The fragility of special areas of conservation to enhance habitat resilience

Specific levels of ecological sensitivity and anthropogenic pressures can affect the fragility of an area. However, human activities can cause changes in Special Areas of Conservation (SACs) in terms of diversity, size, and habitat configuration, with the risk of biodiversity loss. The objectives of this research are: (1) a preliminary analysis, mapping, and classification of the 18 SACs included in one of the large-area sites (BAS) of the National Centre for the Future of Biodiversity in Italy in terms of ecological sensitivity and in terms of the three main anthropogenic pressures (land use, agriculture, and priority habitat fragmentation), which represent crucial threats to biodiversity; and (2) a first assessment and classification of SACs in terms of fragility to identify possible conservation management actions. S2 had the highest ecological sensitivity, as well as very high anthropogenic pressure. By combining sensitivity and anthropogenic pressures in each SAC, it was possible to classify the different areas in terms of fragility: in particular, S2 was found to be the most fragile. The results provided important information on the resilience of SACs, which depends on their stability domains, influencing their ability to adapt to disturbances. This approach implemented a perspective based exclusively on habitat dimensions with a broad view of the fragility of SACs. In addition, it represents a first step to integrate human activities and ecological data to assess the fragility of SACs to anthropogenic pressures and identify effective management measures to improve biodiversity conservation in the context of the Nature Restoration Law. • Fragility monitoring provides an assessment of SACs resilience to human pressures. • The largest priority habitats are 6220* (5935.37 ha), and 2270* (1917.01 ha). • SAC n. 2 is the most fragile for its high ecological sensitivity and ongoing human pressures. • Small priority habitats in small SACs are more at risk to be lost. • Fragility can support the assessment of management actions to enhance SACs resilience.