Influence of physiography, soil and climate on Taxus globosa

Abstract

In order to apply, promote and consolidate the actions and strategies of conservation of a species in danger of extinction, it is desirable to have the most detailed information possible about its habitat and the variables that affect it. In this study, we examined how temperature, soil pH, precipitation and physiography affect occurrence of Taxus globosa, an endangered species in Central and North America. The medical importance (contains taxol, a substance to treat cancer) of this plant and its endemic status make it a highly priority species that requires all efforts to preserve it. Hypothesis evaluation of the abiotic variable–probability of occurrence relationships we did by using the generalized additive model with a Bayesian approach. Small climatic intervals we observed and response curves were asymmetric in most cases. Variables that showed statistical significance in the analyses were the mean temperature in the warmest month, mean annual temperature and the summer dryness index. The findings contribute to the scientific basis for the conservation and management of the species and could implement specific actions, such as the exact location of sites in the wildlife for assisted propagation trials, to establish or expand natural protected areas based on the altitudinal gradient or suitable climate ranges.