An ecogeographic study. African Vigna
2004
Maxted, N. (School of Biosciences, Univ. of Birmingham (UK)) | Mabuza-Dlamini, P. | Moss, H. | Padulosi, S. | Jarvis, A. | Guarino, L.
An ecogeographic study of cowpea, Bambara groundnut and their wild relatives (Vigna Savi) in Africa is presented. The African Taxa comprises 61 species and 63 subspecific taxa. The taxonomy, genetic diversity and use of wild and cultivated African Vigna as well as the African phytogeographic context and threats to plant diversity are reviewed. Ecogeographic data were recorded for each taxon throughout its geographical range within Africa. An assessment of current ex-situ and in-situ conservation status of wild and cultivated Vigna apecies in Africa is made. Conservation gap analysis was undertaken. Many taxa have not been or are poorly represented in ex-situ collections. Analysis of species distribution patterns showed a high correlation (=0.748) between levels of species richness and rarity. Vigna is shown to have broad distributional range across the African continent south of the Sahara and north of 30 degrees South, being most rich in sub tropical locations around 10 degrees north and south. Three hotspots of Vigna diversity were found: around the Great Lakes, the southern tip of Lake Tanganyika and the Cameroon highlands. Specific conservation actions are recommended. Highest priority species are identified. Future research requirements to ensure sustainable conservation and use of African Vigna genepools are discussed. An interactive identification system for species and subspecies is presented as an aid to field conservation descriptions and dichotomous keys
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