Conservation prioritization based on plant richness and endemism in Myanmar

Abstract

Understanding patterns of species richness and endemism is crucial in ecology and conservation. Myanmar is part of the Indo-Burma biodiversity hotspot, yet despite the acknowledged diversity, the geographic patterns of plant diversity and endemism remain poorly understood. This knowledge gap is largely due to limited systematic botanical surveys, political instability, and the logistical difficulties of conducting fieldwork in remote regions. To overcome these challenges, and based on a recently published Myanmar plants database, we modelled 8106 species using MaxEnt to predict species richness patterns and endemism. Based on modelled outputs, we delineated floristic regions and identified conservation priorities for endemism areas. Hotspots of modelled high species richness were identified in Northern Myanmar, Western Chin Hills, and other mountain ranges in Southern and Eastern Myanmar. Areas with low species richness are concentrated in the central regions, including dry zones and agricultural land areas. High floristic dissimilarity among Myanmar's regions supports the division of the country into eight phytogeographical zones. Most centers of endemism are located in Kachin or Chin State. A composite endemism index combining Weighted Endemism (WE) and Corrected Weighted Endemism (CWE) identified the top 10 % priority areas covering 71,636.41 km², of which only 16.1 % is protected, leaving 83.9 % unprotected. To facilitate the conservation of endemic species, we identify priority gaps and suggest targeted surveys in gap areas to better understand their distribution patterns.