Conservation status assessment of banana crop wild relatives using species distribution modelling

Aim Crop wild relatives (CWR) are an essential source of genetic material for the improvement certain traits in related crop species. Despite their importance, increasing public, scientific and political support, large gaps exist amount collected conserved many CWR. Here, we construct a dataset on distribution banana species (Musa spp.) assess risk conservation status. We deal with following questions: (a) What areas potentially suitable species? (b) How much diversity is currently at or insufficiently ex situ? Location Native area species, ranging from north-eastern states India to Australia. Methods assessed potential environmental range using modelling approach MaxEnt. Extinction was evaluated IUCN criterion B, situ status indicator biodiversity sustainable development targets. Results found that 11 out 59 can be considered as vulnerable nine endangered. Highest richness along border south China northern Vietnam, Malayan peninsula. Our indicates Indo-Burmese region has highest suitability most lowland rain forests general highly bananas. Assessment 56 49 high priority further conservation. Additional six medium 40 Main conclusions To date, little CWR sufficiently both situ.