Transcript Slide 1 - University of Western Cape

FACULTY OF NATURAL SCIENCES
Biomes, eco-regions and
biodiversity hotspots
Rich Knight,
Biodiversity & Conservation Biology
UWC
knight.rich[at]gmail.com
Biomes (Terrestrial)
Spatial units with "Ecological Similarity" with
respect to communities of
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Plants,
Animals,
Soil Organisms.
Defined based on
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Plant structures (such as trees, shrubs, and
grasses),
Leaf types (such as broadleaf and needle leaf),
Plant spacing (forest, woodland, savanna),
Climate (moisture and temperature).
Biome characteristics
Not defined by
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genetic,
taxonomic, or
historical similarities
Biomes are often identified
with particular patterns of
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Ecological succession e.g. Savanna,
Climax vegetation e.g. Tropical Rainforest.
Biome Biodiversity
Determined especially by fauna e.g.
mammals
 Abiotic factors (soil,
light
etc) depends on
Subdominant
plant
forms
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Biomass productivity of the dominant vegetation
Species diversity tends to be higher
in biomes with particular patterns of
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higher net primary productivity,
higher moisture availability
higher temperatures
Biome - distribution
Major factor determining their distribution
 Latitude: arctic, boreal, temperate, subtropical, tropical
are
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Humidity: humid, semi-humid, semi-arid, and arid.
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seasonal variation: rainfall may be distributed evenly
throughout the year, or possess seasonal variations.
dry summer, wet winter: most regions of the earth receive
most of their rainfall during the summer months;
Mediterranean climate regions receive their rainfall during the
winter months.
Elevation: increasing elevation causes a distribution of
habitat types similar to that of increasing latitude.
Biodiversity increases towards the
equator and with increased humidity.
Biomes Schematic Diagram
Udvardy Classification (12)
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Tropical humid forests
Subtropical and temperate rainforests or woodlands
Temperate broad-leaf forests or woodlands and subpolar deciduous thickets
Temperate needle-leaf forests or woodlands
Evergreen sclerophyllous forests, scrub, or
woodlands
Tropical dry or deciduous forests (including Monsoon
forests) or woodlands
Temperate grasslands
Warm deserts and semi-deserts
Cold-winter (continental) deserts and semi-deserts
Tundra communities and barren Arctic deserts
Mixed mountain and highland systems with complex
zonation
Mixed island systems
WWF: major habitat types (14)
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Tundra (arctic)
Boreal forests/taiga (subarctic, humid)
Temperate coniferous forests (temperate, humid to semihumid)
Temperate broadleaf and mixed forests (temperate, humid)
Temperate grasslands, savannas, and shrublands
(temperate, semi-arid)
Mediterranean forests, woodlands, and shrub (temperate
warm, semi-humid to semi-arid with winter rainfall)
Tropical and subtropical coniferous forests (tropical
and subtropical, semi-humid)
Tropical and subtropical moist broadleaf
forests (tropical and subtropical, humid)
WWF ... /continued
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Tropical and subtropical dry broadleaf forests (tropical and
subtropical, semi-humid)
Tropical and subtropical grasslands, savannas, and
shrublands (tropical and subtropical, semi-arid)
Montane grasslands and shrublands (alpine or montane
climate)
Deserts and xeric shrublands (temperate to tropical, arid)
Mangrove (subtropical and tropical, salt water inundated)
Flooded grasslands and savannas (temperate to tropical,
fresh or brackish water inundated)
Further divided into 825 terrestrial eco-regions. WWF
identified 200 ecoregions for conservation prioritization.
Aquatic biomes
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Continental shelf
Littoral/Intertidal zone
Riparian
Pond/Lake
Coral reef
Kelp forest
Pack ice
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Hydrothermal vents
Cold seeps
Benthic zone
Pelagic zone
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Epipelagic
Mesopelagic
Bathypelagic
Abyssopelagic
Hadopelagic
Neritic zone
34 Biodiversity Hotspots
>70% habitat lost, >1 500 endemic vascular plant
spp.
Investment criteria for Conservation International’s prioritization.
Defining Biodiversity Hotspots
Coined by Norman Myers in two articles in “The
Environmentalist” (1988 & 1990)
Revised by Myers “Hotspots: Earth’s Biologically Richest
and Most Endangered Terrestrial Ecoregions” (1999)
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Thirty-four areas are identified and support nearly 60%
of the world's plant, bird, mammal, reptile, and
amphibian species
Half of the world’s plant species and 42 percent of all
terrestrial vertebrate species are endemic to hotspots
Covers only 2.3 percent of the Earth's land surface
Therefore defined as "a biogeographic region with a
significant reservoir of biodiversity that is threatened
with destruction"
Critique of Biodiv. Hotspots
High profile of the biodiversity hotspots
concept - World Banks funding has
resulted in considerable criticism
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Inadequate representation of other species richness
(e.g. total species richness or threatened species
richness).
