Distribution, habitat biodiversity, and conservation of the endemic subtropical palm Butia yatay (Arecaceae)

Abstract

Abstract Habitat loss and anthropogenic fragmentation significantly alter plant distribution and abundance. The endemic palm Butia yatay (Mart.) Becc. is a flagship species in the South American Chaco and the limited information on its diminishing distribution area has encouraged us to develop methods to quantify its distribution and conservation status. We used geospatial information tools to locate 5,646 palm patches, and we characterized the stands’ density and associated vegetation. We assessed the conservation status using the Integral Environmental Evaluation Index, which is based on relationships between biological, anthropogenic and edaphic variables. We determined how these variables influenced the density of the remaining palms. Our findings revealed that Butia yatay patches, covering a total area of 39,283 ha, predominantly thrived in grasslands. Variations in patch densities were influenced by shape, size, slope and agricultural activities (p < 0.05). Approximately 56% of the patches were in poor conservation status. These results highlight the urgent need for targeted measures to ensure the survival and conservation of B. yatay. The findings of this study provide valuable insights for conservation planning in the face of ongoing habitat loss and fragmentation affecting this emblematic species.