Abstract

LOAIZA S, Christian R. Home range, potential distribution and conservation status of Espostoa frutescens Madsen, 1989 (Cactaceae). Ecol. apl. [online]. 2017, vol.16, n.1, pp.1-7. ISSN 1726-2216.  http://dx.doi.org/10.21704/rea.v16i1.897.

Espostoa frutescens, known as Ecuadorian southern woolly cactus, is known only from nine confirmed localities in the south of Ecuador and is currently listed as near threatened (NT) by the IUCN. We analyze the distribution, occurrence extension and home range of this species, and evaluate its current conservation status. Based on the nine known records and the first geographic approach to this species, a habitat / niche model is presented, which was built by previously determining the most important environmental variables for the model. An acceptable predictive index (0.971) was obtained for the final model. The areas of major probability of occurrence for this species were determined and the home range was estimated by the use of the polygon minimum convex method (PMC). The most important priority area identified for the conservation of this species is located in the south of Ecuador, between the provinces of Azuay and Loja. We recommend the use of the present model as a useful tool for future evaluations of conservation of this species.

Keywords : Ecuador; Espostoa frutescens; ecological niche model; home range.

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