A framework to quantify the vulnerability of insular biota to global change
Abstract
The majority of vulnerability assessments of biodiversity to global changes have so far focused on mainland systems, ignoring islands. However, islands harbour unique biodiversity and are epicentres of ongoing extinctions. We thus introduce a new framework for quantifying the vulnerability of terrestrial insular biota to multiple threats. This framework uses markers of exposure, sensitivity, and adaptive capacity that reflect the unique characteristics of island biodiversity, from population to island levels. Our framework involves four steps: (1) identifying the scope of the vulnerability assessment, (2) selecting the most appropriate markers, (3) computing the vulnerability, and (4) provide recommendations for conservation. We discuss the need and urgency to deploy this framework to guide evidence-based decisions for the conservation of insular biodiversity and for an improved attention of insular biota at the science-policy interface.
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