A DISCRETE OPTIMIZATION MODEL FOR PRESERVING BIOLOGICAL DIVERSITY

In this paper we propose an operational framework within which the con cept of diversity is measurable. Based on an interspecies dissimilarit y index, we develop a series of progressively more efficient integer p rogramming formulations with the objective of maximizing biological di versity under resource constraints. To illustrate the solution procedu re, the model is applied to the preservation of the crane family. Ne a lso show how additional modelling considerations can be incorporated i n a simple and direct fashion. Finally, an alternative approach to mea suring biodiversity is presented to exemplify that different measures of diversity can lend to differing ecological conservation policies.