中国动物地理亚区繁殖鸟类地理分布格局与时空变化

以中国动物地理亚区统计了1976年郑作新出版的《中国鸟类分布名录》和2005年郑光美主编出版的《中国鸟类分类与分布名录》中繁殖鸟类的分布数据,结果显示:在1976年前,中国鸟类丰富度最高的动物地理亚区为西南山地亚区,其次为滇南山地亚区,而以羌塘高原亚区鸟类物种丰富度最低,黄淮平原亚区次差。2005年,鸟类丰富度最高、次高及最低的亚区与1976年相同,次差的亚区为台湾亚区。自1976年至2005年,鸟类物种丰富度在不同亚区出现明显的增加,平均每个亚区分布物种数由1976年的232种增至2005年的281种,而且具有很大的相关性;其中滇南山地亚区增加种类最多,而羌塘高原亚区和东部草原亚区增加的幅度最大;在海南岛和台湾亚区则变化较小。这些可能是由于物种在不同亚区间存在的可能扩散通道和岛屿型稳定气候及地理隔离限制了物种与其它亚区间的扩散等造成的。这些变化不仅与Leietal.(2007)提出的"地理隔离"假设结论比较一致,与雷富民等(2006)提出的西南山地-横断山区为中国鸟类特有种物种多样性中心和西南山地为物种分化中心等观点一致,而且进一步显示西南山地亚区鸟类物种有向滇南山地亚区扩散的现象,并且依然在持续中。用聚类...     

Historical rainforest contractions,localized extinctions and patterns of vertebrate endemism in the rainforests of Australia's wet tropics.

The spatial patterns in the distributions of vertebrates in the rainforests of the wet tropics biogeographic region of north-eastern Australia were examined to form hypotheses on the processes that have shaped vertebrate assemblages and patterns of species richness and regional endemism. These rainforests occur in a relatively narrow and discontinuous strip along the coast of north-eastern Australia. We found that the number of regionally endemic species and the proportion of regional endemics present in each subregion are both strongly related to the geographic shape of subregional patches of rainforest, independent of rainforest area, within Australian tropical rainforests. Shape has a more significant influence on regional endemism than area, and area has a stronger influence on species richness. These patterns were congruent for all terrestrial vertebrate classes manuals, birds, reptiles and frogst, and for the four groups combined. Our results suggest that the combination of current rainforest area and shape are an index of the relative susceptibility of each area of rainforest to historical contractions, with the implication that historical habitat fluctuations, coupled with subsequent localized extinctions species sifting; have been extremely important processes in determining current patterns of endemism in Australia''s wet tropical rainforests. This hypothesis is supported by the highly nested structure of the subregional distribution patterns.     

Disturbance,seeds, restoration,and the importance of experiments and long‐term observations: the Editors' Award for 2005

Question: Can the geographic patterning of endemic plant species inform reserve selection in a region of high endemism? Location: The Southeastern Coastal Plain of North America, focusing primarily on the imperiled longleaf pine (Pinus palustris P. Miller) ecosystem. Methods: We documented the high level of plant endemism in the region, and characterized the endemic taxa into distributional subregions. Results: A total of 1630 plant taxa are endemic to the Coastal Plain, a large proportion of which are endemic to phytogeographical subregions within the Coastal Plain, with particularly large numbers of narrow endemics occurring in the East Gulf Coastal Plain and Florida Peninsula. Conclusions: This pattern of local endemism presents challenges in conserving the full biota of the region: a reserve system focusing on few and large conservation areas has theoretical benefits for long‐term management and viability, but will fail to capture many local endemics. We propose that the dispersed distribution of endemic species will require a mixture of large core reserves and smaller satellite reserves.     

Biogeographical patterns of endemic terrestrial Afrotropical birds

Biogeographical zones are described for terrestrial bird species endemic to the Afrotropics using up‐to‐date distributional data and multivariate statistical techniques. This provides an objective basis for a hierarchy of subregions, provinces and districts, based on a set of rules. Results are compared to previous studies at continental and regional scales. Biogeographical zones for passerines and non‐passerines are compared and found to be similar. Peaks of species richness and narrow endemism are described for the six major subdivisions (subregions) identified by the cluster analysis. Coincidence of peaks of species richness and narrow endemism is found to be low, such that areas selected to represent high species richness tallies will often fail to represent narrow endemics. Strong regionalization of Afrotropical birds indicates the need to use a biogeographical framework in conservation priority setting exercises to ensure that unique, but species‐poor, avifaunas are not neglected.     

