Tropical America

Supporting in-situ and ex-situ conservation in Latin America through a multi-disciplinary programme of applied scientific research, collaboration, training and resource development

The biodiversity of the Neotropics (Tropical America) is of immense significance in global terms. The estimated 80-90,000 species of flowering plants in this region represent some 30% of the world’s known genera and species. These occur in a very diverse range of habitats, from deserts and savannas to tropical forests.

Kew’s primary objectives in Tropical America Drylands are: 1) to make significant contributions to in situ and ex situ conservation, ecological restoration and sustainable use of threatened biomes and species through applied, targeted research and capacity building; 2) to increase access to our collections and data for Tropical American and international researchers; 3) to develop knowledge of taxonomy, phylogeny and conservation status of specific plant families in the region; and 4) to disseminate information generated by these activities to a range of audiences in accessible formats. Our work is achieved through a multi-disciplinary, collaborative approach, drawing on the combined expertise and experience of a cross-departmental team (including the Herbarium, Jodrell Laboratory, Seed Conservation and Horticulture & Public Education Departments) and our in-country partners, and building on the strengths of our collections and curatorial resources.

Current areas of operation include Argentina, Bolivia, Brazil, Chile, Dominican Republic, Mexico, Panama and Peru.

Further information and resources are available on the Tropical America web site.