Diversity of Myrtaceae in and surroundings the Chapada Diamantina National Park, Brazil

Abstract We evaluated the diversity of Myrtaceae in Chapada Diamantina National Park (CDNP) and neighboring municipalities (NM), identifying the areas with the highest richness and those with the lowest sampling efforts, collecting specimens in situ, and analyzing herbarium collections. The geographic data and maps include collection efforts (CE), species richness (SR), and estimated richness (J1). Ninety-seven species and nine genera were recorded for NM, with 82 species and nine genera occurring in CDNP. The CE and SR were similar in NM and CDNP, and the quadrants with the highest values were in the municipalities of Lençóis and Palmeiras. The J1 was also similar in NM and CDNP. Fifteen species found in NM do not occur in CDNP, and some are considered endangered or are restricted to non-protected areas, especially caatinga areas. Some species showed distributions limited to only one or two vegetation types, although many areas have been only superficially surveyed. Endemic species are subject to anthropic pressure, and some are currently considered endangered or vulnerable. The expansion of the limits of the CDNP to encompass areas of caatinga vegetation will improve the conservation status of the family.