Ecoregional and Phytogeographical Insights into the Distribution of <i>Tulipa</i> in the ‘Nature Imperiled’ Area of Central Asia for Effective Conservation
2023
Temur Asatulloev | Davron Dekhkonov | Ziyoviddin Yusupov | Umida Tojiboeva | Lei Cai | Komiljon Tojibaev | Weibang Sun
<i>Tulipa</i> L. (Liliaceae) comprises approximately 150 species. Although Central Asia, the main center of its diversity, includes around 66 species, detailed mapping of their distribution is limited and research on their ecoregional and phytogeographical dispersion is insufficient. This study aimed to map and analyze the distribution patterns of <i>Tulipa</i> across the Central Asian ecoregions and phytogeographical regions to identify potential hotspots for effective conservation efforts. The results identified the Gissaro-Alai open woodlands ecoregion, which hosts 41 species of <i>Tulipa</i>, as the leading hotspot ecoregion. The Ferghana Valley phytogeographical district (Afghano-Turkestan province) was found to be the most suitable habitat for 25 species of <i>Tulipa</i>. We also determined that altitude has a strong influence on the diversity of <i>Tulipa</i> and indicating increase of species richness as elevation rises. However, as elevation rises up from ca. 2000 m a.s.l. species richness also decreases slightly. An analysis of the distribution of sections of <i>Tulipa</i> in Central Asia revealed that around 61% of all species dwell in this area and that the sections <i>Kolpakowskianae</i> and <i>Biflores</i>, which have their greatest diversity of species, are specific to this area. The findings provide valuable insights into the distribution of <i>Tulipa</i> and allow for feasible recommendations and suggestions for their conservation.
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