Assessing the Most Irreplaceable Protected Areas for the Conservation of Mammals in the Atlantic Forest: Lessons for the Governance of Mosaics

MACEDO, LEANDRO; MONJEAU, ADRIAN; NEVES, ALINE

Sustainability

MDPI

Lugar: Basel; Año: 2019 vol. 11

2071-1050

We have gathered 21,353 records of 40 different medium- and large-sized species of mammalsexisting in the Atlantic Forest conservation units of Brazil, including full protection and sustainableuse types of management. We have classified the conservation units by their irreplaceability interms of their role in the protection of mammalian species. Most irreplaceable conservation units areconcentrated in the southern and southeastern regions of Brazil, mainly in the states of Rio de Janeiro,São Paulo and Paraná. Our data show that over and above the area of the conservation unit or its typeof use, protection of its surroundings appears to be of most consequence. Therefore, it is essential todevelop effective mosaic governance mechanisms that include protected areas and different types ofland use. However, it is also necessary to establish common ground that allows the coexistence ofhuman economic demands and wildlife preservation.