Integrating biodiversity, biogeography, and agricultural data to prioritize conservation: a case study of six strategic páramo complexes in Colombia

High mountain ecosystems known as páramos in the Northern Andes are globally unique, highly biodiverse, and critical for ecosystem services, yet they are increasingly threatened by the rapid expansion of the agricultural frontier. In Colombia, most páramos are particularly vulnerable to the impacts of livestock grazing and agriculture, resulting in irreversible ecological losses. This study examines the integrate of biodiversity, biogeography, and agricultural land-use data into prioritization strategies to enhance conservation decision-making for six strategic páramos in Colombia. Using spatial analyses of species diversity, endemism, phylogenetic diversity, geodiversity, and anthropogenic pressures, we assessed conservation priorities at regional, municipal, and local scales. Results indicate that transition zones between agricultural lands and páramos experience the highest pressure from anthropogenic activities. The Eastern Cordillera host the most significant levels of endemism, whereas the Central Cordillera retains high species and phylogenetic diversity under comparatively lower human pressure. Based on these findings, and at the regional scale, the Santurbán-Berlín, Almorzadero, and Guantiva-La Rusia páramos emerge as top priorities. A list of 46 municipalities and 185 local scale sites are provided as a guide to identify high-priority areas for intervention across all six páramos.