XVI International Botanical Congess

Although 19% of continental Chile is conserved, the biotically-rich mediterranean climate area with <5% protected, lags behind. Application of the Clench model to species-accumulation data shows that knowledge of species richness, and hence floristic composition, at scales relevant for setting conservation priorities is spatially variable. While algorithms such as Worldmap (Williams 1994) have potential for detecting priority areas for conservation, the results are presently unsatisfying. Known distributions of endemics call for complementing large reserves with smaller protected areas. Providing scientifically-based conservation recommendations for central Chile is a major challenge. Research supported by CONICYT Grant No. 1980795 and an Endowed Presidential Science Chair (Chile).