Conserving Biogeography: Habitat Loss and Vicariant Patterns in Endemic Squamates of the Cerrado Hotspot

摘要: Little is known about the threat levels and impacts of habitat loss over Cerrado Squamate fauna. The region under severe due to mechanized agriculture, accelerated by changes in Brazilian National Forest Code. fauna rich endemics intrinsically associated with its surrounding microhabitats, which make up a mosaic phitophysiognomies throughout region. Herein we evaluate current conservation status biogeographic patterns Cerrado, single savanna among global biodiversity hotspots. To do so, first updated point locality data on 49 endemic Squamates pertaining seven non-random clusters species ranges Cerrado. Each cluster was assumed be representative different regions, holding own set species, herein mapped according their extent occurrence (EOO). We then contrasted these four scenarios, presence or absence protected area (PA) cover. searched for PA coverage regions Finally, EOO as layers, used Zonation discuss contemporary distribution, well highlight priority areas within ran all scenarios mentioned above. observed that significantly differed between regions. southernmost least most impacted, highly scattered small, disjunct fragments. northernmost (Tocantins-Serra Geral) showing extensive scenarios. Therefore, past deforestation trends are severely threatening Moreover, distribution spatially biased, does not represent divisions Consequently, show processes being erased at an pace, reinforcing urgent need create new reserves avoid last remaining fragments once continuous These actions fundamental conserving evolutionary information this imperiled hotspot.