A Mosaic of Conservation: Protecting the Most Important Places in PARCAs
The incredible landscapes of the US are like a mosaic, with each ecosystem and each species within it working together to create a rich and magnificent larger picture.
Every lost place or species changes the picture, and some have a disproportionate effect. Losing critical habitat for an Endangered species would be like removing a large, centrally located tile, completely changing the mosaic.
To ensure the integrity and beauty of the whole mosaic, Priority Amphibian and Reptile Conservation Areas (PARCAs) act as carefully chosen, vibrant tiles integral to the artwork. Each PARCA represents a crucial piece of the bigger design, selected through a precise process of scientific analysis and local knowledge.
Nationwide, we’ve identified 322 PARCAs, from the Southern Coastal Plain to the Southern Appalachians, across our most recently established PARCAs in Mississippi to the deserts of the Southwest, and up to the Pacific Northwest.
These PARCAs were selected because they’re the most important remaining places for imperiled amphibians and reptiles in the US. They were strategically chosen to protect vital habitats and ensure the survival of these often-overlooked species.
The Science of Identifying PARCAs
Selecting these conservation hotspots isn’t a matter of guesswork; it’s a structured process grounded in scientific modeling and local expertise. The first step in identifying PARCAs involves creating a spatial model known as the PARCA Metric. This model helps pinpoint areas with the highest conservation value for amphibians and reptiles by evaluating factors such as species richness and the presence of imperiled species.
The PARCA Metric value is calculated using three main components:
The presence of imperiled species
An estimate of amphibian richness and endemism, scaled according to each state’s ecoregions
An index of reptile richness and endemism, similarly scaled
By assessing landscape integrity and excluding fragmented or heavily disturbed areas, the model narrows down potential PARCAs. We refine the process further by using an analysis to identify hotspots where conservation efforts would have the greatest impact.
Case Study: Mississippi’s New PARCAs
Recently, we established five new PARCAs in Mississippi, exemplifying this strategic approach.
To choose these PARCAs, we collaborated with local experts from state and federal agencies, universities, and other stakeholders. Together, we reviewed the PARCA Metric data and considered additional factors such as landscape integrity and existing conservation efforts.
We then worked with these experts to develop a detailed conservation plan for each PARCA. These plans will serve as a blueprint for recovery as we begin the critical work needed on the ground in the most important places for the conservation of Mississippi’s diverse amphibians and reptiles.
The five newly designated Mississippi PARCAs are:
1. Tishomingo PARCA: Found in northeastern Mississippi, this area features distinctive geologic formations and diverse forests, providing essential habitat for the eastern hellbender.
2. Gulf Coast PARCA: Covering the southern part of the state, this region includes Coastal Flatwoods, Upland Longleaf Pine, and the Pascagoula Drainage, supporting species like the Mississippi diamondback terrapin and dusky gopher frog.
3. South Delta PARCA: Situated between the Mississippi and Yazoo Rivers, this area includes a mix of agricultural lands, bottomland hardwood forests, and cypress-tupelo swamps, offering vital habitats for species like the western chicken turtle.
4. Mann’s Land PARCA: In east-central Mississippi’s Black Prairie region, this site features a mix of prairie and forest habitats, supporting species such as the crawfish frog.
5. Upper Pearl PARCA: Along the Pearl River and its tributaries, this area is known for its aquatic ecosystems and riparian habitats, home to various freshwater turtles and crucial for regional biodiversity and water management.
Benefits of Place-Based Conservation
In Mississippi and throughout the country, the benefits of protecting PARCAs extend beyond the targeted amphibians and reptiles. By focusing on these key areas, we protect entire ecosystems.
The PARCA strategy is a model for conservation efforts nationwide. ARC’s approach emphasizes the importance of conserving large, ecologically significant areas rather than focusing on individual species alone. With this holistic strategy, we aim to rebuild entire ecosystems, ensuring long-term sustainability for amphibians, reptiles, and other species.
By integrating scientific data with local knowledge and building partnerships with conservation professionals and other stakeholders, ARC is paving the way for effective, place-based conservation.
In fact, we’re currently working on the ground with our partners to provide targeted conservation actions to the most imperiled amphibians and reptiles in 22 PARCAs across 14 states.
Whether working in the deserts of the Southwest or the wetlands of the Southeast, the goal remains the same: to create resilient ecosystems that support diverse and thriving populations of amphibians and reptiles.
Each PARCA serves not only as a beacon of hope for these imperiled species but also as a testament to the power of collaborative, science-driven conservation efforts. By protecting these critical habitats and implementing comprehensive conservation strategies, together, we’re working to safeguard the intricate mosaic of ecosystems that support the incredible biodiversity of our country.