Reply to Brown et al.: Species and places are the priorities for conservation, not economic efficiency
Date of this Version
8-3-2015
Document Type
Article
Abstract
Brown et al. (1) outline an approach to biodiversity conservation that will not protect it. The “most species for the buck” strategy is mathematically elegant. It may sometimes achieve progress. More often, it confuses the biological priorities for conservation with the obstacles we must overcome to protect them. Many existing protected areas in the United States were so designated because they were inexpensive, expedient, or had impressive scenery, and not because of their biological importance (2). Brown et al. (1) formalize a mindset that produced a system of protected areas with nearly the opposite pattern of biodiversity priorities. We aim to reverse that.
Recommended Citation
Jenkins, Clinton N.; Van Houtan, Kyle S.; Pimm, Stuart L.; and Sexton, Joseph O., "Reply to Brown et al.: Species and places are the priorities for conservation, not economic efficiency" (2015). Department of Earth and Environment. 120.
https://digitalcommons.fiu.edu/earth_environment_fac/120