and other areas that are designated as a species protection area.
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| A black-and-white ruffed lemur ( Varecia variegata). In general, ruffed lemurs are found in the eastern rain forests of Madagascar, with this one having a wider range than the other ruffed-lemur species, V. rubra, according to the University of Wisconson-Madison's National Primate Research Center. (Picture from: http://www.livescience.com/) |
These findings demonstrate the challenges that facing by conservationists around the world. They have to struggle to allocate limited resources so as to ensure the maximum biodiversity in the region.
"The area is supposed to be a global conservation priority because they are a habitat for wildlife species that not only endangered, but also unique in terms of appearance, way of life, as well as his behavior," said Jonathan Baillie, director of conservation at the Zoological Society of London and member of the team researchers. "This new map will provide information for the development of large-scale conservation efforts to help rescue some of the most unique species in the world."
The EDGE category is determined by the value given to a species based on differences in their lineage in the evolutionary history and the threat of extinction. Species that have a lineage above average and highly endangered added to the list of EDGE.
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| Pandas in captivity at the China Center for Research and Conservation of the Giant Panda in Wolong eat nutritious bars in addition to bamboo. (Picture from: http://www.livescience.com/) |
Currently, there are 502 species of EDGE mammals and 799 species of EDGE amphibians. Beyond that list, the researchers also have identified other species that do not have a clear conservation status.
The new map indicates that priority should be focused on the conservation of mammals in Southeast Asia, southern Africa, and Madagascar, as well as amphibians in Central and South America. The research published in the journal PLoS One, on May 15, 2013 edition. *** [EKA | FROM VARIOUS SOURCES | LIVESCIENCE | TJANDRA DEWI | KORAN TEMPO 4241]
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