Identification of conservation-worthy areas in northern Zululand, South Africa

We used spatial and statistical analyses to identify and prioritize broad a reas for conservation attention in the northern Zululand region of KwaZulu- Natal, South Africa. We attempted to identify conservation-worthy areas bas ed on species, vegetation types, ecological processes, and threats to biodi versity. Information on species was limited and so could not form the basis of the analysis. Priority vegetation types were identified by degree of en demicity, extent of protection and transformation, and degree of fragmentat ion. These priority vegetation types and threats to biodiversity were used to define broad linkages between existing protected areas. We set a goal of 10% protection for each vegetation type and 25% for each species. We ident ified several important (endemic or threatened) animal species and predicte d their ranges using a simple model. Species ranges and their hotspots were compared with the distribution of protected areas and the suggested linkag es to evaluate increased species representation. Generally, the eastern par t of the study area was well protected. Unprotected conservation-worthy are as under greatest threat lay in the west, and protecting these areas is a p riority. Furthermore, several vegetation types were not protected by provin cial authorities, a situation that also needs to be addressed. The findings of our study need to be reassessed at a finer land-parcel scale, and imple mentation of a range of land-use options considered.