Abstract

VILLASENOR, Jose Luis; CALZADA, J. Ismael  and  DAVILA, Patricia. Melampodium sinuatum (Asteraceae), an endangered endemic species to the southernmost tip of the Baja California Peninsula. Rev. Mex. Biodiv. [online]. 2011, vol.82, n.3, pp.1029-1031. ISSN 2007-8706.

Melampodium sinuatum Brandegee, a species endemic to the southernmost tip of the state of Baja California Sur, Mexico, is poorly known, mostly due to its rarity and narrow geographic distribution range. Historically the species has been collected at only 5 localities and all of these are currently threatened by human activities. The scarce number of individuals per population and its narrow geographic distribution contribute to this species being critically endangered, and it is urgent to carry out activities to help it escape extinction. Without a doubt, such activities will also benefit other endemic species that grow in the vicinity and similarly lack conservation strategies to protect them from the impact of touristic activities in the region.

Keywords : Melampodium; Mexico; Baja California; endemisms; species under extinction.