Genetic diversity hotspots of trematodes (Platyhelminthes) in Mexico and their overlap with protected natural areas

• Trematode genetic diversity patterns as a tool for biodiversity conservation. • Hotspot of trematode genetic diversity in Mexico and its Protected Natural Areas. • The genetic diversity of parasites as an indicator of biodiversity in Mexico. • The environmental variables can influence the genetic diversity of trematodes. Genetic diversity (GD) is a fundamental component of biodiversity that remains largely overlooked in conservation planning, especially for parasitic taxa. Trematodes are among the most diverse and ecologically important parasitic groups, although their GD across regions remains poorly characterized. Here we analyze the nucleotide diversity (π) and haplotype diversity (Hd) of mitochondrial (COI) and nuclear (28S) genes using sequences available in public datasets to: (i) represent the spatial patterns genetic diversity at the family level of trematodes across Mexican biogeographic provinces and Protected Natural Areas (PNAs); (ii) identify regions with the highest GD (hotspots); and (iii) to explore how environmental factors influence genetic diversity patterns. We identified some GD patterns, as well as GD hotspots in center and southeastern Mexico, particularly in the states of Michoacán, Estado de México, Veracruz, Tabasco, Chiapas, and Oaxaca. Correlation and model selection analysis revealed multiples environmental variables that can influence the GD of trematodes, as temperature seasonality (BIO4), max temperature of warmest month (BIO5), annual temperature range (BIO7), precipitation of the wettest quarter (BIO16), precipitation of warmest quarter (BIO18) and vegetation type. Furthermore, we found that 37 of 67 PNAs in the southeast overlapped with cells mapped with high-GD, suggesting that existing PNAs may preserve GD. However, public databases are still limited, highlight the need to promote more targeted studies that include parasitic taxa in conservation initiatives. This work contributes to the integration of genetic indicators into biodiversity monitoring, in line with the objectives of the Kunming-Montreal Global Biodiversity Framework.