Distribution and conservation of vanilla crop wild relatives: the value of local community engagement for biodiversity research

Abstract

Natural vanilla is a high-value crop with demand increasing globally. Crop wild relatives (CWR) represent valuable agrobiodiversity and are prioritized in the Global Strategy for Plant Conservation. Vanilla species are naturally rare with historically infrequent botanical collections. Despite their importance as CWR, fewer than 10% of Vanilla species have been evaluated for the IUCN Red List. Colombia is a diversity center for Vanilla species, yet many remote regions are lacking detailed floristic characterization. We show that the participation of rural communities in scientific endeavor enhances capacity to register biodiversity. We report two Vanilla species in the under-explored region of the Serranía de las Quinchas in the mid–Magdalena River valley in Colombia, including the first report for Colombia of Vanilla karen-christianae. For this, and the second species, Vanilla dressleri, we present descriptions with photographic botanical illustrations, updated distribution maps, and preliminary conservation status assessment. Both species are of elevated conservation concern, categorized as Endangered – EN: B2a,b(ii,iii,iv,v) following IUCN criteria. Within Colombia, all recorded occurrences for both species fall outside protected areas. Vanilla crop wild relatives in Colombia have urgent conservation needs. The Serranía de las Quinchas is a priority for further botanical exploration for Vanilla, as well as other protected areas with appropriate habitat. In situ conservation should be complemented with ex situ actions. Community participation in biodiversity research is recommended in this and other remote regions as an integral step towards enhancing biodiversity research and community-based conservation.

Vanilla beyond Vanilla planifolia and Vanilla × tahitensis: Taxonomy and Historical Notes, Reproductive Biology, and Metabolites

“…Vanilla species have a wide global distribution. However, locally, Vanilla population is small [ 20 ]. Consequently, the representation of these individuals in biological collections is also rare [ 20 ].…”

“…However, locally, Vanilla population is small [ 20 ]. Consequently, the representation of these individuals in biological collections is also rare [ 20 ]. Therefore, Vanilla poses a taxonomical challenge regarding different vegetative parts present in the same species [ 2 ].…”

“…Of these, V . cribbiana is considered critically endangered, seven are classified as endangered, and one is Data Deficient [ 20 ].…”

“…Despite the economic importance of this crop, relatively little attention has been given to its wild relatives (WRs), particularly concerning their biology and potential use [ 12 ]. Crop WRs are recognized as important resources for maintaining global food security and promoting sustainable rural livelihoods in the face of climate change [ 20 ]. Commercially unexplored Vanilla wild species can be sustainably introduced directly to the market, with the benefit of the presence of natural pollinators in their native environment [ 21 ].…”