Rhyncholacis clavigera (Podostemaceae) como especie clave de los ecosistemas fluviales de las serranías precámbricas: una revisión

Abstract

Riverine ecosystems of the Guiana Shield harbor highly specialized biodiversity, including Rhyncholacis clavigera, a Colombian endemic Podostemaceae species associated with rocky substrates in rapids and waterfalls. Although information on its systematics, biology, and ecology is available, it is scattered across different sources, making it difficult to obtain a comprehensive understanding of the species. This review synthesized available knowledge on its systematics and taxonomy, distribution, habitat, life cycle, ecological function, and conservation, and identified relevant knowledge gaps. An exhaustive search of the scientific literature and institutional sources was conducted, complemented by occurrence records obtained from GBIF to update its distribution and assess its threat category. The review revealed a marked specialization for rheophytic environments and a close association between the species’ life cycle and hydrological dynamics. Furthermore, R. clavigera also provides substrate and refuge for diverse aquatic organisms, supporting its role as a structural component of the habitat. Its known distribution has expanded compared with previous assessments. Although available evidence indicates that R. clavigera meets some IUCN threat criteria, the additional conditions required to assign a threatened category could not be demonstrated. It is tentatively proposed that this species be classified as Near Threatened (NT). The main limitation for determining its extinction risk is the lack of information on population trends. Accordingly, long-term studies are needed to assess population dynamics, ecosystem functioning, and responses to hydrological changes, anthropogenic pressures, and global change.