A biodiversity hotspot is a biogeographic region that is both a significant reservoir of biodiversity and is threatened with destruction. The term biodiversity hotspot specifically refers to biologically rich areas around the world that have lost at least 70 percent of their original habitat. The remaining natural habitat in these biodiversity hotspots amounts to just over two percent of the land surface of the planet, yet supports nearly 60 percent of the world's plant, bird, mammal, reptile, and amphibian species.
Biodiversity hotspots must have at least 1,500 vascular plants as endemics — which is to say, it must have a high percentage of plant life found nowhere else on the planet. A hotspot, in other words, is irreplaceable. It must have 30% or less of its original natural vegetation. In other words, it must be threatened. Around the world, 35 areas qualify as hotspots. They support more than half of the world’s plant species as endemics — i.e., species found no place else — and nearly 43% of bird, mammal, reptile and amphibian species as endemics.
Biodiversity hotspots are not merely repositories of species; they play crucial roles in maintaining ecosystem services, such as pollination, water purification, and climate regulation. The essay explores the interconnectedness of species within hotspots and their contribution to global ecological balance. Understanding the ecological and evolutionary processes that contribute to the richness of biodiversity hotspots is vital for effective conservation strategies. Despite their ecological significance, biodiversity hotspots face numerous threats, including habitat destruction, climate change, invasive species, and overexploitation. This section assesses the anthropogenic and natural factors that jeopardize the existence of these critical areas.
Effective conservation strategies for biodiversity hotspots involve a combination of habitat protection, restoration efforts, community engagement, and sustainable resource management. The essay explores successful conservation initiatives and emphasizes the importance of global collaboration in preserving these unique ecosystems.
Biodiversity hotspots must have at least 1,500 vascular plants as endemics — which is to say, it must have a high percentage of plant life found nowhere else on the planet. A hotspot, in other words, is irreplaceable. It must have 30% or less of its original natural vegetation. In other words, it must be threatened. Around the world, 35 areas qualify as hotspots. They support more than half of the world’s plant species as endemics — i.e., species found no place else — and nearly 43% of bird, mammal, reptile and amphibian species as endemics.
Biodiversity hotspots are not merely repositories of species; they play crucial roles in maintaining ecosystem services, such as pollination, water purification, and climate regulation. The essay explores the interconnectedness of species within hotspots and their contribution to global ecological balance. Understanding the ecological and evolutionary processes that contribute to the richness of biodiversity hotspots is vital for effective conservation strategies. Despite their ecological significance, biodiversity hotspots face numerous threats, including habitat destruction, climate change, invasive species, and overexploitation. This section assesses the anthropogenic and natural factors that jeopardize the existence of these critical areas.
Effective conservation strategies for biodiversity hotspots involve a combination of habitat protection, restoration efforts, community engagement, and sustainable resource management. The essay explores successful conservation initiatives and emphasizes the importance of global collaboration in preserving these unique ecosystems.
Myers (2000). Biodiversity hotspots for conservation priorities. Nature 403: 853–858
Case Studies: Southeast Asia
Rich in wildlife, Southeast Asia includes at least six of the world’s 25 biodiversity hotspots – the areas of the world that contain an exceptional concentration of species, and are exceptionally endangered. The region contains 20% of the planet’s vertebrate and plant species and the world’s third-largest tropical forest. In addition to this existing biodiversity, the region has an extraordinary rate of species discovery, with more than 2,216 new species described between 1997 and 2014 alone. Global comparisons are difficult but it seems the Mekong region has a higher rate of species discovery than other parts of the tropics, with hundreds of new species described annually. Unfortunately, deforestation rates in Southeast Asia are some of the highest anywhere on Earth, and the rate of mining is the highest in the tropics. The region also has a number of hydropower dams under construction and consumption of species for traditional medicines is particularly pronounced - both of which contribute to elimination of habitat which can be particularly problematic for species with small ranges. The only critically endangered hornbills, the rufous-headed hornbill and the Sulu hornbill, are restricted to the Philippines. The latter species is one of the world's rarest birds, with only 20 breeding pairs or 40 mature individuals, and faces imminent extinction. The Ticao hornbill, a subspecies of the Visayan hornbill, is probably already extinct. Tropical forests and savannas account for more than 60 percent of global net primary productivity and 40 percent of carbon storage, respectively. But the tropics face an assortment of well-documented human-driven threats: destruction of forests and marine ecosystems, over-exploitation by industrial fishing fleets and commercial hunters, the spread of diseases and invasive species, and the growing impacts of climate change, which stress both ecosystems and their inhabitants. |
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These threats, which often interact and build on each other, are heightening the risk of extinction for many species. Already, the vast majority of recorded extinctions among five major vertebrate groups assessed by the IUCN occurred among tropical species. These threats aren’t likely to diminish soon. Human population continues to rise, but growing affluence means that it is increasingly outpaced by resource consumption, which acts a multiplier in terms of humanity’s planetary footprint.
