14 Data needs: Identifying a site

As per the chapter “Sites: Toolkit context”

The typical data needed to identify site types outlined in the toolkit are:

• data used to define a boundary which can be considered as a site (e.g. tracking data, or ability to identify a known area used by animals), and knowledge of how the species uses the site. The data should also enable users to create a spatial polygon file (typically a shapefile)

• an abundance estimate for the site (the Toolkit focuses on mature individuals as the key unit for determining abundance)

• the conservation status of the species (typically the global IUCN Red List Status)

• a global abundance estimate

With those data, one can determine whether or not a site meets relevant criteria.

In the toolkit, while we recognise a spectrum of sites, we advocate for, and support the identification of, Key Biodiversity Areas (KBAs). This is because by formally identifying a site as a KBA, the site will have added ability to bring about a change by a decision-maker that supports species maintaining or achieving a favourable conservation status.

Below, summarises some of the key concepts with regards to identifying a site for the conservation of marine megafuana, particularly through a KBA approach.