ABSTRACT
There is an extensive literature in conservation biology on choosing the best locations for biological reserves (e.g., Kirkpatrick 1983; Margules, Nicholls, and Pressey 1988; Pressey et al. 1993; Vane״Wright, Humphries, and Williams 1991; Williams et al. 1996). Typically, biological reserve sites are
ABSTRACT. Concerns that the loss of habitat have greatly increased species extinction rates has led to calls for establishing biological reserves to preserve key habitat. In this paper, we study reserve site selection for terrestrial vertebrates in Oregon using data on species ranges and land values. We find cost-effective strategies that represent a maximum number of species for a given consei'vation budget. By varying the budget, we find the cost of obtaining various levels of representation. In general, effective conservation decision-making requires integrated analysis of both biological and economic data. (JEL Q20)
I. INTRODUCTION
In many parts of the world, population growth and economic expansion have in״ creased the percentage of land devoted to human use. There has been widespread conversion of habitat for agriculture and timber harvesting, and to a lesser extent urban development. There are concerns that the loss of habitat has greatly increased species extinction rates (Wilson 1988; Pimm et al. 1995). Such concerns have lead to calls for public policies and private actions to protect species and their habitats. In the United States, the Endangered Species Act prohibits actions that harm species listed under the Act as endangered or threatened and seeks to promote the recovery of all such species. Internationally, the Convention on Biological Diversity, drafted for the 1992 U.N. Conference on Environment and Development, seeks to promote the conservation of biodiversity among signatory countries. In addition, many private non-profit organizations are actively involved in the conservation of species and habitats.
