Gap analysis (conservation)

Gap Analysis ( Gap = English for " gap" ) is a term used in modern ecology. Using the gap analysis for conservation of biological diversity identified needed areas or ecosystems (biodiversity).

Gap analysis is based on the realization that the sub - protective position of individual animal or plant species is often not effective enough; often can only identify and under- protection - whether there are significant habitats help to preserve biodiversity sustainably. The English term " Gap " ( German: gap ) refers to the fact that here gaps between species-rich areas with high protection requirements, and actually existing protected areas are identified. The results can then (at least ideally) in the future protected area planning incorporated ( habitat connectivity ).

The analysis is based, first the collection of occurrence ( mapping ) of certain animal and plant species or biodiversity in the study area. Since this is often not fully possible (Habitat) of each species is calculated from the results of the mapping potential habitat modeling (using other known factors such as climate, topography, land use, etc.). These results are then to maps showing the total species richness, merged. In the individual analysis steps are frequently used to geostatistical methods, mostly supported by Geographic Information Systems ( GIS).

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