Background:

Castilla elastica is a tree known since pre-Hispanic times for its latex production. It is an emblematic species for Mexico, imminent deforestation is a threat for its survival in Mexico and Tabasco.

Questions:

In which ecological conditions is C. elastica distributed in Mexico? In how many areas of occupancy is it located?

Studied species:

Castilla elastica Cerv.

Study site and dates:

The Mexico and the state of Tabasco, january-december 2019.

Methods:

Records were obtained from different virtual sources and in herbaria, also field visits in Tabasco. The distribution points were geo-referenced, were converted to the shapefile format through the QGis 3.16.16 program. The areas of occupancy (AOO) were calculated according to the Cartographic method by conglomerates.

Results:

615 records were obtained. It was found that the species is generally distributed in tropical areas of Mexico, mostly identified in Chiapas; its altitudinal range goes from 0-1,660 m. Associated with 11 soil units, forest ecosystems and agro-ecosystems. The total of the AOO consisted of 43 conglomerates and 20 satellites, which were located mainly in the Gulf of Mexico.

Conclusions:

Historically, C. elastica has a distribution on both sides in Mexico, prefers warm climates (A), de transition A(C) and Leptosol soils. Current records were established for Tabasco where it is found particularly in cocoa-plantations. The AO with the largest surface corresponds to Campeche, Yucatan, and Quintana Roo, coincides with the area of the Mesoamerican Biological Corridor; this work provides data on their ecological predilections that will serve for their sustainable conservation.

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