The genus Agave L. is a key component of Mediterranean alien flora, yet its inland distribution in the Iberian Peninsula remains poorly understood. This research integrates exhaustive field surveys with Species Distribution Models (SDMs) to characterize the genus diversity and, specifically, the spatial patterns and environmental niche of Agave americana in the southern Iberian Peninsula (Andalusia). Our results reveal a diversity of 23 taxa, yet crucially, the widespread occurrence of A. americana demonstrated that its actual inland distribution is significantly more extensive than previously recorded. Spatial Point Pattern Analysis (SPPA) revealed a strong aggregated distribution pattern (Clark & Evans R = 0.277; p < 0.001). The MaxEnt Spatial Distribution Model demonstrated robust predictive performance (Mean AUC = 0.770 ± 0.007; Mean TSS = 0.420 ± 0.009). The distribution was primarily driven by elevation range (26.9%) and land use (23.1%), with maximum suitability peaking in anthropized, low-to-intermediate elevation areas. Projections to the broader Andalusian region confirmed high suitability in the Guadalquivir valley and coastal zones, validated by low spatial uncertainty (SD < 0.05 in optimal areas). These findings provide new insights into the biogeography of Agave in the region, emphasizing the significance of anthropogenic drivers within a cultural landscape context.

En este trabajo se muestra a los agaves (género Agave L.) como elementos del paisaje andaluz y giennense. La utilización de la fotografía como metodología interpretativa del estudio del paisaje ha permitido corroborar su asidua presencia en el territorio – apareciendo en las cuatro tipologías de paisaje cultural establecidas por el Plan Nacional de Paisaje Cultural – lo que indicaría una elevada influencia en el imaginario popular y por tanto su pertenencia al acervo cultural giennense. El futuro de este paisaje cultural está actualmente en peligro a consecuencia de las actuaciones que se llevan a cabo en el presente y a la aparición del picudo negro del agave. La conservación de este patrimonio cultural debería establecerse acorde con las tendencias más actuales en la gestión del paisaje, considerando a éste desde una perspectiva integral favoreciendo la creación de una nueva cultura del territorio en la que un paisaje no sea solamente percepción, sino también sentimientos. Para apoyar esta visión se ha establecido un portal de ciencia ciudadana que pretende crear conciencia, en la sociedad y en la administración pública, para potenciar la conservación de este rico patrimonio cultural.

Aquatic macrophytes constitute essential bioindicators of the ecological status of Mediterranean wetlands. We evaluated 136 Andalusian wetlands across four biogeographical regions (Sierra Morena, Betic Ranges, Guadalquivir Valley, and Coastal Zone) by contrasting two methodological approaches. We compared a standard biological valuation index, based on hydrophyte valuation and total species richness, with a biogeographical assessment focused strictly on the originality, singularity, and integrity of hydrophyte assemblages. Results revealed a critical nonlinear decoupling between both metrics. Traditional valuation prioritized the Coastal and Guadalquivir zones, inflating the value of communities saturated by widespread taxa and masking their lower structural integrity. Conversely, the biogeographical analysis identified Sierra Morena as the reservoir of highest structural stability despite its natural species poverty. Furthermore, residual analysis exposed highly original hidden jewels systematically undervalued by standard protocols. Since richness-dependent metrics risk neglecting unique hydrophyte components, we propose a dual conservation strategy integrating irreplaceability and structural integrity. Ultimately, this framework provides actionable insights for the sustainable management of Mediterranean aquatic biodiversity, aligning conservation practices with global ecological sustainability goals. We caution that management decisions based solely on richness thresholds may inadvertently prioritize common habitats over functionally unique but species-poor refugia.