@article{fdi:010091251,
  title = {{A}erial video surveys and spatial prioritization reveal conservation opportunities for endangered dugongs in {N}ew {C}aledonia},
  author = {{M}annocci, {L}aura and {D}erville, {S}ol{\`e}ne and {S}eguin, {R}. and {M}ouillot, {D}.},
  editor = {},
  language = {{ENG}},
  abstract = {1. {T}he dugong population of {N}ew {C}aledonia was recently assessed as endangered by the {IUCN} due to its low genetic diversity, its limited number of mature individuals and the continuing threats from poaching, collisions, incidental capture and seagrass degradation. {N}o-take marine protected areas ({MPA}s) implemented in critical dugong habitats may efficiently safeguard the remaining population by directly or indirectly reducing these threats. 2. {T}he goal of the present study was to develop scenarios of {MPA}s targeting dugongs in {N}ew {C}aledonia, focusing on the central west coast where they are known to aggregate during austral winter. 3. {W}e combined 7 h of video surveys from a light airplane and habitat modelling to derive regional predictions of dugong density. {W}e then used these predictions to (1) assess the proportion of dugong population abundance protected by existing no-take {MPA}s and (2) develop spatial prioritization scenarios based on explicit dugong abundance targets. 4. {W}e found that existing no-take {MPA}s only protect 11% of the estimated dugong population in the study region, leaving most dugong hotspots unprotected. {F}or the same protected area coverage, prioritization based on abundance would allow protecting nearly five times more dugong individuals. 5. {G}iven the endangered status of the population, a 70% abundance prioritization scenario is warranted, requiring the expansion of existing {MPA}s toward reef passes and shallow nearshore areas where dugong abundance is the highest. {O}ur study offers an opportunity for dynamic spatial management through the implementation of a seasonal closure strictly restricting human activities in areas where dugongs aggregate in winter.},
  keywords = {aerial imagery ; {C}oral {L}agoon ; dugong ; habitat modelling ; marine ; protected areas ; sirenians ; {NOUVELLE} {CALEDONIE}},
  booktitle = {},
  journal = {{A}quatic {C}onservation : {M}arine and {F}reshwater {E}cosystems},
  volume = {34},
  numero = {8},
  pages = {e4237 [12 p.]},
  ISSN = {1052-7613},
  year = {2024},
  DOI = {10.1002/aqc.4237},
  URL = {https://www.documentation.ird.fr/hor/fdi:010091251},
}