Paola Sarela Pozo Inofuentes
Plant Species Diversity and Endemism on Rock Outcrops in the Bolivian Cerrado Biome: Implications for Conservation
Frailea chiquitana. An endemic Bolivian cactus that is frequent in rock plataforms and rock outcrops.
Tibouchina unknown species. A very rare species and probably a new species recorded only in rock towers.
Hibiscus conceptionis. A very rare endemic subshrub that was recorded in the serranías of Concepción.
Blepharodon philibertioides. An endemic species of the Bolivian Cerrado Biome that grows only in rock plataforms and rock outcrops.
| Town/Region | Country | Categories | Date |
|---|---|---|---|
| Roboré Concepción | Bolivia | Central and Latin America, Landscapes, Plants | 19 Jul 2010 |
Preliminary research in the Bolivian Cerrado Biome has identified rock outcrops as hotspots of plant diversity and endemism, including species new to science. Different modes of sculpturing of the rock surface produce a great variety of microhabitats with very specific microclimatic conditions that afford opportunities for the establishment of a highly specialized, often endemic flora. Nevertheless, plant communities on rock outcrops have not been included in earlier floristic inventories, and information about this vegetation is almost non-existent but a priority for study and of great importance for the species protection. Most plants typical of rock outcrops have restricted distributions and many are narrow endemics, suggesting that they could be endangered.
In this context, the project is going to acquire information about plant diversity and the level of endemism on rock outcrops in the Bolivian Cerrado biome, through botanical surveys of rock platforms, rock towers, campo rupestre and granite domes. Additionally, to help clarify the conservation status of some endemics and potentially endangered plant species on rock outcrops the project will generate data about their distribution and population status through the installation and evaluation of inventory plots. Moreover, this study will identify threats to species survival and provide conservation recommendations. The project will focus in the serranías of Roboré where at least 55% of the total endemic plants of the Bolivian Cerrado biome was founded and the serranías of Concepción where most of the rock outcrops remain un-explored.
By working with communities we expect to stimulate collaboration between scientific research and local people in the conservation and research process. We anticipate an increase in the enthusiasm and capacity of local people for future conservation initiatives after receiving presentations, workshops and printed material. At the end of the study, local people, the scientific community and policy makers should have an increased awareness of the importance of rock outcrops as hotspots of plant diversity and endemism. We hope to establish a collaborative atmosphere in which conservation initiatives will be welcomed. This study will therefore, make a substantial and long-lasting contribution to nature conservation.
For further information contact paolasarela@yahoo.es