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The assessment of spatial distribution and population parameters are important elements for the conservation of spatially restricted and rare species. We evaluated the spatial distribution, demographic parameters, and mobility of Drucina championi Godman and Salvin, 1881, a highly localized butterfly in mountain habitats of Southern Chiapas, Mexico. We generated potential distribution maps for the species, by relating 19 layers (Worldclim) and data of occurrence arising from field surveys and entomological collections' records. Intensive field sampling was conducted at the Tacaná Volcano Biosphere Reserve, to delimit the elevation distribution, abundance, and detailed aspects on population demographic parameters regarding mobility, age, and sex data, as well as observations on adult behavior. A vegetation characterization and a normalized difference vegetation index (NDVI) analysis were used to relate the abundance values of the butterfly and habitat characteristics. Our results show that the potential distribution of D. championi is restricted to the northernmost area of the Central American pine-oak forests and the Central American mountain forests, comprising a total of 14,151 km2. It inhabits cloud forest habitats, ranging from 1,919 to 2,788 m a.s.l. (for a total elevation range of 869 m). Our assessment on the population status of this threatened butterfly suggests fairly good dispersal abilities of local populations but a limited immigration rate from surrounding populations. This research provides a rare case study of spatiotemporal dynamics of a threatened Neotropical butterfly, emphasizing the importance of using ecological information to provide management recommendations. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In order to optimize conservation policies for endangered plant species in North Africa and minimize the investment of the public resources we explore the capacity of a mountain plant species to persist locally in restricted natural areas. Palaeoecological studies have shown that plant species survived major global climate changes within refugia which offered suitable condition for their long term persistence. Our study aims at identifying potential mountains areas which may play the role of modern microrefugia for preserving locally endangered plant species. We analyzed the mountain ruggedness of an area in the North-East of the Middle Atlas mountains where a population of an endangered plant species, Cedrus atlantica , is isolated today around lake Tameda. In addition, we collected a sediment core in the lake to investigate the recent history of the species with the local environmental changes. We compared the terrain and fossil analyses with an area in the Rif mountains where the terrain rugosity is lighter than in the Middle Atlas and where Atlas cedar populations occur as well. Our results show that the Atlas cedar is better preserved in terrains with high rugosity because they offer a wider panel of suitable microclimates for the species persistence and they restrict the number of inhabitants as well which, de facto, reduces the anthropogenic disturbances. We have carried out this analysis at a very small scale (less than 40 km2). A more exhaustive analysis of the terrain rugosity over the Atlas and Rif mountains, combined with historical data, will help to identify more suitable refugial areas for preserving the species at a larger scale. Protecting these refugial areas over decades from any anthropogenic activity should be possible at a minimal cost and would represent an immediate response to the ongoing climate change for preserving endangered species. • Mountain landscapes with high rugosity are found to be more suitable for species persistence. • A potential future microrefugium for the Atlas cedar in the NE of the Middle Atlas is depicted. • The fossil record may help evaluating the local persistence of endangered plant species. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]