Distribution pattern and conservation priorities for vascular plants in Southern China: Guangxi Province as a case study

摘要

The area encompassing Southern China and North Vietnam is highlighted by very high levels of biodiversity but also exceptional threats. Guangxi Province was selected as one of the most representative regions within this area to detect biodiversity hotspots for conservation and to evaluate protection effectiveness of present reserve network using herbarium records. Collection data from 6,506 vascular plant species occurring in the province (548 of these are endemic to the province) were used to explore patterns of biodiversity at 10-minute grid resolution, with the main goal of identifying the occurrence of centers of species richness and endemism. Up to eight distinct hotspots, mainly in mountain areas, were recognized, six based on the combination of species richness and endemism, one on richness only and one on endemics only. Of these, three are specific to limestone areas while the remaining five are located in acid soil regions. Most of centers of species richness and endemism are protected by the current reserve network, although several gaps can be recognized. This research can provide an overview of approaches to setting biodiversity conservation priorities and of strategies for filling up gaps in the reserve network of similar regions.