Spatial assessment and mapping of biodiversity and conservation priorities in a heavily modified and fragmented production landscape in north-central Victoria, Australia

Abstract

Human impacts on the natural environment have resulted in a steady decline in biodiversity and associated ecosystem services. A major policy and management challenge is to efficiently allocate limited resources for nature conservation to maximise biodiversity benefits. Spatial assessment and mapping of biodiversity value plays a vital role in identifying key areas for conservation and establishing conservation priorities. This study measured biodiversity value using readily available data and tools in order to identify conservation priority sites in a heavily modified and fragmented production landscape. The study also assessed trade-offs among biodiversity and other ecosystem services. We u..