Elevational patterns of species richness and endemism for some important taxa in the Hengduan Mountains, southwestern China

We describe the elevational patterns of species richness and endemism of some important taxa in the Hengduan Mountains, southwest China. Species richness data came from publications, an online database, herbaria and field work. Species richness was estimated by rarefaction and interpolation. The Hengduan Mountains region was divided into a southern and northern subregion, and all species were assigned to four groups based on their distributional range within this region. The conditional autoregressive model (CAR) was used to relate species richness and explanatory variables. The elevational patterns of total, endemic and non-endemic species richness, at subregion and entire region scales, presented to be unimodal and peaked at similar elevations. Area size was strongly related with species richness, and was more powerful in explaining variation in species richness in the northern subregion than in the southern subregion. A single climatic variable (mean annual rainfall, potential evapotranspiration or moisture index) showed a weak relationship with the elevational pattern of species richness. Area and climatic variables together explained more than 67% of the variation in non-endemic richness, 53% in total richness, and 50% in endemic richness. There were three patterns of endemism at the generic level with increasing elevation: namely endemism increased, decreased, or peaked at middle elevations. All selected taxa have experienced rapid speciation and evolution within this region, which plays an important role in the uniform elevational patterns of total, endemic and non-endemic richness, and in the multiform elevational patterns of endemism. Electronic supplementary material  The online version of this article (doi:) contains supplementary material, which is available to authorized users.     

Climatic and spatial patterns of diversity in the serpentine plants of California

Abstract . The insular distribution of distinctive substrates, such as outcrops of serpentine rock, may either promote plant diversity by enhancing opportunities for speciation or reduce diversity by increasing rates of extinction. To examine the relationship between diversity and the spatial structure of habitats, we studied large‐scale patterns of diversity in the flora of serpentine in California. We used multiple linear regressions on geographical information system (GIS)‐derived data for 85 subregions of the state to analyse the climatic and spatial correlates of plant species richness. The diversity of plants endemic to serpentine declined from north to south and from the coast inland, in association with decreasing rainfall; the same trends were seen in the total flora, but the trends were stronger in serpentine endemics. Diversity of serpentine endemics increased with the area of serpentine and decreased with the mean isolation of serpentine patches in a subregion. The diversity of endemics was not correlated with the number of serpentine patches or their mean perimeter‐to‐area ratio. We conclude that patchiness in this terrestrial habitat does not appear to promote diversity, even at the large spatial scale associated with speciation and endemism.     

Patterns of endemism in riverine fish of the Northern Hemisphere

Loss of endemic species represents a symptom of general degrading ecosystem conditions that is the indirect result of biodiversity alteration. Here, we developed a predictive model relating species richness of endemic riverine fishes to measured biological, climatic, and historical variables using data from 118 rivers distributed all over the Northern Hemisphere. In a minimally adequate multiple general least square model, total riverine fish species richness, historical biogeography (Pleistocene glaciations), and comtemporary climate accounted for 63% of the variability in endemic species richness; the strongest correlate being riverine fish species richness. Our findings suggest that (i) endemism and richness patterns are generally similar (fish diversity "hot-spots" areas sustain higher endemic species richness); (ii) glaciation in the Pleistocene have had a significant negative influence on endemic species richness in the more septentrional areas; and (iii) certain basins situated in desertic areas (subtropical dry-zone of deserts) have unusually high numbers of endemics. These last areas should not be overshadowed when setting conservation priorities.     

