Yalma L. Vargas-Rodriguez

Selecting Relict Montane Cloud Forests for Conservation Priorities: The Case of Western Mexico

ABSTRACT: Montane cloud forests that occur along protected ravines have a fragmented distribution in western Mexico. These forests contain high species richness, and a number of endemic species and relict species. We identify montane cloud forests in western Mexico that deserve priority for conservation and in situ preservation. We rank the montane cloud forests based on tree species richness, the number of endemic vascular plants, the number of species with protection status, and the presence of relict tree species. We place tree species richness and floristic composition of montane cloud forests from western Mexico in a world context, comparing them with 110 forests throughout the world. Then, using Wards dendrogram, we identify similarities in the floristic composition. Also, we determine which species in the montane cloud forests of western Mexico are protected by the Mexican Species Act, CITES, or IUCN Red List. Our results indicate that the montane cloud forest at Ojo de Agua del Cuervo in the state of Jalisco is unique in that it contains larger numbers of tree species, endemic vascular plants, and endangered plants than similar Asian forests containing ancient species. Ojo de Agua del Cuervo is floristically related at the generic level to forests in Asia, as well as those in Mexico containing Tertiary relict tree species. We propose a 56,395 ha biosphere reserve that includes Ojo de Agua del Cuervo and its surroundings. This proposed reserve would increase the number of preserved montane cloud forests, which are currently underrepresented among Mexican protected natural areas.

Trends in access of plant biodiversity data revealed by Google Analytics

Abstract The amount of plant biodiversity data available via the web has exploded in the last decade, but making these data available requires a considerable investment of time and work, both vital considerations for organizations and institutions looking to validate the impact factors of these online works. Here we used Google Analytics (GA), to measure the value of this digital presence. In this paper we examine usage trends using 15 different GA accounts, spread across 451 institutions or botanical projects that comprise over five percent of the worlds herbaria. They were studied at both one year and total years. User data from the sample reveal: 1) over 17 million web sessions, 2) on five primary operating systems, 3) search and direct traffic dominates with minimal impact from social media, 4) mobile and new device types have doubled each year for the past three years, 5) and web browsers, the tools we use to interact with the web, are changing. Server-side analytics differ from site to site making the comparison of their data sets difficult. However, use of Google Analytics erases the reporting heterogeneity of unique server-side analytics, as they can now be examined with a standard that provides a clarity for data-driven decisions. The knowledge gained here empowers any collection-based environment regardless of size, with metrics about usability, design, and possible directions for future development.

Acer binzayedii (Sapindaceae), a new maple species from Mexico

Acer binzayedii, a new species of Sapindaceae from cloud and high elevation forests in Jalisco State, Mexico, is described and illustrated. Acer binzayedii is characterized by deeply sagittate anther bases bearing scattered trichomes, the wing sulcus covering more than half of the nutlet, sparsely distributed coalescent and anastomose veins of the wings with reticulate veinlets sometimes present, trichomes on the abaxial leaf surfaces with short nodulations of reduced prominence, conical buds, and grey bark with long vertical ridges. The new species is compared to putative relatives A. skutchii, A. floridanum, A. saccharum, A. grandidentatum, and A. nigrum.ResumenAcer binzayedii, especie nueva de Sapindaceae de los bosques nubosos en elevaciones altas en el estado de Jalisco, México, se describe e ilustra. Acer binzayedii se caracteriza por la antera pronunciadamente sagitada en la base con tricomas esparcidos, el surco del ala cubre más de la mitad del fruto, las venas coalescentes y anastomosas del ala están espaciadamente distribuídas con venas secundarias reticuladas algunas veces presentes, los tricomas en el lado abaxial de la hoja con nódulos cortos de prominencia reducida, yemas cónicas, corteza gris con costillas largas verticales. La especie nueva se compara con los parientes más cercanos A. skutchii, A. floridanum, A. saccharum, A. grandidentatum, y A. nigrum.