How are population patterns different in ecological priority areas? Mapping demography onto conservation areas

David L. Carr, University of California, Santa Barbara
Matthew Erdman, WWF US
Alex Zvoleff, San Diego State University
Laurel K Suter, University of California, Santa Barbara

This paper researches human population growth in World Wildlife Fund’s (WWF) key biodiversity areas, by identifying the current stage of demographic transition in each and key factors affecting the prevailing fertility and mortality rates. It also examines population density, and other demographic factors. Preliminary findings suggest statistically significant differences between key population variables within compared to outside of WWF ecological priority areas. Results suggest that, along with contributing to improving local communities’ quality of life, reducing population growth in targeted communities within key conservation areas may mitigate major and long-term threats to key habitats and their rare and endangered wildlife species.