Ecological niches, endemism and conservation of the species in Selenicereus (Hylocereeae, Cactaceae)

Diverse tools and approaches are currently utilized to propose conservation strategies for ecosystems, areas and individual taxa. Here, ecological niche-based modeling, identification of areas of endemism, and diverse methods to determine conservation status are carried out to detect endangered species in Selenicereus. This genus in the Cactaceae has epiphytic species that are known for their edible fruit, called pitahayas or dragon fruit. With the exception of two species (S. grandiflorus and S. undatus), the other 21 studied species in Selenicereus were identified as threatened. Unique ecological niches were identified for these species, with implications for conservation. The most significant areas of species richness and endemism occur in Central America in unprotected areas, followed by other important regions in southern Mexico, which in contrast lie within reserves. Seasonal climates are characteristic of Selenicereus species commonly distributed in seasonally tropical dry forests and coastal vegetation, in areas in Central America where land transformation is rampant.