Abstract
We carried out an inventory of the cactus species occurring in the Mier y Noriega region. The study was conducted in a square-shaped area of approximately 2845 km2, located in the southeastern segment of the Chihuahuan Desert region, between 23°00′ – 23°30′ lat. N and 100°00′ – 100°30′ long. W, including parts of the states of Nuevo León, Tamaulipas, and San Luis Potosí, Mexico. In order to know the cactus diversity, we developed an intensive method of botanical collecting; a total of 80 sites were sampled. With 54 species recorded, of which 28 were new area records and 14 new state records, the Mier y Noriega region is considered moderately rich in cactus species. Cactus diversity is distributed unevenly in the area, and the greatest species concentration occurs in its southwestern portion. The analysis of geographical distribution of individual species showed that the highest proportion (82%) are endemic to the Chihuahuan Desert Region, six of them having extremely narrow distributions. In addition, 19 species are considered endangered. With the aid of a complementarity analysis, we propose a strategy for the optimal conservation of the species and their habitats.
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Gómez-Hinostrosa, C., Hernández, H.M. Diversity, geographical distribution, and conservation of Cactaceae in the Mier y Noriega region, Mexico. Biodiversity and Conservation 9, 403–418 (2000). https://doi.org/10.1023/A:1008935710910
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DOI: https://doi.org/10.1023/A:1008935710910