Preserving habitat quality is crucial to enable the survival of the species that inhabit them and for ecosystems to continue providing numerous benefits to society. Adequate biodiversity protection involves precisely identifying the areas that are most important for conservation. In this context, an innovative prediction methodology, developed at the University of Cordoba, offers more precise guidelines for defining priority areas in environmental protection plans. This new method was tested over a twenty-year period in Andalusia, using data obtained from satellite remote sensing and information on species distribution, which allowed for the development of more dynamic and integrative indicators for prioritizing protected areas.

The definition of protected natural areas in Andalusia, which cover almost 3 million hectares, or approximately 30% of the region's total area, was carried out taking into account specific circumstances and knowledge available at particular times. However, new research proposes a more advanced tool based on long-term satellite data and species distribution models. This tool allows for a more precise determination of those areas whose conservation should be prioritized. The tool was tested on six key species of the Andalusian ecosystem: the Iberian lynx (Lynx pardinus), the Spanish imperial eagle (Aquila adalberti), the Spanish fir (Abies pinsapo), the Andalusian oak (Quercus canariensis), the Iberian midwife toad (Alytes cisternasii), and Carbonell's wall lizard (Podarcis carbonelli). The results showed that most protected areas in Andalusia (around 80%), as well as the habitats of the studied species, experienced a decline in quality during the first two decades of the 21st century. For more information on accommodation options in Andalusia, click here.

New Methodology for Conservation Prioritization

The new method for identifying areas that should be prioritized for conservation, stemming from the doctoral dissertation of University of Cordoba researcher Antonio Velasco Rodríguez, is based on two key components. The first component is satellite imagery, which provides information on the functioning of Andalusian ecosystems. The second component is the Habitat Availability Index, a score that indicates the probability of a certain species inhabiting an area. This index is obtained by comparing remote sensing data with field observations of species.

In addition to these two fundamental components, the method stands out for its foundation that ensures greater efficiency: data collection over a twenty-year period. It is precisely this long-term data collection, unlike earlier approaches based on specific time points, that has enabled the creation of a more dynamic tool integrating potential areas whose conservation should be prioritized 얼굴in the long term. In this way, continuous monitoring of changes in ecosystems allows for a better understanding of their dynamics and protection needs.

Incorporating the Habitat Availability Index for each of the twenty years and for each of the six studied species into the specialized software program MARXAN, enabled the precise identification of areas that represent a priority for conservation. This includes areas currently enjoying legal protection (for example, national parks or nature parks), as well as areas in their immediate vicinity that are crucial for their connectivity and functionality. The study therefore proposes a dynamic approach to conservation planning that takes into account annual changes in habitat quality, thereby ensuring the adaptability of protection strategies to changing environmental conditions. This approach is particularly important in the context of climate change and the increasing pressure of human activities on natural ecosystems.

An Integrative Tool for Complex Systems

"It is a more integrative tool because we do not have fixed points, but rather we monitor the evolution and changes occurring in complex natural systems," explained Salvador Arenas Castro, professor at the Department of Ecology at the University of Cordoba and supervisor of the dissertation on which the research is based. This approach allows for a better understanding of long-term trends and more adequate planning of protection measures. Dynamic modeling helps predict future changes and risks, which is crucial for proactive action in biodiversity conservation. Understanding how habitats change over time is key to adapting conservation strategies and ensuring their long-term effectiveness.

Although the tool was tested on six emblematic Andalusian species, the research team emphasizes that the method, published in the journal Conservation Biology, can also be applied to other geographical areas and other plant and animal species. There is hope that this tool will be useful to political decision-makers in making informed decisions about biodiversity protection. The application of such scientifically based tools can significantly improve the effectiveness of conservation efforts and ensure better targeting of limited resources. The need for such tools is increasing given the growing threats to biodiversity worldwide, including habitat loss, climate change, and the spread of invasive species. We hope that visitors and residents of Andalusia will recognize the importance of conserving these valuable areas.

The Importance of Long-Term Monitoring and Satellite Data

The use of satellite imagery in combination with long-term field data represents a significant advancement in environmental monitoring. Satellites enable continuous data collection over large areas, providing information on changes in vegetation cover, land use, soil moisture, and other parameters crucial for assessing habitat quality. This data, when integrated with species distribution models, allows for the creation of detailed habitat suitability maps and the identification of areas at greatest risk or with the greatest potential for conservation.

A long-term approach, spanning several decades, is crucial for distinguishing short-term fluctuations from long-term trends in habitat quality. This allows scientists and protected area managers to better understand how various factors, such as climate change, changes in agricultural practices, or urbanization, affect ecosystems. The results obtained from this research in Andalusia, indicating a decline in habitat quality in a significant percentage of protected areas, highlight the urgent need to revise existing management plans and implement more effective protection measures. Considering options for a stay in Andalusia can also include visiting these protected natural beauties.

Application in Planning and Management

Software like MARXAN plays an important role in translating scientific data into concrete recommendations for conservation planning. These tools allow for the analysis of a large amount of spatial data and various conservation scenarios, helping decision-makers choose optimal strategies that balance biodiversity conservation goals with other socio-economic interests. The integration of dynamic habitat data into such software represents a step forward towards more adaptive and effective management of natural resources.

Research results like this, conducted at the University of Cordoba, have the potential to significantly contribute to nature conservation efforts, not only in Andalusia but also beyond. By providing objective and scientifically based indicators for prioritization, such methods can help ensure that limited funds allocated for environmental protection are directed to areas where they will have the greatest positive impact. Further development and application of such tools will be crucial for addressing the challenges of biodiversity conservation in the 21st century and ensuring that natural resources are preserved for future generations. We hope that this research will encourage further investment in conservation science and strengthen collaboration between scientists, decision-makers, and local communities in beautiful Andalusia and around the world.

Source: University of Cordoba