Conservation priorities for African Vigna species: Unveiling Angola’s diversity hotspots

It is widely recognized that the conservation of Crop Wild Relatives (CWR) in their wild habitats fundamental to ensure continuous supply novel genetic material, crucial for future crop improvement. Vigna unguiculata (cowpea) and V. subterranea (bambara groundnut) are amongst most significant African legumes as sources food fodder. In this study we investigated diversity species Angola, identify hotspot areas situ conservation, thus underpin security Sub-Saharan Africa. Based on four criteria (i.e. potential utilization improvement, threat status, ethnobotanical value, geographical distribution) prioritize CWR actions Angola. Our results reveal 28 occur two which endemic ( mendesii ramanniana ). These unevenly distributed across country, with greater dominance central-north western areas, where (Saurimo, Serra da Chela, N’dalatando, Huambo) identified. However, gaps current strategies highlighted by our results, since hotspots remain unprotected only nine recorded protected areas. Moreover, light fact one accession collected Angola exists genebanks globally at present, recommend a targeted seed collecting programme support management ex plant resources calls attention together Zambia, has highest richness Africa, provides new data tools sustainable use these