Conservation of Brosimum alicastrum, an underutilized crop and keystone forest tree species; a potential win–win for conservation and development in Latin America

Abstract

Because the resources available for conservation are limited, conservation actions must be prioritised. Previous prioritisation strategies have been based mainly on biological measures, but increasingly there are calls for conservation programmes to also meet human development goals. Achieving a solution where both conservation and development needs are aligned presents a major challenge; however, in cases where species have the potential to impact on livelihoods such win–win scenarios may be achievable. We present the case study of Brosimum alicastrum (Moraceae), a keystone forest tree and an underutilized crop species from Latin America. We use the genetic diversity of this keystone species, a measure correlated with community species richness, species survival and ecosystem function, as a practical proxy for identifying potential areas of high conservation priority. We suggest that conservation of this species in tandem with development of this underutilized crop for food and fodder could achieve a win–win solution for conservation and development. We also demonstrate the value of herbarium collections for phylogeographic research.