Biodiversity hotspots represent areas of exceptional ecological importance characterized by high levels of species richness and endemism, coupled with significant threats to their continued existence. These regions, often relatively small in size but immensely rich in biological diversity, play a crucial role in maintaining global ecosystems and supporting numerous endemic and endangered species. Identified based on specific criteria developed by conservation biologists, biodiversity hotspots serve as focal points for conservation efforts aimed at preserving Earth’s most biologically diverse yet vulnerable ecosystems. Protecting these hotspots not only safeguards unique species and habitats but also helps to maintain essential ecosystem services vital for human well-being. Thus, understanding and conserving biodiversity hotspots are fundamental to ensuring the long-term sustainability of life on our planet.
- Norman Myers, a distinguished British ecologist, introduced a groundbreaking paper in 1988, identifying 10 “hotspots” within tropical forests.
- These areas were characterized by high levels of plant endemism coupled with significant habitat loss.
- Conservation International, one of CEPF’s global donor organizations, embraced Myers’ hotspots as its institutional framework in 1989.
- In 1996, the organization initiated a reassessment of the hotspot concept, aiming to identify any overlooked key areas.
- Subsequently, a comprehensive global review took place three years later, leading to the identification of 25 biodiversity hotspots based on established quantitative thresholds.
- Building upon the collaborative efforts of nearly 400 specialists, a further analysis in 2005 expanded the total number of recognized biodiversity hotspots to 34.
- In 2011, a team of researchers from the Commonwealth Scientific and Industrial Research Organisation (CSIRO), in collaboration with Conservation International, designated the Forests of East Australia as the 35th hotspot.
- Continuing this trend, the North American Coastal Plain earned the distinction of being Earth’s 36th hotspot in February 2016, meeting the prescribed criteria.
- To qualify as a hotspot, an area must boast a minimum of 1,500 endemic vascular plant species, representing over 0.5 percent of the world’s total.
- Additionally, it must have experienced a loss of at least 70% of its natural habitat, retaining 30% or less of its original natural vegetation.
The most prominent hotspots, ranking highest based on the aforementioned five factors, include:
- Madagascar
- Philippines
- Sundaland
- Atlantic Forest of Brazil
- The Caribbean
- Indo-Burma
- Sri Lanka/Western Ghats
- Eastern Arc and Coastal Forests of Tanzania/Kenya
INDIAN BIODIVERSITY HOTSPOTS
India boasts four major biodiversity hotspots, each meeting the criteria for designation as a Biodiversity Hotspot:
Himalayas:
- Encompassing North-East India, Bhutan, Central, and Eastern Nepal, the Himalayas stand as the highest mountain range globally.
- The North-East Himalayas, covering approximately 750,000 square kilometers, is a habitat for 163 endangered species, including the Wild Asian Water Buffalo and the One-horned Rhino.
- Additionally, it hosts 10,000 plant species, with 3160 being endemic.
Indo-Burma Region:
- Spanning a total area of 2,373,000 km2, the Indo-Burma Region has been a discovery ground for six large mammal species in the last 12 years, such as the Large-antlered Muntjac, Annamite Muntjac, and Saola.
- This hotspot is also renowned for its endemic freshwater turtle species, many of which face extinction due to over-harvesting and habitat loss.
- It features 1,300 bird species, including critically endangered ones like the White-eared Night-heron and Grey-crowned Crocias.
Western Ghats:
- Running along the western edge of peninsular India, the Western Ghats house diverse deciduous and rain forests.
- According to UNESCO, this region is home to at least 325 globally threatened species of flora, fauna, birds, amphibians, reptiles, and fish. Originally covering 190,000 km2, the vegetation has decreased to 43,000 km2.
- Notable for critically endangered species, the Western Ghats feature 229 endangered plant species, 31 mammal species, 15 bird species, 43 amphibian species, 5 reptile species, and 1 fish species.
Sundaland:
- Sundaland, a South-East Asian hotspot including Singapore, Thailand, Indonesia, Brunei, and Malaysia, earned designation as a World Biosphere Reserve by the United Nations in 2013.
- Recognized for diverse terrestrial and marine ecosystems, Sundaland is one of the world’s biologically richest hotspots.
- It houses 25,000 species of vascular plants, with 15,000 exclusive to this region.
These hotspots showcase India’s rich biodiversity and underscore the importance of conservation efforts in these ecologically significant areas.
IMPORTANCE OF BIODIVERSITY HOTSPOTS
- Biodiversity serves as the bedrock of life on Earth, providing the essential components for human existence, including breathable air, food, and drinkable water.
- The existence of species is fundamental to the very fabric of human society. Biodiversity hotspots play a pivotal role in sustaining this intricate web of life and are of paramount importance for several reasons:
- Foundation of Life:
- Biodiversity, represented by the multitude of species, is the cornerstone of all life processes. Without diverse species, essential resources like air, food, and water would cease to exist.
- Critical to Human Survival:
- Biodiversity hotspots are areas where the highest levels of biodiversity face imminent threats. Protecting these hotspots is crucial for ensuring the continued availability of diverse species that contribute to human well-being.
- Overlap with Natural Benefits:
- The map of biodiversity hotspots aligns closely with natural areas that offer substantial benefits to human populations. These areas are not only rich in biodiversity but also provide resources and services that directly contribute to human welfare.
- Rich and Important Ecosystems:
- Biodiversity hotspots are home to some of the most ecologically rich and significant ecosystems on the planet. Preserving these areas safeguards unique habitats and the myriad species that inhabit them.
- Support for Vulnerable Populations:
- Many biodiversity hotspots are inhabited by vulnerable human populations who rely directly on nature for their survival. The well-being of these communities is intricately linked to the health and diversity of the ecosystems in their vicinity.
- Ecosystem Services:
- Despite covering only 2.5 percent of the Earth’s land surface, hotspot ecosystems, including forests and wetlands, provide a staggering 35 percent of the “ecosystem services.” These services encompass crucial functions like water purification, pollination, and climate regulation, which are vital for the sustenance of vulnerable human communities.
FAQs – Biodiversity Hotspots
1. What is the origin of the concept of biodiversity hotspots?
A: The concept of biodiversity hotspots was introduced by British ecologist Norman Myers in 1988. He identified 10 tropical forest hotspots characterized by high plant endemism and significant habitat loss.
2. How did Conservation International become associated with biodiversity hotspots?
A: Conservation International, a global donor organization, adopted Norman Myers’ hotspots as its institutional framework in 1989. This strategic approach allowed for prioritized conservation efforts in areas with high biodiversity under threat.
3. How has the list of biodiversity hotspots evolved over the years?
A: The initial 10 hotspots identified in 1988 expanded to 25 after a comprehensive global review in 1999. Collaborative efforts in 2005 increased the total to 34. Notably, the Forests of East Australia and the North American Coastal Plain were designated as the 35th and 36th hotspots, respectively, in subsequent years.
4. What criteria are used to qualify an area as a biodiversity hotspot?
A: To qualify as a hotspot, an area must have a minimum of 1,500 endemic vascular plant species, representing over 0.5 percent of the world’s total. Additionally, it must have experienced a loss of at least 70% of its natural habitat, retaining 30% or less of its original natural vegetation.
5. Which are the most prominent biodiversity hotspots globally based on specific factors?
A:The top hotspots, ranking highest based on factors like plant endemism and habitat loss, include Madagascar, Philippines, Sundaland, Atlantic Forest of Brazil, The Caribbean, Indo-Burma, Sri Lanka/Western Ghats, and Eastern Arc and Coastal Forests of Tanzania/Kenya.
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