Integrating Phenotypic Diversity and Ecogeographical Modeling to Identify Biodiversity Hotspots for In Situ Conservation of Native Cherimoya (Annona cherimola Mill.) in Southern Ecuador

Native fruit tree species represent an important component of tropical Andean biodiversity and provide valuable genetic resources for climate resilience, sustainable agriculture, and food security. However, effective conservation strategies require approaches that integrate multiple dimensions of diversity to identify priority areas for protection. This study aimed to identify biodiversity hotspots for the in situ conservation of native cherimoya (Annona cherimola Mill.) in southern Ecuador by combining phenotypic diversity with ecogeographical modeling. A total of 270 native trees distributed across eight cantons of Loja Province were evaluated using 34 morphological descriptors of the tree, leaves, fruits, and seeds. Ecogeographical suitability was assessed through species distribution modeling based on climatic, topographic, and edaphic variables. The integration of both datasets revealed marked spatial variation in phenotypic diversity and ecological suitability, allowing the identification of priority conservation areas where high morphological variability coincided with favorable environmental conditions. These biodiversity hotspots represent key locations for maintaining adaptive diversity and supporting the long-term conservation of native cherimoya populations under changing climatic conditions. The proposed integrative approach provides a practical framework for conservation planning by combining field characterization with spatial ecological analyses. Beyond its application to cherimoya, this methodology can be extended to other underutilized fruit tree species, contributing to evidence-based conservation strategies for plant genetic resources in biodiversity-rich regions such as the Tropical Andes.