Abstract:
Integrative and proactive conservation approaches are critical to the long-term
persistence of biodiversity. Molecular data can provide important information on
evolutionary processes necessary for conserving multiple levels of biodiversity
(genes, populations, species, and ecosystems). However, molecular data are rarely
used to guide spatial conservation decision-making. Here, we bridge the fields of
molecular ecology (ME) and systematic conservation planning (SCP) (the ‘why’) to
build a foundation for the inclusion of molecular data into spatial conservation planning
tools (the ‘how’), and provide a practical guide for implementing this integrative
approach for both conservation planners and molecular ecologists. The proposed
framework enhances interdisciplinary capacity, which is crucial to achieving the
ambitious global conservation goals envisioned for the next decade.