Identifying areas of conservation importance based on spatial patterns of evolutionary diversity for non-volant small mammals in the Andean Puna

Abstract

Ecosystems around the world face a variety of threats from anthropogenic activities and drylands are among the most affected due to their unique environmental characteristics. To maintain phylogenetic history and ecological functionality in these areas, it is imperative to preserve community structure and composition by identifying and protecting key conservation areas. Various methods have been used to define these areas in need of protection; in this study, we used patterns of taxonomic and phylogenetic diversity in the arid lands of the Altiplano-Puna Bioregion of South America, using non-volant small mammal communities as a model system. Based on detailed records of species presence in the study area we estimated indices of species richness and phylogenetic redundancy. The geographic distribution of these indices was then compared to the distribution of protected areas in the region. These analyses identified areas around Lake Titicaca as being of exceptional conservation importance and in need of protection efforts. We propose a network of interconnected areas that together would provide high conservation value while allowing genetic exchange and facilitating ecological processes across landscapes.