New research from Imperial College London, On the Edge, and ZSL reveals that focusing conservation efforts on just 0.7% of the Earth’s land could safeguard approximately one-third of the world’s endangered and distinctive tetrapod species (vertebrates with four limbs).
The study, spearheaded by researchers at Imperial College London and published in Nature Communications, indicates that significant conservation impacts can be achieved by targeting regions rich in biodiversity, particularly those housing species that are both evolutionarily distinct and globally endangered.
Some of the endangered creatures identified include the aye-aye, a unique lemur from Madagascar; the secretary bird, which has long legs and resembles an eagle; the purple frog, notable for its pig-like nose; and the gharial, a critically endangered crocodile with a long snout, found in the Indian subcontinent.
Currently, only 20% of the identified areas are protected, leaving many of these regions vulnerable to escalating human activities.
Lead author Sebastian Pipins, a PhD candidate at the Grantham Institute at Imperial College London, remarked, “Our findings spotlight crucial areas worldwide that need immediate attention. Moreover, by conserving a small portion of the Earth’s land, we can achieve substantial progress in wildlife preservation.”
On the Brink of Extinction
The research pinpointed particular regions with exceptionally high levels of threatened evolutionary history, characterized by a concentration of Evolutionarily Distinct (ED) and Globally Endangered (GE) species.
Evolutionary distinctiveness measures how unique a species is, resulting from extended evolutionary history with few or no close relatives. On the other hand, global endangerment indicates the risk of extinction for a species. Species rated high on both metrics are called EDGE species, while areas rich in these species are termed EDGE Zones.
Pipins emphasized, “It’s essential to consider not only species diversity but also the evolutionary background in conservation practices to prevent the loss of significant lineages from the tree of life.”
Areas of Focus
The study mapped nearly 3,000 EDGE species and identified 25 EDGE Zones where conservation efforts could be most effective. Notable regions for EDGE species include extensive areas of Southeast Asia and the Indo-Gangetic plain, the Amazon basin, the Atlantic Forest, as well as locations in Hispaniola, the highlands of Cameroon, and East Africa’s Eastern Arc mountains.
The research highlighted that Madagascar hosts the highest richness of EDGE species within an area smaller than 100 square kilometers, with Mexico and Indonesia also ranking highly.
Significantly, 75.6% of EDGE species exist within a single country, underscoring the need for national leadership in conservation activities.
Co-author Dr. Rikki Gumbs from the ZSL’s EDGE of Existence program noted, “Approximately 75% of the world’s most unique animals are only found in one nation, indicating that individual countries play a crucial role in protecting these remarkable species from extinction.”
Southeast Asia, featuring many EDGE species, highlights the biodiversity crisis affecting these distinct species due to ongoing threats.
Human Influences
The research also highlighted that most EDGE Zones experience significant human interference, and many human populations in these areas suffer from educational, health, and living standard challenges.
Dr. Gumbs commented, “We are facing a biodiversity crisis caused by unsustainable resource use. It’s alarming that 80% of the zones we studied are under severe human pressure.”
With limited resources, governments often prioritize addressing human issues over biodiversity conservation.
Pipins stated, “Considering the global significance of biodiversity in these areas, it’s crucial for wealthier nations to allocate funding to support sustainable development that benefits both people and the environment.”
Global Objectives
At present, only 20% of EDGE Zones are protected. As nations aim to conserve 30% of terrestrial and marine areas by 2030 in line with the Convention on Biological Diversity, the authors urge prioritization of the unprotected sections of EDGE Zones.
Dr. Gumbs remarked, “With the upcoming COP16 Biodiversity Conference, it’s vital for global leaders to enhance their commitments and resources to aid these initiatives and restore the natural world we all depend on.”
The researchers argue that their findings indicate that substantial biodiversity increases are achievable with relatively minor expansions to existing protected areas. They also see potential for applying the EDGE Zone concept to other wildlife groups like plants and fish.
Implementing EDGE Zone Research
The EDGE Zones identified in this study will direct the work of the charitable organization On the Edge, informing their conservation grants, regional initiatives, and stories led by grantees.
These zones will also inform decision-making for resource allocation in ZSL’s EDGE of Existence program, which has already supported initiatives for over 50 EDGE species in EDGE Zone countries, particularly in the Gangetic Plains and Cameroon.
