Poaceae Species Suitable for Andean Livestock Farming in the Peruvian Andes Reported in GBIF and Local Studies

Abstract

Andean grassland ecosystems host a mega-diverse floristic composition, with families such as Poaceae, Rosaceae, Asteraceae, Plantaginaceae, Fabaceae, and Cyperaceae among the most significant contributors. These families include species well-suited for feeding Andean livestock such as sheep, cattle, and South American camelids. However, accelerated ecosystem degradation and species extinction highlight the need for better understanding and monitoring of these species' spatio-temporal distribution. To address this, information on Poaceae species identified as suitable (D species) was compiled from theses and published scientific articles. The records and spatial distribution data for these species in the Global Biodiversity Information Facility (GBIF) for the Peruvian Sierra region were analyzed. After curating the data, geo-processed maps were generated that revealed 63 D species across the genera Agrostis, Agropyrum, Bromus, Calamagrostis, Dissanthelium, Festuca, Hordeum, Muhlenbergia, Nassella, Paspalum, Poa, Stipa, Trisetum, and Vulpia. Notably, only 52 of these species are registered in GBIF, with records concentrated in high-tourist areas and regions supported by research projects, such as Huascarán National Park. The limited number of studies on natural grassland species in Peru and the low spatial coverage of GBIF records underscore the need for improved monitoring strategies to support conservation and sustainable livestock farming.