Assessment of the protected areas network in Madagascar for lemur conservation

Abstract

Protected areas (PAs) are a key aspect of biological conservation. In the past, PAs tended to be selected opportunistically, which sometimes led to inefficient reserve systems. Systematic conservation planning (SCP) scientifically assigns areas for reserves to meet specified conservation targets. The effectiveness of the PA network in Madagascar for lemur conservation was evaluated using Marxan (SCP software). Species ranges were predicted usmg Maxent (species distribution modeling software). Range maps were compiled to produce diversity estimates and used to inform species target settings for Marxan. An optimal reserve solution was generated and compared with the existing network. There was an overlap of only 50% indicating that the existing network is inefficient. An alternative solution based on expanding the current PA network was also generated. Only 29% of lemurs are adequately represented by the existing network. Expansion of the PA network by 142% is necessary to meet all conservation targets.