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Global mismatch between species richness and vulnerability of reef fish assemblages
Author(s) -
Parravicini Valeriano,
Villéger Sébastien,
McClanahan Tim R.,
AriasGonzález Jesus Ernesto,
Bellwood David R.,
Belmaker Jonathan,
Chabanet Pascale,
Floeter Sergio R.,
Friedlander Alan M.,
Guilhaumon François,
Vigliola Laurent,
Kulbicki Michel,
Mouillot David
Publication year - 2014
Publication title -
ecology letters
Language(s) - English
Resource type - Journals
SCImago Journal Rank - 6.852
H-Index - 265
eISSN - 1461-0248
pISSN - 1461-023X
DOI - 10.1111/ele.12316
Subject(s) - species richness , ecology , ecosystem , coral reef fish , vulnerability (computing) , reef , biodiversity , vulnerability assessment , taxonomic rank , biology , geography , psychological resilience , taxon , psychology , computer security , computer science , psychotherapist
The impact of anthropogenic activity on ecosystems has highlighted the need to move beyond the biogeographical delineation of species richness patterns to understanding the vulnerability of species assemblages, including the functional components that are linked to the processes they support. We developed a decision theory framework to quantitatively assess the global taxonomic and functional vulnerability of fish assemblages on tropical reefs using a combination of sensitivity to species loss, exposure to threats and extent of protection. Fish assemblages with high taxonomic and functional sensitivity are often exposed to threats but are largely missed by the global network of marine protected areas. We found that areas of high species richness spatially mismatch areas of high taxonomic and functional vulnerability. Nevertheless, there is strong spatial match between taxonomic and functional vulnerabilities suggesting a potential win–win conservation‐ecosystem service strategy if more protection is set in these locations.