Western Ghats, India
Biodiversity Significance: The Western Ghats, a mountain range in India, is recognized as one of the world's biodiversity hotspots. It harbors a remarkable variety of species, including numerous endemic plants, amphibians, and mammals.
Threats: Rapid urbanization, agricultural expansion, and infrastructure development have posed severe threats to the Western Ghats. Deforestation and habitat fragmentation disrupt ecological corridors, affecting the movement of species.
Conservation Initiatives: The creation of protected areas, such as the Nilgiri Biosphere Reserve, has been a key conservation strategy. Additionally, community-based initiatives, involving local populations in sustainable resource management, have shown promise in reducing anthropogenic pressures on the region's ecosystems.
Madagascar
Biodiversity Significance: Madagascar is an island nation known for its extraordinary level of endemism, with a high percentage of species found nowhere else on Earth. Lemurs, chameleons, and diverse plant species contribute to its unique biodiversity.
Threats: Deforestation due to slash-and-burn agriculture, logging, and mining activities pose significant threats to Madagascar's biodiversity. The island's isolation makes its ecosystems particularly vulnerable to habitat loss.
Conservation Initiatives: Conservation International's work in Madagascar highlights the importance of community involvement. Projects promoting sustainable agriculture and agroforestry have sought to balance human needs with conservation goals. Protected areas, such as Ranomafana National Park, showcase the effectiveness of habitat preservation in safeguarding endemic species.
The Atlantic Forest, Brazil
Biodiversity Significance: The Atlantic Forest, one of the most threatened biodiversity hotspots globally, is characterized by high endemism and diverse ecosystems. It once covered a vast area along the Brazilian coast but has been drastically reduced to small, fragmented patches.
Threats: Deforestation, agriculture expansion, urbanization, and logging have significantly reduced the extent of the Atlantic Forest. Fragmentation isolates populations, leading to genetic bottlenecks and increased vulnerability to invasive species.
Conservation Initiatives: Conservation International's work in the Atlantic Forest includes the establishment of the Guapi Assu Biological Reserve and the promotion of Payment for Ecosystem Services (PES) programs. These initiatives aim to protect remaining habitats, restore degraded areas, and provide economic incentives for local communities to engage in sustainable land-use practices.
The Coral Triangle, Southeast Asia
Biodiversity Significance: The Coral Triangle, spanning the seas of Indonesia, Malaysia, Papua New Guinea, the Philippines, Solomon Islands, and Timor-Leste, is a marine biodiversity hotspot. It is renowned for its high coral diversity, hosting over 75% of the world's coral species.
Threats: Overfishing, destructive fishing practices, climate change, and pollution pose significant threats to the Coral Triangle. Coral bleaching, driven by rising sea temperatures, jeopardizes the health of marine ecosystems.
Conservation Initiatives: The Coral Triangle Initiative (CTI) is a collaborative effort among six countries to address common challenges in marine conservation. It focuses on sustainable fisheries management, marine protected areas, and climate change adaptation. Local initiatives, such as community-based marine reserves, empower communities to actively participate in conservation and sustainable resource use.
Biodiversity Significance: The Western Ghats, a mountain range in India, is recognized as one of the world's biodiversity hotspots. It harbors a remarkable variety of species, including numerous endemic plants, amphibians, and mammals.
Threats: Rapid urbanization, agricultural expansion, and infrastructure development have posed severe threats to the Western Ghats. Deforestation and habitat fragmentation disrupt ecological corridors, affecting the movement of species.
Conservation Initiatives: The creation of protected areas, such as the Nilgiri Biosphere Reserve, has been a key conservation strategy. Additionally, community-based initiatives, involving local populations in sustainable resource management, have shown promise in reducing anthropogenic pressures on the region's ecosystems.
Madagascar
Biodiversity Significance: Madagascar is an island nation known for its extraordinary level of endemism, with a high percentage of species found nowhere else on Earth. Lemurs, chameleons, and diverse plant species contribute to its unique biodiversity.
Threats: Deforestation due to slash-and-burn agriculture, logging, and mining activities pose significant threats to Madagascar's biodiversity. The island's isolation makes its ecosystems particularly vulnerable to habitat loss.
Conservation Initiatives: Conservation International's work in Madagascar highlights the importance of community involvement. Projects promoting sustainable agriculture and agroforestry have sought to balance human needs with conservation goals. Protected areas, such as Ranomafana National Park, showcase the effectiveness of habitat preservation in safeguarding endemic species.
The Atlantic Forest, Brazil
Biodiversity Significance: The Atlantic Forest, one of the most threatened biodiversity hotspots globally, is characterized by high endemism and diverse ecosystems. It once covered a vast area along the Brazilian coast but has been drastically reduced to small, fragmented patches.
Threats: Deforestation, agriculture expansion, urbanization, and logging have significantly reduced the extent of the Atlantic Forest. Fragmentation isolates populations, leading to genetic bottlenecks and increased vulnerability to invasive species.
