A new study published in Communications Biology highlights the crucial role of microreserves in protecting the world’s most vulnerable vertebrate class – amphibians. As the global community strives to protect 30% of Earth’s land and sea by 2030, researchers have examined how to effectively target gaps in the existing protected area network.
The study, led by Emma Steigerwald at the University of California Berkeley, found that microreserves, defined as reserves smaller than 10 square kilometers, can play a disproportionate role in amphibian conservation. Despite their small size, microreserves can protect a significant portion of many amphibian ranges, especially threatened species. The researchers discovered that existing microreserves can host a similar level of amphibian species richness as much larger protected areas, demonstrating their effectiveness in conserving biodiversity.
“Amphibians face a multitude of threats, including habitat loss, climate change, and pollution,” said co-author Alessandro Catenazzi. “By focusing on microreserves, we can target areas that are often overlooked but can provide critical habitat for these vulnerable species.”
The study, led by Emma Steigerwald at the University of California Berkeley, found that microreserves, defined as reserves smaller than 10 square kilometers, can play a disproportionate role in amphibian conservation. Despite their small size, microreserves can protect a significant portion of many amphibian ranges, especially threatened species. The researchers discovered that existing microreserves can host a similar level of amphibian species richness as much larger protected areas, demonstrating their effectiveness in conserving biodiversity.
“Amphibians face a multitude of threats, including habitat loss, climate change, and pollution,” said co-author Alessandro Catenazzi. “By focusing on microreserves, we can target areas that are often overlooked but can provide critical habitat for these vulnerable species.”
The study also revealed that microreserves can be more efficient in covering amphibian species than larger protected areas. Due to the high beta diversity of amphibians, meaning that species composition varies greatly across small distances, microreserves can quickly add new species to the protected area network.
“This research underscores the importance of considering microreserves as a valuable tool in biodiversity conservation,” said Catenazzi. “By strategically incorporating microreserves into our protected area network, we can help ensure the survival of countless amphibian species.”
The study’s findings have significant implications for global conservation efforts. As the world works towards the ambitious goal of protecting 30% of the planet, microreserves offer a cost-effective and efficient way to safeguard biodiversity, particularly for species with small ranges.
“This research underscores the importance of considering microreserves as a valuable tool in biodiversity conservation,” said Catenazzi. “By strategically incorporating microreserves into our protected area network, we can help ensure the survival of countless amphibian species.”
The study’s findings have significant implications for global conservation efforts. As the world works towards the ambitious goal of protecting 30% of the planet, microreserves offer a cost-effective and efficient way to safeguard biodiversity, particularly for species with small ranges.
Citation: Steigerwald, E.C., J. Oshiro, J. Chen, V. Vredenburg, A. Catenazzi, M. Koo. 2024. Microreserves are an important tool for amphibian conservation. Communications Biology 7: 1177. https://doi.org/10.1038/s42003-024-06510-0
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