These areas are based on criteria that assess:Representativeness
(the characteristic natural vegetation and habitats of an area, including
consideration of size, naturalness, diversity and pattern)Rarity (species
that are unusual or rare in a local, regional or national context)Diversity/special features (of ecological units, ecosystems and physical
features within a natural area as well as biological or physical features
unusual or rare in a local, regional or national context)Connectivity and
buffering potential (an area provides connectivity between fragmented
indigenous habitats, buffers or enhances ecological values of a specific sites
of value or provides seasonal or core habitat for specific indigenous
species). The closer an ecosystem is to its original state and the more
original species that exist within it, the higher its value.