The last continuous grasslands on Earth: Identification and conservation importance

Grasslands are the most threatened and least protected biome. Yet, no study has been conducted to identify last remaining continuous grasslands on Earth. Here, we used World Wildlife Fund (WWF) International Union for Conservation of Nature (IUCN) classifications measure degree intactness world's grassland ecoregions. This analysis revealed three findings critical conservation importance. First, only a few large, intact remain. Second, every continent with ecoregion considered in this contains at one relatively ecoregion. Third, largest identified have persisted despite centuries anthropogenic pressures best chance withstand 21st century global change. We discuss how these regions importance efforts under anthropogenically driven They provide essential ecosystem services, play an important role mitigating effects climate change, serve as repositories biodiversity, foundational continental migration pathways, hold unique cultural heritage, people's livelihoods depend upon their persistence.