Classification of key ecological attributes and stresses of biodiversity for ecosystem-based conservation assessments and management

摘要

A whole systems thinking approach to conservation has spawned new approaches in adaptive management planning that require a crucial understanding of what is essential for the functionality of ecosystems and the biodiversity they embrace. In this context, the key ecological attributes (KEA) have been introduced as aspects of a conservation target's biology or ecology that, if missing or altered, would lead to the loss of that target over time. Ecological stresses describe the impaired status of KEAs. Whilst for threats, the drivers of stresses, a systematic classification has been suggested and adopted by IUCN, all existing proposals for stresses and KEAs are preliminary. In order to fill the gap and provide conservation analysts and practitioners with a standard terminology supporting adaptive management planning we suggest a first hierarchical framework and comprehensive classification of key ecological attributes and corresponding stresses to biodiversity. Analyzing 22 vulnerability assessments in 13 countries, spread across 5 continents, as well as an extensive literature review, we identified 144 specific KEAs and stresses. These are differentiated and classified according to three hierarchical levels, 11 KEA and stress classes and 42 general KEAs and stresses. Our classification may help with describing and understanding both the natural functionality and also impaired functioning of biodiversity targets, as well as assist with the development of appropriate conservation strategies. The classification of key ecological attributes is presented as a list but it is important to recognize that the diverse array of KEAs and stresses are systemically interrelated across scales.