Phylogenetic and functional diversity in large carnivore assemblages

Large terrestrial carnivores are important ecological components and promi- nent flagship species, but are often extinction prone owing to a combination of biological traits and high levels of human persecution. This study com- bines phylogenetic and functional diversity evaluations of global and continental large carnivore assemblages to provide a framework for conser- vation prioritization both between and within assemblages. Species-rich assemblages of large carnivores simultaneously had high phylogenetic and functional diversity, but species contributions to phylogenetic and func- tional diversity components were not positively correlated. The results further provide ecological justification for the largest carnivore species as a focus for conservation action, and suggests that range contraction is a likely cause of diminishing carnivore ecosystem function. This study high- lights that preserving species-rich carnivore assemblages will capture both high phylogenetic and functional diversity, but that prioritizing species within assemblages will involve trade-offs between optimizing contempor- ary ecosystem function versus the evolutionary potential for future ecosystem performance. Carnivora, predation, ecosystem function, conservation priorities, biodiversity