Patterns of vertebrate species richness and conservation in Nicaragua

We examined the distributions of mammal, bird, reptile, and amphibian speci es richness in three biogeographic regions (Pacific, Central, and Atlantic) of Nicaragua and calculated the areas of biogeographic regions, of decreed conservation areas, and of forest cover in terrestrial reserves to assess how well the nation's nature reserve system protects vertebrate biodiversit y. The Atlantic Region had the highest species richness for most vertebrate taxa, and the highest number of vertebrate species restricted to one regio n, including endemic and threatened species. At a national scale, Nicaragua 's Ministry of Natural Resources has decreed as protected 74 conservation a reas or 18% of Nicaragua's land area; it has proportionally decreed protect ed areas in biogeographic regions in correspondence with high levels of ver tebrate species richness and endemism, and high numbers of species with res tricted ranges. The Atlantic Region deserves and has received a high priori ty for conservation: 23% of the land area is protected by decree. However, the Pacific and Central Regions may not be adequately protected. Only 5% of the Pacific Region has been protected by decree, and fewer than 25% of the reserves in the Central Region have forest cover greater than 50%. Biologi cal inventories of reserves, detailed vegetation maps, and data on reserve status are needed to ensure the long-term success of Nicaragua's nature res erve system.