Biodiversity Hotspots – Definition
A Biodiversity Hotspot is a geographical area with a high level of diverse endemic species that is not found anywhere else in the world.
In simple words, a biodiversity hotspot is a region where a significant number of threatened or endangered species live together. According to the British biologist Norman Myers, a biodiversity hotspot must contain at least 1500 species of endemic vascular plants that have lost around 70% of their original habitat. The marine hotspots, fish, snails, lobsters, and coral reefs are also considered biodiversity hotspots.
Biodiversity hotspots
Biodiversity Hotspots are biogeographical areas that have rich biodiversity and are threatened by different destruction like overexploitation, climate change, pollution, and other human activities. The word “Biodiversity Hotspot” was first coined by the British biologist Norman Myers in 1988.
As per the IUCN “Red Data List,” there are around 36 areas in the world that are qualified as the Biodiversity Hotspots. These Biodiversity Hotspots represent only 2.3% of the total Earth’s surface. They contain around 50% endemic flora and 42% endemic fauna of the whole Earth.
Table of Content
- Biodiversity Hotspots – Definition
- Biodiversity Hotspot Qualification Criteria- Conservation International
- Biodiversity Hotspots In India
- Biodiversity of India – Flora and Fauna
- Why Biodiversity Hotspots are Important?
- Endangered Species of India
- What is the IUCN Red List?
- Tiger Conservation in India