Potential distribution of native Passiflora L. species (Passifloraceae) in Paraguay: implications for conservation and germplasm collection
DOI:
https://doi.org/10.56152//StevianaFacenV17N2A1_2025Keywords:
conservation priority areas, plant diversity, ecoregions, genetic resourcesAbstract
The genus Passiflora represents a significant portion of the Neotropical flora, with 22 native species documented in Paraguay, belonging to the subgenera Passiflora (13 species) and Decaloba (9 species). In this study, potential distribution models were generated using the MaxEnt algorithm, based on 19 bioclimatic variables and a total of 369 presence records derived from herbarium collections. The models demonstrated high predictive performance, with AUC values exceeding 0.8 for 95% of the modeled species, even in cases with fewer than five records. Analytical overlay of the models revealed distinct distribution patterns between subgenera: Passiflora exhibited broader ecological amplitude and occupancy across both the Region Oriental and the Chaco, while Decaloba was concentrated in humid environments in the eastern part of the country. Areas of high species richness and priority regions for conservation were also identified, including the Atlantic Forest of Alto Paraná, south-central of Caazapá, and certain sectors of both humid and dry Chaco, many of which show low representation within the national system of protected areas. This
work provides a strategic tool for planning conservation actions, germplasm collection, and monitoring
of native Passiflora species in Paraguay, particularly in regions with information gaps and limited botanical
documentation.
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