Wilderness networks contributed the efforts of existing protected area networks: The cost-effective comparison among multiple conservation scenarios

Biodiversity loss is a pressing global issue, with protected areas and Other Effective Area-Based Conservation Measures (OECMs) identified as crucial strategies for conservation. This study investigates the contribution of wilderness networks beyond existing protected areas to biodiversity conservation in Central Asia, proposing a comprehensive framework for wilderness network assessment and identifying potential OECM areas. Using Boolean overlay and weighted linear combination approach, the research delineated core wilderness patches and assessed their spatial relationship with existing protected area. The study employed multi-scenario assessment framework to reconstruct twelve landscape ecological networks, results exposed the potential of wilderness networks as supplementary areas to existing protected area networks. The study also identified 241 critical pinch points essential for maintaining regional wildlife habitat connectivity and species migration. The research advocates for the integration of wilderness networks with OECMs to achieve the 30×30 conservation goal. The study's findings underscore need for additional conservation measures beyond existing protected areas and importance of considering human activity disturbances, maintaining landscape connectivity, as well as evaluating cost-effective conservation strategies. It also highlights the necessity for cross-border collaboration in regional-scale wilderness research. This study contributes to the planning and development of policies for wilderness conservation and provides a replicable framework for similar global assessments. [Display omitted] •New Framework for Biodiversity Conservation: Comprehensive assessment of wilderness network in Central Asia.•Wilderness and protected area synergize to advancing biodiversity conservation Effectiveness.•Pinch point Identified: 241 points crucial for wildlife connectivity.•Advocating OECM Integration: For achieving the 30x30 conservation target.•Cost-Effectiveness Evaluated: Multi-scenario analysis for economic conservation strategies.