Leguminosae endemic to the Chaco facing quaternary climate fluctuations

Abstract

We investigated the influence of Quaternary climate fluctuations on the current distribution of three species of Leguminosae (Fabaceae) occurring in the Chaco. Potential distribution models of Bauhinia hagenbeckii, Muellera nudiflora and Neltuma rubriflora with a supposed endemism area were generated. The Last Interglacial, Last Glacial Maximum, Holocene Middle and current scenarios were used. The species showed a potential distribution according to the South American biogeographic history regarding the glacier regression and the formation of the Dry Diagonal. The models for each Quaternary event exhibited a tolerable AUC ≥ 0.9 for the validations. The LGM was the event that favoured the current species establishment areas in the Dry Diagonal. Quaternary climatic events were related to the current Leguminosae distribution. Bauhinia hagenbeckii and Neltuma rubriflora present similar areas of environmental suitability. Muellera nudiflora models with areas of environmental suitability were larger for the LIG and Holocene than for areas from other periods. All scenario models (LGM, HM and current scenario) highlighted the potential distribution of the three species concomitant with the glacier regression events and were consistent with the history of formation of South American dry areas.

Biogeography and environmental preferences of Butia yatay (Mart.) Becc

“…During this period, the River channels were wider and seasonally dry during glacial intervals (Clapperton, 1993), potentially serving as refugia for flora, including B. yatay , that was adapted to humid climates (Ab'Sáber, 1977). The LGM paleodistribution of suitable habitat of Chaco tree species, which are currently distributed along the Paraná River, also has indicated a slight northward expansion (Giudicelli et al., 2019; Sinani et al., 2022; Spichiger et al., 2004). Therefore, we can infer that this area would have provided favorable conditions for the Chaco flora during the climatic fluctuations of the LGM.…”

“…The LGM paleodistribution of suitable habitat of Chaco tree species, which are currently distributed along the Paraná River, also has indicated a slight northward expansion (Giudicelli et al, 2019;Sinani et al, 2022;Spichiger et al, 2004). Therefore, we can infer that this area would have provided favorable conditions for the Chaco flora during the climatic fluctuations of the LGM.…”