Researchers have now developed a more advanced map of vulnerable species around the world giving a clear picture of where the major focus must lie in order to protect these species from extinction.
A new biodiversity research from the North Carolina State University shows different areas worldwide that house the species at most risk. Various colors on the world map project the areas of concern where necessary conservation efforts must be taken in order to protect vertebrate species and preserve biodiversity. The new mapping of the most vulnerable species is 100 times better than previous analysis, according to a press release.
"We must know where individual species live, which ones are vulnerable, and where human actions threaten them," Dr. Clinton Jenkins, lead author and research scholar at NC State University, said in a statement. "We have better data than in the past-and better analytical methods. Now we have married them for conservation purposes."
The mapping can help conservationists to put all the efforts that are needed in the areas that need most help. The color-based regions with bright red are the priority areas, which need focused efforts for preservation. Researchers also calculated the percentage of concerned areas that fall within the protected zones to assess the measures taken to protect species in these regions.
The research locates the highest global concentration of mammals, amphibians and birds.
Despite having higher protection rate in the priority zones than the global average, the conservation remains relatively low considering the importance of these areas. The main concern remains that the global network of protected areas is expanding at a very slow rate, says co-author Dr. Lucas Joppa with Microsoft Research in Cambridge, England.
Researchers hope the findings help preserve the global species before their extinction.
The findings appear online in Proceedings of the National Academy of Sciences.
