In biology and conservation, a “biodiversity hotspot” identifies regions on Earth exceptionally rich in unique life forms but also facing severe threats. These areas represent a focused approach to understanding and addressing global biodiversity loss, guiding conservation strategies to protect irreplaceable natural heritage.
What Defines a Biodiversity Hotspot?
To be recognized as a biodiversity hotspot, a region must meet two specific criteria. First, it must contain at least 1,500 species of vascular plants found nowhere else on Earth, meaning they are endemic to that area. Endemism describes species native and restricted to a particular geographic region, making them vulnerable to habitat loss.
Second, the region must have lost at least 70% of its original natural vegetation. This indicates significant habitat degradation, highlighting the urgency of conservation. Currently, 36 biodiversity hotspots are recognized globally, including regions such as the Amazon Rainforest and the Himalayas.
Why These Areas Matter
Biodiversity hotspots serve as reservoirs of unique species. Despite covering only about 2.5% of Earth’s land surface, these areas harbor over half of the world’s plant species and nearly 43% of bird, mammal, reptile, and amphibian species as endemics. The Amazon Basin, for example, is home to approximately 10% of known species on Earth.
These regions also contribute significantly to global ecosystem services, natural processes that benefit human life. They play a role in climate regulation by sequestering large amounts of carbon and influencing weather patterns. Hotspots also provide services such as water purification and nutrient cycling, essential for maintaining fertile soils and supporting plant growth.
Global Conservation Implications
Identifying biodiversity hotspots has direct implications for global conservation efforts, as these areas are prioritized for protection. Focusing resources on these 36 regions allows conservationists to achieve a broad impact, as they collectively support a significant percentage of the world’s terrestrial species. Organizations like Conservation International actively work to protect these areas, recognizing their importance.
The consequences of losing these hotspots are widespread species extinction and the disruption of ecosystem services. For instance, species extinction within these regions could negatively affect global food security and climate regulation. Protecting these areas underscores the direct role of human action in preserving unique species and ensuring the continued provision of services that sustain life on Earth.