Although distribution modeling approaches are available, their applicability for monographic data and for presence-only data in general is often compromised by data scarcity, poor data quality and lack of knowledge of the environmental correlates of species. Our method is precisely targeted at such data and can also be adjusted to accommodate different taxonomical groups by changing the weighting of

interpolation distances for species range generation. Using this new method, we identified and validated centers of Neotropical angiosperm species richness and compared selleck products them to the current protection status and human population density. In addition, we identified areas where insufficient data do not allow for reliable estimates of distribution patterns. This is due to the sensitivity of the distribution

patterns of the narrow endemic species towards sampling effort. In particular, our method might underestimate the numbers and the ranges of narrow endemic species in poorly collected areas. Our maps also indicate areas for further sampling activity, because the available data do not yet allow for robust estimation of species richness patterns. To permit pinpointing of species-rich areas for conservation priorities, a robust estimate of total species richness and narrow endemic species richness SBI-0206965 molecular weight is necessary. Therefore, future collection activity should focus on under-sampled areas and under-sampled taxa. Further taxonomic identification of both new and already collected, unidentified specimens is necessary, which requires additional training and support of expert taxonomists. New and reliable data will enable the scientific community to further clarify Neotropical angiosperm distribution and in particular endemism before patterns to improve response to conservation needs. Acknowledgements This study was www.selleckchem.com/products/AG-014699.html inspired by the late Wilfried Morawetz, who had the vision of constructing comprehensive species richness maps long before GIS desktops became a standard. Ingo Fetzer, Julio Schneider and two anonymous reviewers greatly helped improve the grammar and readability of the manuscript. CFD acknowledges support by the Helmholtz

Association (VH-NG-247). Open Access This article is distributed under the terms of the Creative Commons Attribution Noncommercial License which permits any noncommercial use, distribution, and reproduction in any medium, provided the original author(s) and source are credited. Appendices Appendix 1 Literature consulted for compilation of the Neotropical angiosperm species distribution database. Anderson C (1982) A monograph of the genus Peixotoa (Malpighiaceae). Contr Univ Michigan Herb 15:1–92 Anderson WR (1982) Notes on Neotropical Malpighiaceae—I. Contr Univ Michigan Herb 15:93–136 Andersson L (1977) The genus Ischnosiphon (Marantaceae). Opera Bot 43:1–114 Andersson L (1985) Revision of Heliconia subgen. Stenochlamys (Musaceae-Heliconioideae).