Current and historical factors influencing patterns of species richness and turnover of birds in the Gulf of Guinea highlands

Aim The aims of this paper are to: examine how current and historical ecological factors affect patterns of species richness, endemism and turnover in the Gulf of Guinea highlands, test theoretical biogeographical predictions and provide information for making informed conservation decisions. Location The Gulf of Guinea highlands in West Africa. Methods We used multivariate and matrix regression models, and cluster analyses to assess the influence of current climate and current and historical isolation on patterns of richness and turnover for montane birds across the highlands. We examined three groups of birds: montane species (including widespread species), montane endemics and endemic subspecies. We applied a complementarity‐based reserve selection algorithm using species richness with irreplaceability measures to identify areas of high conservation concern. Results Environmental factors influenced richness for all groups of birds (species, endemic species and subspecies). Areas with high and consistent annual rainfall showed the highest species and endemic richness. Species clusters for all groups of birds generally differentiated three major montane regions, which are topographically isolated. Multiple mantel tests identified these same regions for endemic species and subspecies. The influence of historical isolation varied by species group; distributions of endemic montane species and subspecies were more associated with historical breaks than were all montane species, which included widespread non‐endemic species. Main conclusions Our analyses indicated important geographical structure amongst the bird assemblages in the highlands and, therefore, conservation prioritization should include mountains from within the geographical subregions identified in these analyses because these regions may harbour evolutionarily distinct populations of birds.     

Patterns of endemism in the limestone flora of South African lowland fynbos

Taxonomie and biological aspects of endemism and Red Data Book status were studied amongst the limestone endemics of the lowland fynbos in the Cape Floristic Region, South Africa. Of the 110 limestone endemics, 1.8% are widely distributed in the Cape Floristic Region and 56.4% are regional endemics. Relative to flora of non-limestone lowland fynbos (n=538 species), the families which were overrepresented in terms of limestone endemics included the Ericaceae, Fabaceae, Polygalaceae, Rutaceae and Sterculiaceae. The Restionaceae was the only underrepresented family. The local limestone endemics were not significantly different from regional endemics in terms of their biological attributes. An analysis of the frequency of the biological traits associated with the limestone-endemic flora established a biological profile for a limestone endemic: a dwarf-to-low shrub with soil-stored seeds which are ant or wind dispersed. In terms of the species richness of limestone endemics, the De Hoop Nature Reserve was the hotspot within the region. Relative to the total species richness, the Hagelkraal and Stilbaai areas contained higher-than-predicted numbers of rare species. These areas require urgent attention if the unique floral diversity associated with limestone substrata within the Bredasdorp-Riversdale centre of endemism is to be conserved.     

Distribution and conservation significance of endemic species of flowering plants in Peru

Using the data published in the Catalogue of the Flowering Plants and Gymnosperms of Peru, we analyzed the elevational distributions of 5323 species reported as endemics from that country as a whole, for 10 families with the highest number of endemic taxa in Peru, and the distribution patterns of these species according to life form. We calculated the density of endemism (number of endemic species divided by area × 1000) and absolute number of endemic species among life forms and families, along an elevational gradient. Overall densities of endemics were 10–15 times higher at mid-elevation (2000–3500 m) than in the Amazonian lowlands (0–500 m). Absolute numbers of endemics peaked at 1500–3000 m for herbs, shrubs, and epiphytes, while trees, vines, and lianas showed maxima in the lowlands (0–500 m); yet densities of endemics for all life forms peaked at 1500–3000 m. Among the 10 families with the highest number of endemics, densities of endemics peaked at mid- to high elevation (1500–4500 m), but showed much disparity in the elevational distribution of absolute numbers of endemic species. Finally, the percentage of endemic species to total species is highest for herbs, shrubs, and epiphytes. Given that less than 10% of the land area for each of the montane zones (2000–4500 m) is protected compared to 13.5–29.9% in the lower elevations (0–1000 m), we recommend that priority be given to increasing the size of protected areas at mid- to high altitude in the Andean slopes to grant further protection in zones with the highest density of endemics. We also recommend that more emphasis be given to collecting and studying non-trees, since most endemic species belong to that class.     

