Distributionat patterns and conservation of species of Asteraceale (asters etc). endemic to eastern Mexico: a panbiogeographical approach

Abstract

Biogeographical patterns of distribution Of 74 species of Asteraceae that inhabit mainly the temperate forests of eastern Mexico were studied using track analysis. Five generalized tracks were identified and conservation areas proposed based on degree of complexity of floristic patterns (Luna et al., 1999) and biotic richness. The northern part of the Sierra Madre Oriental harbours a high concentration of narrowly restricted species. In this area there are four track nodes that coincide with the Mexican priority terrestrial regions (RTPs) proposed by the Comision Nacional para el Concimiento y Uso de la Biodiversidad (CONABIO) and with previously identified areas of importance for bird conservation (AICAs). Two more nodes are found in the central and southern part of the Sierra. With the gathered information, we propose particular selected species of Asteraceae to be included in the Mexican areas of endangered species (NOM).