Global patterns of border protected areas reveal gaps in transboundary conservation efforts

Transboundary wildlife and ecosystems need effective conservation on both sides of political borders but are threatened by asymmetric implementation. However, little is known about the global extent and limitations of current conservation status in borderlands. Here, we analyzed global distribution patterns of border protected areas to determine conservation gaps. We found widespread asymmetric conservation in global borderlands, with about two-thirds of border protected areas occurring on one side of the borders. Borderland conservation extent varied substantially among countries and was affected mostly by socioeconomic factors rather than conservation needs. Moreover, there was a mismatch between conservation priorities and conservation efforts: 45.2% of national boundaries of high conservation value lack protected areas. To strengthen global conservation outcomes, we highlight an urgent need for supranational cooperation in conservation policies to ensure that both sides of political borders are managed effectively.