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<p><i>Liolaemus</i> is one of the most diverse genera of tetrapods, comprising nearly 290 lizard species distributed across South America and occupying a broad altitudinal range, from sea level up to 5000 m a.s.l. Globally, lizard populations are projected to decline by up to 39%, and climate change is expected to disproportionately affect narrowly distributed species—particularly those inhabiting tropical and high-altitude environments—posing a significant risk to many <i>Liolaemus</i> species. The identification of Areas of Endemism (AoEs) is a key tool for conservation prioritization, as regions with a high concentration of endemic species are often critical for biodiversity protection. An Endemicity Analysis was performed using NDM-VNDM to identify AoEs across the complete distribution area of <i>Liolaemus</i>. Identified AoEs were selected as priority areas for conservation based on the presence of endemic species at risk and evaluated using a scoring system. Eight AoEs were identified as maximum conservation priorities due to their high levels of endemism and elevated conservation concern, all located in high-altitude regions. The areas requiring the greatest conservation urgency are concentrated in Northern Chile, Central Chile, and the Cuyo region of Argentina. The known distribution of <i>Liolaemus</i> endemism is expanded by our findings, and altitude is highlighted as a key driver of endemism, with the Puna, the northwestern Andes of Argentina, and the Cuyo region identified as major centers of endemism and conservation concern. A solid foundation for advancing the understanding of endemism patterns and for guiding conservation strategies for this conspicuous genus of lizards is provided by these results.</p>

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Endemism patterns in South American lizards and their application in the identification of priority areas for conservation

  • 期刊论文

  • 发表日期：

    2026年2月25日

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  • RV. Semhan,
  • MD. Casagranda

摘要

Liolaemus is one of the most diverse genera of tetrapods, comprising nearly 290 lizard species distributed across South America and occupying a broad altitudinal range, from sea level up to 5000 m a.s.l. Globally, lizard populations are projected to decline by up to 39%, and climate change is expected to disproportionately affect narrowly distributed species—particularly those inhabiting tropical and high-altitude environments—posing a significant risk to many Liolaemus species. The identification of Areas of Endemism (AoEs) is a key tool for conservation prioritization, as regions with a high concentration of endemic species are often critical for biodiversity protection. An Endemicity Analysis was performed using NDM-VNDM to identify AoEs across the complete distribution area of Liolaemus. Identified AoEs were selected as priority areas for conservation based on the presence of endemic species at risk and evaluated using a scoring system. Eight AoEs were identified as maximum conservation priorities due to their high levels of endemism and elevated conservation concern, all located in high-altitude regions. The areas requiring the greatest conservation urgency are concentrated in Northern Chile, Central Chile, and the Cuyo region of Argentina. The known distribution of Liolaemus endemism is expanded by our findings, and altitude is highlighted as a key driver of endemism, with the Puna, the northwestern Andes of Argentina, and the Cuyo region identified as major centers of endemism and conservation concern. A solid foundation for advancing the understanding of endemism patterns and for guiding conservation strategies for this conspicuous genus of lizards is provided by these results.