Potential geography and conservation of Ipomoea beninensis, an Endangered plant species for Benin (West Africa)

Known as the only endemic plant for Benin, Ipomoea beninensis Akoègn., Lisowski & Sinsin population is threatened in natural habitats, stressing the urgent need for conservation measures for its long-term survival. This study aimed to assess the potential geography and conservation areas of Ipomoea beninensis in Benin. Occurrence data of the species was gathered mainly from the field and through available databases. Environmental layers comprised the current and two climatic futures under Representative Concentration Pathways scenarios (RCP4.5 and RCP8.5) combined with soil layers. We transferred the present-day models into future climates under Maximum Entropy software. Findings showed that under current and future climate conditions, the highly suitable areas for I. beninensis will be mainly located in the phytodistrict of southern and northern Borgou. These areas were currently located in the protected areas network encompassing N’dali, Ouémé Supérieur, Mékrou, Kouandé, Béléfoungou and Tanéka protected areas. The results suggested that under future climates the species could lose 9% and 13.6% of its suitable habitats under RCP4.5 and RCP8.5, respectively, confirming the negative impact of climate change on I. beninensis. Urgent conservation measures are needed to save the remaining population of this declining species in Benin.