Some scientists have suggested we need to protect half of Earth's surface to preserve most of its species. A new study, however, cautions that it's the quality, not merely the quantity, of land we protect that matters. To preserve biodiversity more fully, especially species with small ranges, governments should expand their conservation focus and prioritize key habitats outside wildernesses and current protected areas. The study identifies where some of the most urgent conservation gaps occur.
Protect key habitats, not just wilderness, to preserve species
Some scientists have suggested we need to protect half of Earth's surface to preserve most of its species. A new study, however, cautions that it's the quality, not merely the quantity, of land we protect that matters. To preserve biodiversity more fully, especially species with small ranges, governments should expand their conservation focus and prioritize key habitats outside wildernesses and current protected areas. The study identifies where some of the most urgent conservation gaps occur.
