Monitoring protected areas from space: A multi-temporal assessment using raptors as biodiversity surrogates (Regos et al., 2017)

Monitoring protected areas (PAs) is vital for assessing their effectiveness in habitat protection, preservation, and representativeness. This study explores how species distribution models, integrating remote sensing data and biodiversity surrogates, can help create a systematic monitoring protocol for PAs. Specifically, the study evaluated the effectiveness of the Natura 2000 (N2000) network in conserving seven raptor species in a dynamic landscape in northwest Spain from 2001 to 2014. It also analyzed the cost-effectiveness of the N2000 network, using the total protected area as an indicator of conservation costs. The findings revealed that N2000 poorly represented raptor habitats. However, despite the low representativeness, the network was highly effective in increasing habitat availability for both generalist and forest specialist species during the study period. To improve representativeness, additional protected areas should be designated in the future to safeguard open-habitat specialists and their priority habitats. Proactive conservation efforts in natural and semi-natural ecosystems, such as montane heathlands, will be crucial for the long-term protection of Montagu’s harrier (listed in Annex I of the Bird Directive) and to meet EU environmental regulations. The study highlights how the integration of freely-available satellite data and species distribution models can enhance the cost-efficiency of PA monitoring systems and support the ´Fitness Check´ process of the EU Nature Directives.