The Alliance for Zero
Extinction (AZE) identifies the world’s most vulnerable species. These species
are considered endangered or critically endangered and only have one remaining
population in one location. These locations are known as AZE sites, a
designation which allows them to be prioritized for conservation efforts. AZE
species are all considered endangered or critically endangered. However, threatened
species can also be listed as near threatened, vulnerable, or extinct in the
wild by the International Union for Conservation of Nature (IUCN).
For my URSP project, I am
working with Dr. Luther and the Biology Department using Geographic Information
Systems to compare a global map of AZE sites with global data on all categories
of threatened species. We will analyze the data to determine how many other
non-AZE threatened species exist at each site, what percentage of threatened
species are and are not covered by AZE sites, and how many are already in
protected areas, along with other breakdowns. Since AZE sites already receive
special conservation attention, we are hoping to demonstrate that by protecting
these sites, other threatened species would also be protected. This project is
very timely as this year the global Convention on Biological Diversity is
expected to adopt a Post-2020 Biodiversity Framework in its efforts to
work towards the 2030 Sustainable Development Goals. As decisions are made for
the future of conservation, it is important that world leaders have all the
information necessary to do what is best for our planet and its species.