Biological diversification in a complex region: a spatial analysis of faunistic diversity and biogeography of the Andes of Colombia

Aim Understanding large‐scale patterns of beta diversity and endemism is essential for ecoregional conservation planning. We present a study of spatial patterns of faunal diversification and biogeographical relationships in the Andean region of Colombia. This region has a great geomorphological complexity, as it is formed by several mountain ranges with different geologic origins. We hypothesize that this complexity results in a high turnover in species composition among subregions. Location The Andean region of Colombia, including the Santa Marta and Macarena mountain ranges. Methods The region was divided into subregions, represented by the eastern and western slopes of each of the three Andean cordilleras, the Cauca and Magdalena valley bottoms, and the peripheral mountain ranges of Perijá, Macarena and Sierra Nevada de Santa Marta. Species lists for five animal taxa (rodents, bats, birds, frogs and butterflies) were compiled for each subregion and similarities in species composition were determined by cluster analysis. To explore biogeographical relationships, species were classified into one of four distributional categories: endemic, tropical Andean, Andean‐Central American and wide continental distribution. Results The highest species richness in the region was found in the Pacific and eastern versants of the Andes, and the lowest in the Cauca and Magdalena valley bottoms. Inter‐Andean slopes were intermediate in species richness. However, when species richness was calculated per unit area, the most diverse regions were the Santa Marta and Macarena ranges, the Cauca Valley watershed and the Pacific slope. Although each taxonomic group had a different branching pattern, dendrograms indicated five common subregional clusterings: (1) Perijá‐Sierra Nevada, (2) the Pacific slope, (3) the eastern Andean slope, (4) the Cauca and Magdalena valley bottoms, and (5) the inter‐Andean slopes. Clustering patterns of inter‐Andean slopes varied among taxa. In birds, bats and rodents, grouping was by opposite slopes of the same valley, whereas frogs were grouped by mountain ranges and butterflies by valleys and their respective slopes. Seventy‐five per cent of species in all taxa were found in less than five subregions. The fauna of the Magdalena and Cauca valley bottoms was composed mostly of lowland species with wide geographical distributions, whereas the cordilleran fauna was mostly restricted to the tropical Andes. Main conclusions The western and eastern versants of the Andes have the highest species richness, but are also the largest subregions. On a per unit area basis, the peripheral ranges (Santa Marta and Macarena) are the richest, followed by the western portion of the Andes (the Cauca Valley watershed and the Pacific versant). Clustering patterns in dendrograms suggest two major patterns of differentiation of the Andean fauna: one elevational (lowlands vs. highlands) and one horizontal (among ranges and/or slopes). Biogeographical affinities of the inter‐Andean valley bottoms are with the lowland faunas of tropical America. In contrast, Andean faunas diversified locally, resulting in the evolution of a large number of endemic species, particularly among the less vagile taxa. Three different main branches of Andean fauna can be recognized, one confined to the Pacific, another to the eastern (Amazonian‐Llanos) versant of the Andes, and the third one composed by the inter‐Andean slopes of the Cauca and Magdalena valleys. The identification of five main biogeographical units in the Andean region of Colombia has important implications for the conservation of the regional biota. Conservation initiatives that seek to preserve representative samples of the regional biodiversity should take into account the patterns of diversification described here, and the evolutionary processes that gave rise to these patterns.     

Avian diversity and endemism in Namibia: patterns from the Southern African Bird Atlas Project

Namibia supports a highly diverse avifauna of 644 species, including over 90 species endemic to the southern African subregion and 13 species endemic to the country. Patterns of species diversity in relation to protected areas and habitat types were analysed using data from the Southern African Bird Atlas Project. A modified Shannon index appropriate for atlas data was used to derive an index of diversity for all species, wetland, terrestrial, threatened, and regional endemic species. Species richness for Namibian endemics was mapped. Overall species diversity is highest in the northeast of Namibia where wetland and riparian habitats coincide. Both wetland and terrestrial species show highest diversity in this area. The greatest diversity of southern African endemics falls within the Savanna-Karoo systems. Several key areas are identified for red data species, including the Caprivi Strip, Kunene and Orange Rivers, coastal wetlands and ephemeral river mouths and pans. This highlights the pressures operating on wetland and riparian habitats in arid environments. Concentrations of Namibian endemics are found in the northwestern (Kaoko) escarpment of the country. Although much of the area of high diversity of wetland, terrestrial and red data species falls within protected areas, national and regional endemics are poorly represented within national parks.     

