Floral richness, phytogeography, and conservation on islandsin Bahia de Los Angeles, Baja California, Mexico

Abstract

Planners expect infrastructure development underway in Baja California to launch a wave of tourism. Managers will need information concerning the natural environment. This study focuses on the floral richness of the islands of Bahia de los Angeles, Baja California, Mexico. Results include island plant species inventories; a phytogeographic analysis evaluating the effects of island characteristics on plant species richness; a current human impact analysis, on floral richness; an evaluation of threats to floral richness and environmental health, including a non-native plant analysis; and management recommendations for preventing depletion of the native plant species richness on these islands from increased visitation. Floral richness ranges from 2 to 74 species per island. The best predictors of floral richness are the island area and the seabird presence or breeding. I recommend a combination of careful monitoring, dissemination of educational materials, and increased enforcement of current restrictions on island use to minimize human impacts.