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Rheophytes of the Samaná Norte River, Colombia: A Hydroelectric Project Threatens an Endemic Flora

2018; SAGE Publishing; Volume: 11; Linguagem: Inglês

10.1177/1940082918756816

1940-0829

Saúl E. Hoyos-Gómez, Rodrigo Bernal,

Diatoms and Algae Research

We studied the rheophytic vascular flora of the Samaná Norte River basin in Antioquia, Colombia, by rafting along a 61.4-km stretch of the river and establishing 10 plots on its banks. We found 58 species of rheophytes, including morphospecies, belonging to 29 families, mostly herbs and subshrubs. At least nine of the species are known only from this river basin and seven of them were discovered as new to science during this study. The nine species endemic to this river basin have estimated area of occupancy smaller than 10 km 2 and are here categorized as critically endangered. We recommend reconsidering plans to dam the river for a hydroelectric plant, as it might reduce populations of the nine critically endangered species and might drive at least two of them to extinction.