Science and Technology Production
Article
Authorship
Semhan, RV.
;
CASAGRANDA, MARIA DOLORES
Date
2026
Publishing House and Editing Place
SPRINGER
Magazine
BIODIVERSITY AND CONSERVATION,
vol. 35
SPRINGER
Summary
Information provided by the agent in
SIGEVA
Liolaemus is one of the most diverse genera of tetrapods, comprising nearly 290 lizardspecies distributed across South America and occupying a broad altitudinal range, fromsea level up to 5000 m a.s.l. Globally, lizard populations are projected to decline by upto 39%, and climate change is expected to disproportionately affect narrowly distributedspecies—particularly those inhabiting tropical and high-altitude environments—posinga significant risk to many Liolaemus species. The iden...
Liolaemus is one of the most diverse genera of tetrapods, comprising nearly 290 lizardspecies distributed across South America and occupying a broad altitudinal range, fromsea level up to 5000 m a.s.l. Globally, lizard populations are projected to decline by upto 39%, and climate change is expected to disproportionately affect narrowly distributedspecies—particularly those inhabiting tropical and high-altitude environments—posinga 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 concentrationof endemic species are often critical for biodiversity protection. An Endemicity Analysiswas performed using NDM-VNDM to identify AoEs across the complete distribution areaof Liolaemus. Identified AoEs were selected as priority areas for conservation based onthe presence of endemic species at risk and evaluated using a scoring system. Eight AoEswere identified as maximum conservation priorities due to their high levels of endemismand elevated conservation concern, all located in high-altitude regions. The areas requiringthe greatest conservation urgency are concentrated in Northern Chile, Central Chile, andthe 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 ofendemism and conservation concern. A solid foundation for advancing the understandingof endemism patterns and for guiding conservation strategies for this conspicuous genusof lizards is provided by these results.
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Key Words
BIOGEOGRAPHYENDEMIC SPECIESDISTRIBUTIONLIOLAEMUS