Hotspots of Biodiversity: What are, where are and importance

Biodiversity Hotspots, also known as “hot points”, refer to regions that exhibit a Exceptional concentration of native speciesbut they are experiencing a rapid loss of natural habitat. To date, they have been identified and defined globally 36 Hotspots. Due to their strategic importance, these Hotspots are considered global priorities in terms of conservation.

For a region to be recognized as a Hotspot, it must comply with two main criteria:

• House high biodiversity: A large number of endemic species that are not found anywhere else in the world.
• Face significant threats: It includes habitat loss, deforestation, intensive agriculture, urbanization, overexploitation of natural resources and climate change.

We recommend reading this article about biodiversity: what is, types and importance.

Biodiversity Hotspots are generally located in regions that have served as a refuge during glacial cycles, protecting them from extreme environmental changes. These Hotspots are characterized by being in areas that have experienced a loss of more than 70% of its natural habitat. Despite occupying only 2.3% of the earth’s surface, they house a disproportionately high amount of species, many of which are in danger of extinction.

Here are where the biodiversity hotspots are found:

• America: Tropical Andes, Mesoamerica, Chocó Biogeographic, Antilles or Caribbean Islands, Pino-Encino Motor Forests, Gulf Coastal Plain, Atlantic Forest, Valdivian Forest, Floristic Province of California, El Cerrado.
• Africa, Europe and the Middle East: Madagascar, Guinean forests of Western Africa, Mediterranean basin and Macaronesia, Caucasus, Cape’s Floral Region, Iran-Anatolia, Eastern African coastal jungle, succulent karoo, Africa horn, Aphromontano East.
• Asia and Oceania: Sondalandia and Islands Nicobar, Wallacea, Philippines, Himalaya, Japan, Oriental Melanesias, Western Ghats and Sri Lanka, southwest of Australia, Mountains of Central Asia, Template forests of Eastern Australia, Nueva Caledonia, New Zealand, Indo-Burma, mountains of the southwest of China, Polynesia and Microns.

Biodiversity Hotspots represent areas of great importance for the conservation of unique and valuable species ecosystems worldwide. The protection of these are essential to preserve biological diversity and guarantee a sustainable future for coming generations. Throughout the world there are 36 biodiversity Hotspots. Next, we will mention some of them:

• The Mediterranean Region: It stands out for housing a large number of reptile species, with more than 40% of them being endemic. In addition, it is recognized as one of the most important areas in the world for the diversity of plants.
• The Tropical Andes: This region contains around the sixth part of all the plant species on the planet. With approximately 30,000 species of vascular plants, it is considered the Hotspot with the largest diversity of plants.
• Congo forests: This tropical forest is one of the most significant worldwide. It houses a great diversity of life, including emblematic species such as gorillas, elephants and bonobos.
• Coral reef region: Located in Australia, it is the most extensive coral reef system in the world. This Hotspot is home to a surprising variety of marine life, including corals, fish, sea turtles and dugongos.
• Himalayas Region: This mountainous region houses a wide variety of species of flora and fauna. Among the iconic animals in this area are the Las Nieves Leopard, the Panda Bear and numerous bird species.

Biodiversity Hotspots play an essential role in the survival of unique species, the protection of valuable ecosystems and the understanding of life on our planet. Its conservation not only has a positive impact on the health and balance of ecosystems, but also benefits human communities by providing ecosystem services and sustainable economic opportunities.

Here we present some of the reasons why they are important:

• High Biodiversity: Hotspots house a wide diversity of endemic species, that is, species that are nowhere else in the world. This unique biological wealth is essential for the preservation of genetic variability and the adaptation of species to the environment.
• Key ecosystems: Ecosystems present in Hotspots play a key role in climate regulation, water purification, soil erosion prevention and the provision of food and natural resources for local communities.
• Threats and risk of extinction: Biodiversity Hotspots are also threatened by human activities, such as deforestation, urbanization, intensive agriculture and climate change. These pressures put the survival of numerous species and ecosystems at risk.
• Scientific and educational value: These areas represent true natural laboratories, providing unique opportunities for scientific research, the discovery of new species and the study of biological processes.

Now that you know what biodiversity hotspots are, you may be interested in this article on species extinction: what is, causes and consequences.

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