Centers of endemism and diversity patterns for typhlocybine leafhoppers （Hemiptera： Cicadellidae： Typhlocybinae） in China

This study identifies ＇centers of endemism＇ for typhlocybine leafhoppers in China, revealing diversity patterns and congruence of patterns between total species rich- ness and endemism. Distribution patterns of 774 Typhlocybinae （607 described and 167 undescribed species） were mapped on a 1.5° × 1.5° latitude/longitude grid. Total species richness, endemic species richness and weighted endemism richness were calculated for each grid cell. Grid cells within the top 5% highest values of weighted endemism richness were considered as ＇centers of endemism＇. Diversity patterns by latitude and altitude were obtained through calculating the gradient richness. A congruence of diversity patterns between total species richness and endemism was confirmed using correlation analysis. To investigate the bioclimatic factors （19 variables） contributing to the congruence be- tween total species richness and endemism, we compared the factor＇s difference between non-endemic and endemic species using the Kruskal-Wallis test. Eleven centers of en- demism, roughly delineated by mountain ranges, were identified in central and southern China, including the south Yunnan, Hengduan Mountains, Qinling Mountains, Hainan Is- land, Taiwan Island and six mountain areas located in western Sichuan, northwest Fujian, southeast Guizhou, southeast Hunan, central and western Guangdong, and north Zhejiang. Total species richness and endemic species richness decreased with increased latitude and had a consistent unimodal response to altitude. The proportions of endemism decreased with increased latitude and increased with rising altitude. Diversity patterns between total species richness and endemism were highly consistent, and ＇Precipitation of Coldest Pe- riod＇ and ＇Temperature of Coldest Period＇ may contribute to the congruence of pattern. Migration ability may play a role in the relationship of endemism and species richness; climate, environment factors and important geologic isolation events can also play crucial effect     

Identification of the areas of endemism (AOEs) of the genus Acantholimon (Plumbaginaceae) in Iran

Abstract

This study was conducted to identify areas of endemism for Acantholimon species using parsimony analysis of endemicity (PAE) and to detect endemic species richness of the genus in the region. The results obtained from the two methods used in this study were used in determining the priorities for the conservation of Acantholimon species in Iran. The distribution database of 62 endemic species belonging to this genus was formed by 1250 georeferenced observations in Iran. The study area was divided into 1?×1? grids of operative geographical units (OGUs) and the species?×?area matrix including presence/absence data was created. The endemic species richness was calculated using circular neighborhood with a radius of 50?km in 10?×?10?km² raster cells using DIVA-GIS software. The results of PAE analysis have shown four areas of endemism (AOEs) in Iran. AOE1: including Alborz and Zagros mountains, the mountains of central Iran. AOE2 and AOE3 are located in Khorassan subregion and AOE4 contains parts of western Iran. The map of endemic species richness indicated that the highest number of endemic species occurs in central Alborz region as well as Kerman, Chahar-Mahal and Bakhtiari, and Isfahan provinces.     

An assessment of the efficiency of protection status through determinations of biodiversity hotspots based on endemic bird species,Taiwan

Evaluations of species richness patterns have been performed at diverse scales, and biodiversity hotspots, especially endemism hotspots, have received much attention in conservation biology. We estimated the distributions of endemic bird species based on a 12-yr avian inventory project in Taiwan, identified biodiversity hotspots of endemism on a regional scale based on predictions from the ensemble forecasting framework and frequency histogram approach, and assessed the efficiency of protected areas. The results indicated that the predicted endemism hotspots were mostly located in mid- and high-elevation areas along the Central Mountain Range of Taiwan. An observed endemism hotspot was defined as one in which at least five of Taiwan's 17 endemic bird species were present. This criterion was used because the 5% of the sampled grid squares that were the richest in endemic bird species all had 5 endemic bird species or more. Seventy to seventy-one percent of the observed biodiversity hotspots matched the predicted biodiversity hotspots. This outcome was obtained whether the richness biodiversity in a grid square was based on summed predicted probability or summed predicted richness. The majority of the protected areas for these Taiwanese endemic bird species were national parks, protecting 24.1% of the predicted hotspot areas, whereas nature reserves and wildlife refuges protected less than 7%. Most of the predicted endemism hotspots were not adequately protected. We conclude that the ensemble forecasting framework and the frequency histogram approach are useful for selecting critical habitats and biodiversity hotspots for endemic species and for appraising the efficiency of the protection status provided by governments.     

