Conservation priorities for terrestrial mammals in Dobrogea Region, Romania

By

Miu, Iulia
Gabriel, Chișamera
Popescu, Viorel Dan
Iosif, Ruben
Nita, Andreea
Manolache, Steluta
Gavril, Viorel Dumitru
Ioana, Cobzaru
Rozylowicz, Laurentiu

Type

Article

Date of Publication

2018

Original Publication

ZooKeys

Volume

792

Pages

133-158

Subjects

Dobrogea , Natura 2000 , species distribution , species richness , systematic conservation planning , terrestrial mammals

Contributed by

Pensoft Publishers

Language

English

Published by

Sofia, Bulgaria Pensoft Publishers

Identifiers

DOI: https://doi.org/10.3897/zookeys.792.25314

 

Abstract

Based on species occurrence records of museum collections, published literature, and unpublished records shared by mammalian experts, we compiled a distribution database for 59 terrestrial mammals populating the extensively protected Dobrogea Region of Romania. The spatial patterns of mammal distribution and diversity was evaluated and systematic conservation planning applied to identify priority areas for their conservation. The spatial analyses revealed that intensive sampling was not directly correlated to mammal diversity but rather to accessibility for inventory. The spatial prioritisation analysis indicated a relatively aggregated pattern of areas with a high or low conservation value with virtually no connecting corridors between them. The significant overlap between Natura 2000 sites and national protected areas induced an over-optimistic vision of the effectiveness and representativeness of existing Natura 2000 network for species found in Annexes II and IV of the Habitats Directive. These results represent a key step in identifying core areas for the protection of mammal diversity and dispersal corridors for improved connectivity, and to guide future conservation efforts in increasing the effectiveness of the existing protected areas in the context of environmental changes.