Abstract:

To reduce costs and maximize species protection in China, we identified conservation priorities of endangered terrestrial mammals. Using geographic information system (GIS), we identified the irreplaceable values (IR) of 1,434 units of the terrestrial ecological function areas. Based on the IR values of the units, we divided the units into three classes with decreasing priorities, including the mandatory reserve (MR) units (20), the negotiable reserve (NR) units (29), and the partially reserved (PR) units (40). The MR, NR, and PR units covered 2.2%, 6.0%, and 11.8% of the ecological function areas of the whole country, respectively. Our results suggest that 98% of terrestrial endangered mammals can be conserved within all priority conservation units. Based on these results, we provide suggestions on the priority conservation plans for endangered terrestrial mammals in 89 ecological function units. This study enriches theories of systematic conservation plan (SCP) and at the same time provides practical research with significant importance. It also provides a scientific basis for priority conservation plans of terrestrial ecological function areas and protection of endangered terrestrial mammals in China.

Key words: endangered terrestrial mammals, irreplaceable, priority, conservation plan, ecological function areas