Modelling distribution patterns in a species-rich plant genus, Anthurium (Araceae), in Ecuador

Modelling potential species distributions has become a powerful tool for botanists in recent years. Using herbarium specimen data and GIS desktop software, we modelled the potential distribution of 36 endemic and 47 non-endemic species of Anthurium (Araceae) in Ecuador based on mean annual temperature and humidity. Our results indicate the most important region for endemics in western Ecuador lies between the Andes and Coastal mountain ranges between 200 and 700 m, while for eastern Ecuador a belt of potential high diversity occurs directly along the foothills of the Andes under 1000 m. A very interesting result of this study highlights a site of predicted high species diversity at the borders of Guyas, Cañar, Bolivar, and Chimborazo, as well as sites within the Cordillera del Condor along the border with Peru. Potential richness for non-endemic Anthurium species was similar to that of endemics with the inclusion of a large area of Amazonian lowlands in the east of the country. Over 40% of the protected areas in Ecuador occur in the eastern Amazonian lowlands, an area of low diversity for Anthurium endemics. Overall, for areas with potential high concentrations of endemic species identified in this study, only 3.1% are within Ecuador's protected areas.