The impact of geographical range refinement on the irreplaceability of biodiversity using the Simulated Annealing algorithm implemented in MARXAN

Abstract

In this short paper, the impact of species’ geographical range refinement on the spatial distribution of irreplaceability in the Bolivian Andes was examined. Range maps were refined by species’ elevational and habitat requirements. Subsequently, the Simulated Annealing algorithm implemented in the MARXAN systematic conservation planning software was used to calculate irreplaceability throughout the Bolivian Andes using the original and refined geographical ranges. The results show that the range refinement strongly affects the spatial patterns of irreplaceability as well as the number of highly irreplaceable areas. When designing conservation policies, the variable distribution of irreplaceability induced by the use of original versus refined geographical range maps should be taken into consideration.