Conservation Initiatives: Conservation International's work in the Atlantic Forest includes the establishment of the Guapi Assu Biological Reserve and the promotion of Payment for Ecosystem Services (PES) programs. These initiatives aim to protect remaining habitats, restore degraded areas, and provide economic incentives for local communities to engage in sustainable land-use practices.
The Coral Triangle, Southeast Asia
Biodiversity Significance: The Coral Triangle, spanning the seas of Indonesia, Malaysia, Papua New Guinea, the Philippines, Solomon Islands, and Timor-Leste, is a marine biodiversity hotspot. It is renowned for its high coral diversity, hosting over 75% of the world's coral species.
Threats: Overfishing, destructive fishing practices, climate change, and pollution pose significant threats to the Coral Triangle. Coral bleaching, driven by rising sea temperatures, jeopardizes the health of marine ecosystems.
Conservation Initiatives: The Coral Triangle Initiative (CTI) is a collaborative effort among six countries to address common challenges in marine conservation. It focuses on sustainable fisheries management, marine protected areas, and climate change adaptation. Local initiatives, such as community-based marine reserves, empower communities to actively participate in conservation and sustainable resource use.
Solutions
1. Reduce personal and corporate ecological footprints
2. Mandate corporations realize negative externalities
3. Reimagine society
4) Half Earth, Rewild
5) Implement biodiversity protections into government policy at international, national, and local levels
6) Document biodiversity
Solutions
1. Reduce personal and corporate ecological footprints
2. Mandate corporations realize negative externalities
3. Reimagine society
4) Half Earth, Rewild
5) Implement biodiversity protections into government policy at international, national, and local levels
6) Document biodiversity
News and Resources
Colombia grants ‘historic’ protections to rainforest and indigenous groups. The move includes the addition of 8 million hectares (80,000 square kilometers or 31,000 square miles) to its protected areas - a 27% increase. And, grants indigenous communities the ability and autonomy to govern their own territories.
The Oriental Pied Hornbill (Anthracoceros albirostris), photographed in Khao Yai National Park, Thailand. Though not endangered, unlike several of its 54 other sister species, this one is nonetheless an incredible sight. The hornbills are a family of bird found in tropical and subtropical Africa, Asia and Melanesia. They commonly have a casque on the upper mandible which is a hollow structure that runs along the upper mandible. In some species it is barely perceptible and appears to serve no function beyond reinforcing the bill. In other species it is quite large, is reinforced with bone, resonating calls. In a couple of species, the casque is not hollow but is filled with hornbill ivory and is used as a battering ram in aerial jousts.
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The Brown Basilisk, Basciliscus vittatus, is commonly known for its ability to “walk on water.” Traditionally they are found from northwestern Colombia up to Mexico; however, they have more recently made their home in Southern Florida. At first look, you might consider them to be descendants of dinosaurs - but you’d be wrong. More accurately, dinosaurs and lizards split off some 265 million years ago. The clade Sauria includes all reptiles -and birds. Travel through time - and the Archelosauria split off, forming the archosaurs. The archosaurs are a bit famous because they led to non-avian dinosaurs, modern-day birds, and crocodiles. Alternatively, the Lepidosauria led to snakes, lizards, and the tuatara. What’s a tuatara? From an evolutionary standpoint, they are exceptional. Why? They are the only living species left of the order Rhynchocephalia. You’d have to go back 200 million years to find a common ancestor of lizards and snakes. What’s also fascinating is that crocodiles are more closely related to birds (and dinosaurs) than they are to modern-day lizards. So, despite looking quite “dinosaur-like,” this Jesus Lizard is on his own evolutionary path. If you really want to see a dinosaur relative, look for some birds or find yourself a crocodile.
The Lemur Leaf Frog (Agalychnis lemur) is listed as Critically Endangered because of ongoing drastic population declines, estimated to be more than 80% over a ten year period, inferred from the apparent disappearance of most of the Costa Rican, and some of the western Panamanian, population, probably mostly due to chytridiomycosis. However, general habitat loss also remains a threat, and this is especially the case in Costa Rica where deforestation by squatters threatens one of the three known remaining populations. It was once considered to be a reasonably common species in Costa Rica, but most populations have recently disappeared. Within Costa Rica, the former range included several national parks and other protected areas; none of the remaining populations are within protected areas. The species is known to be present within at least six Panamanian protected areas, but it is not known from any protected areas in Colombia. A successful captive breeding program began in 2001 at the Atlanta Botanical Garden, which has since transferred individuals to other zoos to continue these captive breeding efforts. An ex-situ population of this species is breeding at the El Valle Amphibian Conservation Center in Panama. It is a nocturnal tree frog associated with sloping areas in humid lowland and montane primary forest, and is not found in degraded habitats. The eggs are usually deposited on leaf surfaces and the larvae are washed off or fall into water below the site of oviposition (IUCN).
The brown titi monkey (Callicebus brunneus). Though it is not facing imminent extinction, most primate populations are plummeting worldwide. In the most bleak assessment of primates to date, conservationists have found that 60% of wild species are on course to die out, with three-quarters already in steady decline.