Comparative analysis of red lists of the Brazilian flora: Asteraceae

Abstract

Asteraceae is one of the most abundant families of the Brazilian flora, and it stands out on Brazilian red lists due to the large number of endangered and data-deficient species, since it is difficult to define a conservation status for the latter. A comparative analysis of red lists of the Brazilian flora focused on the Asteraceae is important, so we can assess the true degree of threat to which these plants are subjected faced with increasing environmental degradation. Our analysis compared red lists, and pointed out the most threatened species or data-deficient areas, species and genera. The study was based on the first and the current Official List of Endangered Species of the Brazilian Flora, and the Brazilian Flora Red List of Fundação Biodiversitas. Species were organized according to the endangered and data-deficient IUCN categories. Endangered species were also classified according to threat category. The highest numbers of threatened species were observed in the Cerrado, in the southeastern region, and in the state of Minas Gerais, as well as in the genera Lychnophora Mart., Vernonia Schreb., and Richterago Kuntze. The genera Aspilia Thouars, Baccharis L., Calea L., Eupatorium L., Mikania Willd., Piptocarpha R.Br., and Senecio L. have the greatest number of data-deficient species. Since the current Official List does not make clear its threat criteria, the Red List of Fundação Biodiversitas best portrays the situation of endangered Asteraceae species; thus, this analysis provides important information for projects aimed at the conservation of threatened and data-deficient species.