Publication Details

Category Text Publication
Reference Category Journals
DOI 10.1126/science.aaf7166
Title (Primary) A global map of roadless areas and their conservation status
Author Ibisch, P.L.; Hoffmann, M.T.; Kreft, S.; Pe'er, G.; Kati, V.; Biber-Freudenberger, L.; DellaSala, D.A.; Vale, M.M.; Hobson, P.R.; Selva, N.
Source Titel Science
Year 2016
Department NSF; iDiv
Volume 354
Issue 6318
Page From 1423
Page To 1427
Language englisch
UFZ wide themes RU1
Abstract Roads fragment landscapes and trigger human colonization and degradation of ecosystems, to the detriment of biodiversity and ecosystem functions. The planet’s remaining large and ecologically important tracts of roadless areas sustain key refugia for biodiversity and provide globally relevant ecosystem services. Applying a 1-kilometer buffer to all roads, we present a global map of roadless areas and an assessment of their status, quality, and extent of coverage by protected areas. About 80% of Earth’s terrestrial surface remains roadless, but this area is fragmented into ~600,000 patches, more than half of which are <1 square kilometer and only 7% of which are larger than 100 square kilometers. Global protection of ecologically valuable roadless areas is inadequate. International recognition and protection of roadless areas is urgently needed to halt their continued loss.
Persistent UFZ Identifier https://www.ufz.de/index.php?en=20939&ufzPublicationIdentifier=18243
Ibisch, P.L., Hoffmann, M.T., Kreft, S., Pe'er, G., Kati, V., Biber-Freudenberger, L., DellaSala, D.A., Vale, M.M., Hobson, P.R., Selva, N. (2016):
A global map of roadless areas and their conservation status
Science 354 (6318), 1423 - 1427 10.1126/science.aaf7166