Distribution and Gap Analysis of Hubei’s Priority Conservation Forest Ecosystems

Based on biodiversity survey data of Hubei province,this paper analyzed the types and distribution characteristics of the Hubei priority conservation forest ecosystem using GIS analysis tools and five assessment criteria. The criteria included ‘Dominant ecosystems of the eco-region in Hubei’,‘Ecosystems with special climatic,geographic and soil features’,‘Ecosystems endemic to Hubei’,‘Ecosystems with extremely rich species’,and ‘Ecosystems with special habitats’. Results indicated that Hubei's forest ecosystems were divided into 261 types,75 of which were high priority. According to the distribution of priority ecosystems,certain areas were selected as central for the entire priority ecosystems. By analyzing the distribution of Hubei's nature reserves and priority conservation,gap analysis was performed. Results showed that priority conservation areas should be considered primarily in the conservation of forest ecosystems. Gap analysis results will contribute to the configuration of Hubei's nature reserves and improve the effectiveness of biodiversity conservation.