3. Patterns of Biodiversity in Arctic Birds
Arctic ecosystems are harsh and inhospitable, containing very low species diversity. However, although the habitats are relatively homogeneous throughout the circumpolar Arctic region, differences in species richness and areas of outstanding species richness can be recognised. Analysis of patterns in species diversity can be used to prioritise regions for conservation in the Arctic. Towards this goal, the Conservation of Arctic Flora and Fauna (CAFF) programme has been compiling information on the distribution and abundance of species and ecosystems in the Arctic. The work described in this report was designed to complement other ongoing projects and was included in the CAFF V work plan. It was carried out under an EU fellowship at UNEP-WCMC.

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2. Tropical Montane Cloud Forests: An Urgent Priority for Conservation
Tropical montane cloud forests (TMCFs) are high on the list of the world's most threatened ecosystems. In order to achieve the conservation of remaining areas there is an urgent need for information on the location, extent, protection status, biological importance, socio-economic conditions and current threats on a site by site basis. This report describes a first phase of work on the development of a global database and draft directory of TMCFs. Interim results and conclusions are provided from a global overview of the information gathered to date.

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1. Priorities for Biodiversity Conservation in the Tropics
This study provides an assessment of the extent to which habitats in the tropics are protected and guidance on prioritising conservation action from global and national perspectives. At global level, investments should be strategically targeted towards biologically richer countries and habitats inadequately represented within protected areas. With habitats that are well represented within protected areas, investments should be targeted towards effectively managing such sites. At national levels, countries should aim to ensure that all habitats are well represented within their protected areas system.

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