Flora and Vegetation of the Zicuirán-Infiernillo Biosphere Reserve, Michoacán, Mexico

Abstract

Background: Understanding the distribution and composition of ecosystems is fundamental for conservation efforts. Floristic and vegetational studies are especially important in nature reserves because they house biological resources and serve as natural laboratories. Questions: What species and vegetation types are present in the Zicuirán-Infiernillo Biosphere Reserve? What are the characteristics of the vegetation? Which species have local names, are endemic, and/or are of conservation concern? Data description: Vascular plants and vegetation of the Zicuirán-Infiernillo Biosphere Reserve. Study site and dates: The Zicuirán-Infiernillo Biosphere Reserve, Michoacán, Mexico; 1996-2020. Methods: Field work, herbarium work, and literature review. Results: Tropical deciduous forest is the most extensive vegetation. 125 families, 551 genera, and 1139 species are documented. The most diverse families are Fabaceae (165 species), Asteraceae (99), Poaceae (84), and Euphorbiaceae (77). Euphorbia (33), Ipomoea (25), and Bursera (21) are the most speciose genera. At least 13 species are endemic to the area. An additional 62 species are endemic when considering the "tierra caliente" of Michoacán and adjacent regions of the Balsas Depression in Jalisco and Guerrero. Twenty-one species are included in the NOM-059-SEMARNAT-2010, and 30 species have been assessed with a risk category in the IUCN Red List. Conclusions: The Zicuirán-Infiernillo Biosphere Reserve houses a diverse flora and extensive, well-conserved areas of tropical deciduous forest. It is hoped that this study stimulates further research on the biota of Reserve in order to achieve an integral understanding the area's ecosystems and solidify conservation efforts.