Large-scale diversity and endemism patterns of Neotropical Heliconia (Heliconiaceae)

Patterns of species richness and endemism offer insights to ecological theory and guide strategies for conservation. However, geographical distributions of most species are poorly understood and contain many gaps - the Wallacean shortfall. This thesis addresses this shortfall and examines the large-scale distribution patterns of Neotropical Heliconia. Minimum convex polygons are used in combination with Maxent to represent species distributions. Rarefaction is used to supplement richness estimates and account for sampling effort. The Andean region of Colombia hosts the greatest recorded richness (56 species) and potential richness (75 species +/- 20) of Heliconia. Diversity and endemism remains high in the northwestern Andes, Panama, Costa Rica, and declines with increasing latitude. Heliconia diversity and endemism patterns may be representative of other species rich Neotropical genera but comprehensive phylogenetic classification is needed to better understand the underlying mechanisms of the latitudinal diversity gradient.