Conservation assessment using the IUCN criterion B: A case study on palms of the Mexican portion of the Yucatán Peninsula Biotic Province

Abstract

Arecaceae is one of the most morphologically diverse plant families in the world, represented by over 185 genera and 2600 species. The Mayan communities in the Mexican portion of the Yucatan Peninsula (YP) have made extensive use of these palm species as food, construction materials, handicrafts and medicine. Deforestation, intensive use of native palms and their products, lack of management strategies, global warming, and climate change, are negatively impacting wild palm populations in this region. We assessed the conservation status of palm species that grow in the region following the IUCN criterion B: geographic range in the form of either B1 (extent of occurrence) or B2 (area of occupancy) or both. Twenty palm species were evaluated and considered not threatened (with the exception of Sabal gretherae, designated as an endangered species). In some particular cases, we consider that these evaluations are too optimistic. Previous evaluations carried out by the Mexican legislation are supported, with the exception of Attalea guacuyule, Cryosophila stauracantha, Gaussia maya and Thrinax radiata. We propose that the distribution and population density of Roystonea dunlapiana and R. regia in Mexico must be assessed to confirm their conservation status at national level. In the case of S. gretherae, a systematic evaluation of its taxonomic status must be implemented.