Identifying hotspots and priority areas for xenarthran research and conservation

Abstract Aim Limited funds for conservation and research require the development of prioritization schemes. Traditionally, biodiversity metrics were used to delineate priority areas; however, a growing realization emphasizes that logistic factors should be also considered. Here, we combine species richness, past collection efforts, degree of habitat loss and accessibility to define priority areas and spatially orient fieldwork in a cost‐effective manner for xenarthrans. Location Neotropics. Methods We assessed spatial patterns of species richness in Xenarthra and identified diversity hotspots based on species distribution models. Spatial patterns and biases in the Xenarthra past collection efforts were analysed using a comprehensive database including 33,464 individual records for 34 species of Xenarthra. Finally, we produced priority area indices relating species richness and collection efforts with levels of habitat loss and accessibility (roads and rivers network) to highlight important but neglected areas. Results Collection efforts were concentrated to a small portion of the Neotropics (central‐western Brazil, eastern Bolivia and north‐western Argentina) and were biased towards access routes. Only 4% of the Neotropics can be considered well sampled. Major xenarthran diversity hotspots include the Amazonian lowlands of Bolivia and the dry Chaco of Paraguay and Argentina. Priority areas for research varied depending on the metric analysed. Amazon holds a high diversity that remains poorly explored. Central Argentina and eastern Brazil are priority areas for research and conservation given the low sampling efforts, high diversity and endemic species, high levels of habitat loss and a dense road network. Main conclusions Most areas of the Neotropics lack a proper assessment of the xenarthran assemblage, reflecting extensive knowledge shortfalls. Sites close to roads tend to be better sampled, but many areas with a dense road network are undersampled, being good candidates for low‐cost studies. Xenarthra diversity hotspots facing the highest levels of habitat alteration are the least protected and are priority for both research and conservation. Simultaneous efforts of data collection and conservation actions across most of the xenarthran range should be stimulated.