Pteridofitas de las sierras El Sarnoso y Mapimí en Durango, México

Abstract

Pteridophytes have been inadequately studied in northern México, resulting in large, remote areas where the species of pteridophytes that inhabit them are unknown. We surveyed pteridophytes in 2 mountain areas in the state of Durango, México (El Sarnoso and Mapimí). We plotted location of each species or subspecies and then calculated beta diversity to compare between-area diversity for this group of plants. A total of 28 species grouped in 4 families and 9 genera were recorded. The coefficient of similarity was 0.89, with 25 species in El Sarnoso and 28 in Mapimí. An important finding was the presence of an indicator species of anthropogenic environmental impact, Pellaea ternifolia var. ternifolia in areas of rock extraction. Other recorded species were Pleopeltis polypodioides var. michauxianum (=Polypodium polypodioides var. michauxianum), Adiantum capillus-veneris, Cheilanthes notholaenoides, and Selaginella lepidophylla. Knowledge of regional biodiversity, including pteridophytes, can support the development of conservation programs in these mountains. Without effective conservation programs in place, and if the removal of rock materials is not controlled, the habitat of these mountains will decay progressively, affecting the survival of flora and fauna species that inhabit these areas.