Analysis of the distribution of Cedrela salvadorensis Standl. (Meliaceae) and implications for its conservation

Abstract

The increase in deforestation rates in the tropics is one of the main threats to biodiversity. It is important to know the potential distribution of the species, to develop conservation strategies. In this study, we ask ourselves: what are the potential and current distribution of Cedrela salvadorensis worldwide? and what are the Natural Protected Areas that can conserve the species throughout its distribution? To answer the questions, the potential geographic distribution was estimated using the MaxEnt method. The environmental data used for the model included bioclimatic and edaphic variables. In addition, a clipping of the potential distribution was made with the undisturbed vegetation. The model showed very suitable climatic and edaphic conditions for C. salvadorensis in Mexico, Guatemala, Honduras, El Salvador, Nicaragua, Costa Rica and Panama. The potential distribution area of C. salvadorensis worldwide is 98,143 km², if we consider deforested areas it is reduced by 31%, in addition, only 0.8% of its current distribution is within Protected Natural Areas. It is evident how the potential distribution of C. salvadorensis is reduced in a differential way between the countries, likewise, its reduced presence in the Natural Protected Areas is very worrying.