Conservation assessments using herbarium data reveal a genus at risk: The case of Cordia L. (Cordiaceae) in South America

Abstract

The genus Cordia L. (Cordiaceae) is widely distributed in South America and has great economic and pharmacological importance. South America is one of the most diverse regions of the planet in terms of plant species, especially angiosperms, with Cordia standing out in terms of its taxonomic diversity and wide distribution. We address here two questions regarding the genus: (1) What are the conservation statuses of its South American species? (2) Do those species occur in protected areas? We compiled a revised database of taxonomically verified Cordia species and used the ConR package to determine their EOO (Extent of Occurrence) and AOO (Area of Occupancy). We then evaluated the species based on IUCN criterion B. Of the 87 species recorded in South America, 49 were classified as near threatened (NT), 16 of Least Concern (LC), 15 as Endangered (EN), six as Vulnerable (VU), and one as Critically Endangered (CR). Fully 87% of all species were found to occur in legally protected areas. We mapped, for the first time, all of the protected areas where Cordia species occur. Important information on the conservation of South American Cordia species are provided, and undertaking conservation assessments for this genus and for Cordiaceae as a whole are suggested.