Development of the conservation area network using systematic conservation planning approach in Iran

Considering the importance of conservation of biodiversity in the country, the proper selection of conservation areas representing wildlife and habitat diversity of the country is essential. Therefore, we conducted this study to evaluate the performance of current conservation area network in conservation of biodiversity throughout the country and to introduce new conservation areas to improve biodiversity coverage inside the network by applying systematic conservation planning. To do so, a number of 126 biodiversity surrogates including 20 mammals, 20 birds, 53 reptiles, 10 amphibians, 19 ecoregion classes and 4 high species richness classes of monocotyledon endemic plants were chosen and their current conservation level were investigated. The results indicated that for 43 vertebrates, 11 ecoregion classes and 2 class of endemic monocotyledons less than 10% of available geographical ranges are under conservation inside the present conservation area network. Moreover, the application of the conservation planning software Marxan to introduce new complementary conservation areas to current network indicated that about 20% to 30% of the country area should be conserved. Moreover, 15% of the country area is completely irreplaceable in conservation of its biodiversity. The result of this research suggests new areas to the department of environment of Iran to be introduce to the current conservation area network. While, it considers important factors such as the least possible area and anthropogenic conflicts and the highest efficiency in conservation of biodiversity.