The aim of this article is two fold: first, to depict key species and relate them to landscape units (LUs) to define habitats; second, to generate a sound network of protected areas to ensure the functional integrity of the ecosystem. In the present study, 6500 vertebrate and vascular plant species records were gathered into a database. A total of 137 sampling units were surveyed to verify key species and depict discrete LUs (scale 1:25,000). Using multivariate statistics (detrended correspondence analysis and canonical correspondence analysis), key species were selected and associated with LUs in a geographical information system. From the 1162 species recorded, 122 were identified as key species based on their endemicity and conservation status (12 amphibians, 42 reptiles, 37 birds, 11 mammals, and 20 vascular plants). Volcanic bodies and Holocene lava flows contain most key species but harbour less species overall, whereas mixed forest, meadows and crops, foot slopes, and accumulation plains harbour fewer key species but a greater number overall. These patterns were spatially displayed and discussed in light of their role in conservation and participatory management after over 15 years of research.
The present article depicts key species and links them to landscape units (LUs) to generate a sound net work of protected areas to ensure the functional integrity of the ecosystem. This approach also provided a robust basis for further spatial modeling and conservation planning efforts using a participatory approach. The approach was tested using environmental data from Neotropical Mexican Plio-Pleistocene volcanic mountain ecosystems and biological data of vertebrates and vascular plant species. The study area is currently experiencing rapid habitat depletion, harbors an outstanding number of species, and has been regarded as crucial for balancing the functional integrity of the watershed of Mexico City.
