Potential Geography and Conservation of <i>Ipomoea beninensis</i>, an Endangered Plant Species for Benin (West Africa)

Abstract

The endemic plant of Benin, Ipomoea beninensis Akoègn, Lisowski and Sinsin, is threatened in its natural habitats. This study assesses the suitability of the current and future habitat for its conservation countrywide. Maxent models were run using records added to environmental variables under present and two climates. The results showed that the most suitable areas for I. beninensis will be mainly in the phytodistrict of southern and northern Borgou. The species could lose 9% and 13.6% of its suitable habitats under RCP4.5 and RCP8.5, respectively. Urgent and timely strategies are needed to save the remaining population of the species.

Keywords

• conservation
• climate changes
• threatened taxa
• West Africa