The Role of Protected Areas in the Avoidance of Anthropogenic Conversion in a High Pressure Region: A Matching Method Analysis in the Core Region of the Brazilian Cerrado

Protected areas in the core region of Brazil's Cerrado Biome significantly contribute to preventing anthropogenic conversion, though effectiveness varies widely based on factors such as restriction degree, governmental sphere, size, and age. Using advanced matching methods, this study reduced bias by 94-99%, addressing statistical challenges like spatial correlation and leakage effects that often distort effectiveness estimates. The findings reveal that most protected areas positively influence habitat preservation, but their performance is highly dependent on specific characteristics. This research underscores the importance of tailored conservation strategies to maximize the impact of protected areas in high-pressure regions.

Paiva, R. J. O., Brites, R. S., & Machado, R. B. (2015). The Role of Protected Areas in the Avoidance of Anthropogenic Conversion in a High Pressure Region: A Matching Method Analysis in the Core Region of the Brazilian Cerrado. Plos One, 10(7), e0132582. https://doi.org/10.1371/journal.pone.0132582