ibclogo XVI International Botanical Congess


Abstract Number: 6110
Session = 4.4.3


RESEARCH ON THE CACTUS FLORA OF MEXICO: EXPLORATION, DISTRIBUTION PATTERNS AND CONSERVATION


Héctor M. Hernández, Instituto de Biología, UNAM, 04510 México, D.F.


This presentation reviews recent advances of a long-term project aimed to understand biogeographical patterns of the Cactaceae in the Chihuahuan Desert Region. Different methods for determining species richness and distribution patterns at a macro- and micro-regional scales are described. The southern portion of this desert holds the richest number of cactus species in Mexico and is a focal point for the conservation of members of this family. Several of the studied parameters (e.g., range size, regional frequency, local abundance, and degree of ecological specialization) suggest that a high proportion of the species found in the area are rare and that natural populations are probably declining. The usefulness of these data for assessing the conservation status of cactus species is analyzed. 884


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