Distribution patterns, endemism, and conservation of Oocephalus (Hyptidinae – Lamiaceae), a genus near-endemic to the Brazilian campo rupestre.

Abstract The Neotropical flora is known for its remarkable species diversity, which is daily threatened due to human actions, such as land change use for extensive agriculture and habitat fragmentation. In Brazil, the Cerrado is one of the most plant diverse biomes, even though a small piece of its area is under full protection. This work aims explore the distribution of Oocephalus species, to identify areas of high species richness, and to highlight regional environment threats, required to assess the species conservation status. Oocephalus is currently composed of 22 species, which are almost entirely endemic to the Brazilian campo rupestre, a vegetation type with high levels of species richness and endemism. We identified three distribution patterns in Oocephalus: Brazilian Central Plateau, Serra do Espinhaço, and Chapada Diamantina. The latter is subdivided in two sub patterns, Serra das Almas and Serra do Sincorá. The results showed that Brazilian Central plateau, especially the Chapada dos Veadeiros region, and Chapada Diamantina, are the richest areas of Oocephalus, and that 22 species are under threat, being classified as Vulnerable, Endangered or Critically Endangered, with some of them being known for few collections.