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Geographic Distribution of the Tortoises and Freshwater Turtles of Colombia and their Representation in the Protected Area Network
Colombia has a remarkable diversity of tortoises and freshwater turtles. However, a considerable portion of these species is threatened, and for others there is not enough information to make an adequate evaluation of their conservation status. This study is a first approximation to the quantitative...
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Published in: | Acta biológica colombiana 2014-09, Vol.19 (3), p.415 |
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Main Authors: | , , |
Format: | Article |
Language: | English |
Citations: | Items that this one cites Items that cite this one |
Online Access: | Get full text |
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Summary: | Colombia has a remarkable diversity of tortoises and freshwater turtles. However, a considerable portion of these species is threatened, and for others there is not enough information to make an adequate evaluation of their conservation status. This study is a first approximation to the quantitative evaluation of the geographic distribution of Colombia's non-marine chelonians. Based on records of occurrence for each species, we evaluated the geographic distribution using statistical models (Maxent), hydrological basins, and the extent of occurrence and area of occupancy. Based on the presence data and the models, we studied the representation of each species in National Natural Parks (NNP), which correspond to the most rigorous conservation category of IUCN classification in Colombia, and other types of protected areas such as Private Reserves. We generated distribution models and estimated the area (km2) for 25 out of 27 species in the country. This information will be valuable for updating and evaluating the threat categories at the national level. The areas with the highest species richness correspond to the riverine ecosystems of the Amazon and Orinoco river basins and the Caribbean region, particularly the western Caribbean. This region is a top priority not only because of its richness but also because of the presence of endemics and its high level of threat. Only 56 % of the species have confirmed records within National Parks. A greater portion could be present in these areas according to the statistical models, but only ten of those species would have more than 10 % of their ranges within a park's boundary. Although the resulting models have certain limitations due to the nature of the data and analyses, they can be a starting point for research on the occurrence of turtles in NNP. Endemic species are poorly represented in protected areas, both in NNP and in other categories. Thus, protected areas that can assure the persistence of their populations are urgently needed. Distribución geográfica de las tortugas continentales de Colombia y su representación en áreas protegidas Colombia cuenta con una alta diversidad de quelonios continentales, sin embargo, un número considerable de especies se encuentran amenazadas y para otras no existe información suficiente para evaluar su estado de amenaza. Este trabajo es una aproximación cuantitativa al estudio de la distribución geográfica de las tortugas continentales de Colombia. Con base en registros de loc |
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ISSN: | 0120-548X 1900-1649 |
DOI: | 10.15446/abc.v19n3.42219 |