Archaeological sites and historical monuments as refuges for threatened species: a call for integrated conservation management

Archaeological sites and historical monuments, including the UNESCO World Heritage Site of Machu Picchu, serve as critical refuges for threatened species. These sites exhibit high biodiversity, with examples such as 13% of Turkey's reptile species found in a small area around Kaunos (modern-day Dalyan) and two new Proctoporus species discovered in Machu Picchu. The presence of ruins provides shelter from predators, while tourism may deter potential threats. However, tourism also poses risks to local biodiversity by promoting invasive species and disrupting habitats. To mitigate these impacts, the study advocates for integrated conservation management that combines archaeological expertise with ecological knowledge, sustainable tourism practices, and public education. Effective protection requires interdepartmental collaboration, joint research, and unified legislation to balance cultural heritage preservation with biodiversity conservation.

Báez, J. C., & Torreblanca, D. (2024). Archaeological sites and historical monuments as refuges for threatened species: a call for integrated conservation management. Frontiers in Conservation Science, 5. https://doi.org/10.3389/fcosc.2024.1495157