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Dryad

Data from: Predicting undetected native vascular plant diversity at a global scale

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Sep 23, 2024 version files 15.18 GB

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Abstract

Vascular plants are diverse and a major component of terrestrial ecosystems, yet their geographic distributions remain incomplete. Here, I present a global database of vascular plant distributions by integrating species distribution models calibrated to species’ dispersal ability and natural habitats to predict native range maps for 201,681 vascular plant species into unsurveyed areas. Using these maps, I uncover unique patterns of native vascular plant diversity, endemism, and phylogenetic diversity revealing hotspots in under-documented biodiversity-rich regions. These hotspots, based on detailed species-level maps, show a pronounced latitudinal gradient, strongly supporting the theory of increasing diversity towards the equator. I trained random forest models to extrapolate diversity patterns under unbiased global sampling and identify overlaps with modelled estimations but unveiled cryptic hotspots that were not captured by modelled estimations. Only 29-36% of extrapolated plant hotspots are inside protected areas, leaving more than 60% outside and vulnerable. However, the unprotected hotspots harbor species with unique attributes that make them good candidates for conservation prioritization.