Conservation status of the genus Hampea (Malvaceae: Gossypieae) in Mexico

Abstract

Background. The genus Hampea (Malvaceae: Gossypieae) has 21 reported species and occurs in Mexico, Central America and Colombia. Mexico has eleven species, of which seven are endemic. Hampea is of special conservation interest because its members are wild relatives of cultivated cotton and several species are apparently threatened by anthropogenic activities. Questions. What is the conservation status of species of Hampea in Mexico? Study site and years of study. Observations were made in the field during 1991-1995, 2012 and 2016 in southern Mexico. Specimen data was obtained from the CONABIO data base and from national and international herbaria from 2014-2016. Methods. The conservation status of species of Hampea in Mexico was evaluated using criteria given in the Methods of the Evaluation of Risk of Extinction of Plants (MER-Plantas) (NOM-059-SEMARNAT-2010). The potential distribution was calculated using Maximum Entropy Algorithm and biological data for species were obtained from literature and field observations. Results. Seven species of the genus Hampea were considered to be in a category of risk under the MERPlantas criteria. Hampea montebellensis, H. Breedlovei, and H. Longipes were categorized as "at Risk of Extinction," (En Peligro de Extinción ); H. Latifolia was categorized as "Threatened" (Amenazada) and H. Stipitata, H. Mexicana, and H. Tomentosa categorized as "Subject to Special Protection" (Sujeto a Protección Especial). Conclusions. The species H. Breedlovei, H. Montebellensis, H. Longipes, H. Latifolia, H. Mexicana, H. Stipitata and H. Tomentosa need to be included in ex situ and in situ conservation programs.