Will hotspots conserve extra primate and carnivore evolutionary history?

Abstract

Setting aside biodiversity hotspots would be especially compelling if they contained not just enormous numbers of species but also excessive evolutionary history. A recent study seemed to provide evidence for this incentive for hotspot conservation. Sechrest et al. (2002) reported that hotspots contain more endemic phylogenetic diversity (PD) than expected based on the numbers of primate and carnivore species they contain. We extend their analysis and revise some of their claims. For primates and threatened carnivores, we show that the original analysis was driven by a single hotspot (Madagascar) that contains an ancient endemic clade. The remaining hotspots harbour less rather than significantly more endemic PD than expected. Thus, while one hotspot contains an enormous excess of evolutionary history, the remaining hotspots do not. Our analysis reveals that the overriding influence of a single hotspot can create the misleading impression that hotspots generally contain excessive evolutionary history. Justification for the hotspot initiative should be based on robust evidence. We join others in endorsing an increased role for detailed phylogenetic analysis in conservation planning. © 2007 The Authors.