Patterns in the distribution of Ecuadorian amphibian type localities

Abstract

Abstract In taxonomy, the type locality of a species is a fundamental concept, as relevant to the species description as the definition of morphological characters. Although they hold a high intrinsic scientific, cultural and social value, their conservation has been globally overlooked. As a showcase, we focused our study on a megadiverse country (Ecuador) and a diverse group of vertebrates (amphibians). We georeferenced the type localities of all amphibian species reported from Ecuador, evaluated chronological changes in their distribution, assessed the factors that affect their location, and emphasized areas of high conservation value. We found that the distribution of type localities is affected by road access and closeness to inhabited centers, most are unprotected, and more intense sampling in an area leads to a higher number of type localities there, while the relationship with species richness is more complex. Our study reveals “hotspots” of type localities, and in many cases their protection status can be improved through marginal extension of already established reserves. These sites represent a priority for the conservation of microendemic species (over 20%), and they have potential to bolster conservation actions given the social interest in their historical dimension and attractiveness for the general public.