Phylogenetic diversity and North Andean block conservation

Area of Science:

• Biodiversity conservation
• Phylogenetics
• Neotropical ecology

Background:

• The Northern Andean Block (NAB) is a biodiversity hotspot in the Neotropics.
• Human population expansion threatens ecosystems and species in the NAB.
• Urgent conservation strategies are needed to protect this vital region.

Purpose of the Study:

• To evaluate priority conservation areas in the NAB using phylogenetic diversity indices.
• To identify regions with high phylogenetic distinctness within the NAB.
• To assess the role of endemic species and protected areas in conserving phylogenetic diversity.

Main Methods:

• Reconstructed 93 phylogenies for 1,252 species.
• Calculated Average Taxonomic Distinctness Index (AvTD) using Global Biodiversity Information Facility data.
• Mapped AvTD values at a 0.25° resolution and identified areas in the upper quantile (Q5).

Main Results:

• The NAB Andean region showed the highest AvTD, particularly in the Cordilleras.
• Endemic species contributed minimally (1.2%) to overall phylogenetic diversity.
• Protected areas, despite small sizes, hold 40% of the region's phylogenetic diversity.

Conclusions:

• Phylogenetic diversity measures are essential for effective conservation planning in the NAB.
• Conservation efforts should integrate evolutionary distinctness alongside species richness and protected area expansion.
• Expanding protected areas and improving connectivity based on phylogenetic data can better preserve biodiversity and evolutionary history.