Qualitative tool for designing natural protected areas and ecological restoration projects

Abstract

The rotational symmetry connection between the Species-Area Relationship (SAR) and Endemics-Area Relationship (EAR) was discovered in the frame of Species-Area Theory. In this paper, this paired connection was applied into the impact of variation of number of species and area and dynamic change of species-abundance distribution on the curve shape of SAR and EAR, which can be integrated into the assessment of Natural Protected Areas and Ecological Restoration Projects. The results indicate that the underestimate or overestimate of total number of species can lead to the underestimate or overestimate of extinction rate, while the reduction or expansion of area can lead to the increase or decrease in extinction rate. In addition, the species-abundance distribution change of community causes the shape tuning of SAR and EAR, which leads to inconsistent change of extinction rate. Thus, this SAT frame can be used as a qualitative tool in conservation and restoration management.

Keywords

• rotational symmetry
• extinction rate
• species-abundance distribution
• pan effect
• disturbance