Chapter 9 Chapter Summary

  Protecting habitat is the most effective method of preserving biodiversity. Almost 15% of the Earth’s land surface and fresh water and more than 7% of the global ocean is now protected; most of the increases in protected area are currently marine.

  Conservation biologists are developing guidelines for designing protected areas: the areas should be large whenever possible, they should not be fragmented, and managers should create networks of conservation areas for maximum protection.

  Habitat corridors connecting protected areas may allow species dispersal to take place and may be particularly important in maintaining known migration routes.

  Protected areas often must be actively managed in order to maintain their biodiversity. Monitoring provides information that is needed to evaluate whether management activities are achieving their intended objectives or need to be adjusted.

  Management might involve zoning to establish areas where certain activities are allowed or prohibited. Managing interactions with local people is critical to the success of protected areas and should be part of a management plan.

  Adequate staffing and funding are necessary for park management.