PARENT SESSION
Oral Session #21: Conservation of Biodiversity: Human landscapes, reserve design. Presiding: C. Meine.
Tuesday, August 7, 2001. 8:00 AM to 12:00 PM. Madison Ballroom D.
Conservation planning for medium- and large-sized mammals in the Cape Floristic Region, South Africa.
KERLEY, GRAHAM1, PRESSEY, ROBERT2, BOSHOFF, ANDRÉ1, COWLING, RICHARD1, SIMS-CASTLEY, REBECCA1, 1 2
ABSTRACT- As part of a conservation planning exercise for South Africa's Cape Floristic Region (CFR), a recognised biodiversity hotspot, we assessed options for conserving the region's medium- and large-sized mammals. We focussed both on the conservation of species (pattern) and processes influenced by these species (chiefly herbivory and predation). We used a habitat-based approach and historical records to determine the potential distributions of 41 extant species, and a forage-production approach to estimate the abundances of these species within the defined habitats. Potential habitat availability for conservation was assessed as areas that had not been transformed through agriculture or other developments. The database comprised community adjusted estimates of population sizes of potentially occurring mammals in 16th degree cell planning units. Conservation targets were set as 50, 500 or 2000 individuals within the CFR (approximately 90 000 km2); these targets are generally accepted for attaining demographically, genetically and evolutionary viable populations, respectively. Options for protected area systems were assessed using C-Plan, a decision support system designed for systematic conservation. Results indicate that conservation targets (especially at the 2000 individual level) cannot be achieved for all species, particularly the large carnivores (e.g. lion) and larger herbivores (particularly elephant, black rhinoceros and Cape buffalo), whose distributions extend beyond the CFR. We suggest that a meta-population management approach extending beyond the CFR needs to be developed for such species. Herbivory and predation can however be maintained within all habitats.
KEY WORDS: mammal conservation, viable populations, Cape floristic region, metapopulations