Conservation on diversity and distribution patterns of endemic birds in China

The diversity and distribution patterns of endemic species of birds inChina have been studied on the basis of the distribution database of specimencollections and published references. One hundred and two endemic species ofbirds in China, belonging to 53 genera, 16 families and 8 orders are recognized.They account for 8.1% of the total species of China. The distribution patternswere studied and three centers of endemism were found, includingHengduanshan Mountains, mountain areas of western Qinling, north Sichuan Province andSouth Gansu Province, as well as Taiwan Island, which are suggested as conservationpriorities based on endemism. Twenty-four endemics are rare and endangered, listedin the China Red Data Book of Endangered Animals. Among them, 15 species are in rankI and 9 species are in rank II. The study results are to be beneficial tofurther study on both the processing mechanism of the distribution patterns andon the priority of the diversity and endemism conservation.     

A preliminary account of patterns of endemism in Namibia's Sperrgebiet – the succulent karoo

Aim This study investigated spatial patterns of endemism in the flora of Namibia's succulent karoo in order to generate information for conservation planning. Location The study area, the Sperrgebiet, comprises the majority of Namibia's portion of the succulent karoo biome which is the south‐west corner of the country. This is an arid area that has been off limits to public access, farming and tourism for nearly a century due to restrictions imposed by the diamond industry. Methods Based on existing distribution records, areas of high concentrations of endemic plants were identified using numbers of endemics and weighted endemics according to area of occupancy. The resolution of the available data was quarter degree squares (15‐min intervals of latitude and longitude grids). Results At the scale of this study straight numbers of endemics generated similar results to the endemics weighted according to area of occupancy, which gives sparsely distributed species a higher weighting. Based on the current distribution records, 17.7% (184 species) of the Sperrgebiet's spermatophyte flora is endemic. The ‘hotspots of endemism’ comprised from north to south: Lüderitz‐Kowisberge, Klinghardt Mountains, Aurusberge‐Heioab, Witpütz, Skorpion and Obib‐Schakalsberge. Taking also areas into account that stand out because of their high proportion of local endemics, this adds Grillental and the central coastal area from Pomona to Baker's Bay to the areas of importance for plant endemism. Main conclusions The Sperrgebiet's endemic flora is special in taxonomic composition in that it does not present a subset of the total flora of this area, but shows a remarkably high representation of the families Mesembryanthemaceae and Liliaceae (sensu lato). Compared with other arid areas, the level of endemism in the Sperrgebiet is high, but not compared with the succulent karoo in general or other hotspots in the succulent karoo biome, such as the Richtersveld. The proportion of local endemics (13.5%) is high compared with some endemism hotspots in southern Africa. Hotspots of plant endemism provide an important tool to contribute to conservation planning studies. This study also highlighted the importance of centralized data bases without which these analyses would not have been possible. Further plant collecting is required to fill presently data‐deficient areas and studies at a finer spatial resolution taking habitat requirements into account are needed to elucidate some of the factors contributing to plant endemism in this area.     

Endemic species of grasses in Mexico: a phytogeographic approach

The Poaceae family includes approximately 700 genera and 10000 species, and Mexico is considered one of its most important centers of diversity and endemism. A total of 256 taxa (including 16 subspecific taxonomic units), belonging to 65 genera, are endemic to Mexico. Some of them are close relatives of important crops, while others are used in different ways all over the country. The aim of this paper is to discuss the distribution patterns at state level of the Mexican endemic species of Poaceae. Using cluster strategies, the states are classified according to their floristic similarities. Later, hotspots of endemism are identified, in order to discuss their role in conservation strategies. To evaluate the importance of each state in the conservation of the Mexican endemic Poaceae, two iterative complementarity methods were also used. Our results show that the largest concentration of endemic taxa occurs in a few states, such as Jalisco, Mexico, Michoacán, Durango, Oaxaca, Veracruz, San Luis Potosi, Chiapas, Chihuahua, Puebla, and Coahuila. The results also show that there are some patterns in the relationship to its endemism that seem to reflect important diversification trends in the family. Accordingly, 31% of the grass genera of Mexico have at least one endemic species, and 16.7% of the genera have only one endemic species. In contrast, six genera contribute 47.2% of the total number of grass endemics in Mexico. The Chloridoideae contributes 42.9% of the total grass endemic species of Mexico, whereas the Panicoideae includes 24.6%, and the Pooideae 19.8%. Thus, these three subfamilies contribute about 87% of the species endemism. On the basis of the habitat and distribution patterns of these subfamilies, two main areas of endemicity can be identified. The first area is located in warm habitats, whereas the second is related to temperate and high regions. The cluster analyses indicate the occurrence of four state groups whose phytogeographical explanation is discussed on the basis of a floristic regionalization of Mexico. The results also indicate the need to establish a relatively high number of sites and states for the conservation of 256 endemic taxa. The elevated number of sites required to conserve the Mexican endemic Poaceae is mainly due to the fact that many taxa have a restricted distribution pattern. On the basis of the patterns obtained, a few proposals are presented for undertaking the establishment of conservation priorities of these taxa.     

