Conservation biogeography of the <scp>A</scp>ntarctic

TLDR

Early biogeographic studies of Antarctica identified broad bioregions, with the Peninsula distinct from the continent, but later work revealed a more complex, taxon‑dependent biogeography across the continent and sub‑Antarctic. The study aims to synthesize previous biogeographic analyses and develop a spatially explicit method to identify biologically distinct Antarctic areas for conservation planning. The authors reviewed existing studies and constructed a biogeographic classification by integrating comprehensive biodiversity data with a 200‑km grid, environmental domains, and expert bioregions, then applied multivariate analyses to delineate distinct areas. They identified 15 ice‑free Conservation Biogeographic Regions that are not fully covered by existing protected areas, highlighting the need for targeted biosecurity measures to prevent homogenization.

Abstract

Abstract Aim To present a synthesis of past biogeographic analyses and a new approach based on spatially explicit biodiversity information for the Antarctic region to identify biologically distinct areas in need of representation in a protected area network. Location Antarctica and the sub‐Antarctic. Methods We reviewed and summarized published biogeographic studies of the Antarctic. We then developed a biogeographic classification for terrestrial conservation planning in Antarctica by combining the most comprehensive source of Antarctic biodiversity data available with three spatial frameworks: (1) a 200‐km grid, (2) a set of areas based on physical parameters known as the environmental domains of Antarctica and (3) expert‐defined bioregions. We used these frameworks, or combinations thereof, together with multivariate techniques to identify biologically distinct areas. Results Early studies of continental Antarctica typically described broad bioregions, with the Antarctic Peninsula usually identified as biologically distinct from continental Antarctica; later studies suggested a more complex biogeography. Increasing complexity also characterizes the sub‐Antarctic and marine realms, with differences among studies often attributable to the focal taxa. Using the most comprehensive terrestrial data available and by combining the groups formed by the environmental domains and expert‐defined bioregions, we were able to identify 15 biologically distinct, ice‐free, Antarctic Conservation Biogeographic Regions ( ACBR s), encompassing the continent and close lying islands. Main conclusions Ice‐free terrestrial Antarctica comprises several distinct bioregions that are not fully represented in the current Antarctic Specially Protected Area network. Biosecurity measures between these ACBR s should also be developed to prevent biotic homogenization in the region.