New method pinpoints biodiversity hotspots for targeted conservation efforts.
The scientists studied biodiversity in the ocean off south-western Australia by looking at the variety and distribution of different species. They used a new method to predict where rare species are found and where unique groups of species live. By analyzing data from fish and invertebrates, they found that areas with high numbers of rare species and unique assemblages overlap. This helps us identify important areas for conservation that might otherwise be overlooked.