Orchids of the West Indies: predictability of diversity and endemism

Aim We examined phytogeographical patterns of West Indian orchids, and related island area and maximum elevation with orchid species richness and endemism. We expected strong species–area relationships, but that these would differ between low and montane island groups. In so far as maximum island elevation is a surrogate for habitat diversity, we anticipated a strong relationship with maximum elevation and both species richness and endemism for montane islands. Location The West Indies. Methods Our data included 49 islands and 728 species. Islands were classified as either montane (≥ 300 m elevation) or low (< 300 m). Linear and multivariate regression analyses were run to detect relationships between either area or maximum island elevation and species richness or the number of island endemic species. Results For all 49 islands, the species–area relationship was strong, producing a z‐value of 0.47 (slope of the regression line) and explaining 46% of the variation. For 18 relatively homogeneous, low islands we found a non‐significant slope of z = −0.01 that explained only 0.1% of the variation. The 31 montane islands had a highly significant species–area relationship, with z = 0.49 and accounting for 65% of the variation. Species numbers were also strongly related to maximum island elevation. For all islands < 750 km², we found a small‐island effect, which reduced the species–area relationship to a non‐significant z = 0.16, with only 5% of the variation explained by the model. Species–area relationships for montane islands of at least 750 km² were strong and significant, but maximum elevation was the best predictor of species richness and accounted for 79% of the variation. The frequency of single‐island endemics was high (42%) but nearly all occurred on just nine montane islands (300 species). The taxonomic distribution of endemics was also skewed, suggesting that seed dispersability, while remarkable in some taxa, is very limited in others. Montane island endemics showed strong species–area and species–elevation relationships. Main conclusions Area and elevation are good predictors of orchid species diversity and endemism in the West Indies, but these associations are driven by the extraordinarily strong relationships of large, montane islands. The species richness of low islands showed no significant relationship with either variable. A small‐island effect exists, but the montane islands had a significant relationship between species diversity and maximum elevation. Thus, patterns of Caribbean orchid diversity are dependent on an interplay between area and topographic diversity.     

Endemism in Namibia: patterns, processes and predictions

Sandwiched between the Namib and Kalahari Deserts of southwestern Africa are the karooid and escarpment biotopes of Namibia which are rich in endemics of many taxa. Most plant, invertebrate, amphibian, reptile, mammal and bird species endemic to Namibia are found in a zone running through, and to the west of, Namibia's escarpment region. There is also an important region of endemism for succulent plants, reptiles and invertebrates in the Succulent Karoo biome. Congruence between endemism hotspots, particularly on rocky substrates, is remarkably high for most taxa, implying broadly similar speciation processes. Possible speciation mechanisms in different parts of the country include the spatial isolation of rupicolous taxa such as insects and reptiles by the formation of large coastal dune fields; the expansion and contraction of wooded savannas during pluvial and interpluvial periods; and global temperature shifts which created highland refugia for frost-susceptible plants and poikilotherms. Areas of endemism and species richness overlap poorly for Namibia's mainly arid-dwelling endemic vertebrates, as richness is highest in the mesic wetlands and woodlands of northeast Namibia. The overlap for succulent plants, insects and arachnids, however, is relatively high. Centres of endemism for plants and vertebrates fall mainly outside protected areas, as few parks were established with biodiversity indices in mind. Our analysis of endemism congruence provides a strong platform for the promulgation of new protected areas to safeguard Namibia's unique biota. Furthermore, analysis of speciation patterns and processes is a useful predictive tool for the identification of other biotically important sites.