STRATEGIES FOR THE CONSERVATION OF ASTERACEAE IN MEXICO

We analyzed the distribution of 371 genera of asteraceae native to Mex ico (of which 18.1% are endemic to the country) based on iterative met hods of analysis of critical faunas and floras and on estimates of end emicity scores. Our aim was to find the minimum number of sites needed to protect these genera. The states with the richest generic flora ar e located in southeastern (Chiapas, Oaxaca, Veracruz) and western (Jal isco, Michoacan) Mexico. Eleven states have genera endemic to their te rritory. Almost half (46.6%) of all genera occur in five or fewer stat es; this percentage rises to 72.2% for the endemic genera. Eighteen st ates emerged as the most important for implementation of conservation efforts, among which Baja California, Chiapas, and Coahuila are promin ant; the total protection of the Asteraceae flora in these three state s would protect 81.9% of all genera and 38.8% of genera endemic to Mex ico. State occurrence frequencies for both groups revealed that conser vation efforts in only one state could protect most of the genera. con servation efforts would be needed in at least 18 states to protect all genera and in 11 states to protect endemic genera. Our results allowe d the definition of patterns of geographical distribution for Asterace ae genera in the country and the identification of those Mexican state s that should be given a high priority in conservation efforts for the se particular plant elements. If conservation strategies for this rich generic flora are devised now, future strategies for the conservation of representative areas of the Mexican flora will be more efficient a nd better organized.