Distribution and conservation of birds of northern Central America

Patterns of distribution, diversity, and endemism in the birds of northern Central America were analyzed based on 541 avian species in 24 biotic regions. Many contrasts were apparent. For example, whereas species richness was concentrated in the Atlantic lowlands, with the Pacific lowlands, interior valleys, montane areas, and the Yucatan Peninsula less diverse; species endemic to the entire region were concentrated in the mountains and in the Yucatan Peninsula. Geographic patterns of endemism presented contrasts depending on the spatial scale of analysis. In contrast to overall patterns, species narrowly endemic to single geographic units were concentrated along the Pacific Coast of Chiapas and in southern Veracruz. Conservation implications of these results were explored using complementarity algorithms, producing ordered regional priority lists for the creation of optimal reserve systems. Finally, a plan of action for the study and conservation of avian diversity in northern Central America is outlined, including elements of basic inventory, systematics, and geographic analysis.

Bibliographic Details

Main Authors:	Peterson, A. Townsend autor/a, Escalona Segura, Griselda Doctora autor/a 7231, Griffith, Jerry A. autor/a
Format:	Texto biblioteca
Language:	eng
Subjects:	Zoogeografía, Aves, Conservación de la vida silvestre, Artfrosur,
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