Inadequate representation of taxa other than vascular
plants (e.g. vertebrates, or fungi).
No provision to protect smaller scale richness
No provision for changing land use patterns.
Do not consider ecosystem services
Do not consider phylogenetic diversity.
Global Conservation
 Do not address the concept of cost
 The purpose of biodiversity hotspots is not simply
to identify regions that are of high biodiversity
value, but to prioritise conservation spending.
 The regions identified include regions in the
developed world (e.g. the California Floristic
Province), alongside regions in the developing
world (e.g. Madagascar).
 The cost of land is likely to vary between these
regions by an order of magnitude or more, but the
biodiversity hotspots do not consider the
conservation
importance of this difference.
http://www.biodiversityhotspots.org
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Biodiversity_hotspots
North and Central America
1. California Floristic
Province
2. Caribbean Islands
3. Madrean Pine-Oak
Woodlands
4. Mesoamerica
1
3
3
4
2
4
South America
1. Atlantic Forest
2. Cerrado
3. Chilean Winter RainfallValdivian Forests
4. Tumbes-Chocó-Magdalena
5. Tropical Andes
4
4 5
5
5
3
3
3
2
1
1
Europe and Central Asia
1. Caucasus
2. Irano-Anatolian
3. Mediterranean
Basin
4. Mountains of
Central Asia
3
3
3
3
3
1
2 2
2
4
4
Africa
1. Cape Floristic Region
2. Coastal Forests of
Eastern Africa
3. Eastern Afromontane
4. Guinean Forests of
West Africa
5. Horn of Africa
6. Madagascar and the
Indian Ocean Islands
7. Maputaland-PondolandAlbany
8. Succulent Karoo
4
4
5
3
4
3
2
3
3
8
1 7
7
2
2
6
Asia-Pacific
1.
2.
3.
4.
5.
East Melanesian Islands
Himalaya
2
Indo-Burma
Japan
Mountains of Southwest 13
13
China
6. New Caledonia
7. New Zealand
8. Philippines
9. Polynesia-Micronesia
10.Southwest Australia
11.Sundaland
12.Wallacea
13.Western Ghats and Sri Lanka
4
4
5
3
11
8
12
9
1
9
9
6
10
7
California Floristic Province
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Mediterranean-type climate of North
America
High levels of plant endemism
the giant sequoia, the planet's largest
living organism and less massive
relative, the coastal redwood.
Has a number of threatened endemic
species such as the giant kangaroo rat
and the desert slender salamander
Some of the last individuals of the
Critically Endangered California condor
Wilderness destruction caused by commercial farming
Heavily threatened by the expansion of urban areas,
pollution, and road construction.
California Floristic Province
Hotspot Original Extent (km 2)
Hotspot Vegetation Remaining (km 2)
Endemic Plant Species
293.804
73.451
2.124
Endemic Threatened Birds
4
Endemic Threatened Mammals
5
Endemic Threatened Amphibians
8
Extinct Species
2
Human Population Density (people/km 2)
Area Protected (km 2)
Area Protected (km 2) in Categories I-IV
121
108.715
30.002
Caribbean Islands
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Diverse ecosystems from
montane cloud forests to
cactus scrublands
Devastated by deforestation
Hotspot has dozens of
threatened species, including
two species of solenodon
(giant shrews) and the Cuban
crocodile.
The hotspot is also remarkable for the diminutive nature
of much of its fauna, boasting the world's smallest bird
(the tiny bee hummingbird) and smallest snake.
Caribbean Islands
Hotspot Original Extent (km 2)
Hotspot Vegetation Remaining (km 2)
Endemic Plant Species
229,549
22,955
6,550
Endemic Threatened Birds
48
Endemic Threatened Mammals
18
Endemic Threatened Amphibians
Extinct Species
Human Population Density (people/km 2)
143
38
155
Area Protected (km 2)
29,605
Area Protected (km 2) in Categories I-IV*
16,306
Madrean Pine-Oak Woodlands
 Includes Mexico's main mountain
chains, mountaintops in Baja
California and southern US
 An area of rugged mountainous
terrain, high relief, and deep
canyons.
 Quarter of Mexico's plant species
are found here, many of which
are endemic.
 The pine forests of Michoaca'n provide over-wintering
sites for the annual monarch butterfly migrations
 Excessive logging is causing destruction of pine
Madrean Pine-Oak Woodlands
Hotspot Original Extent (km 2)
Hotspot Vegetation Remaining (km 2)
Endemic Plant Species
461,265
92,253
3,975
Endemic Threatened Birds
7
Endemic Threatened Mammals
2
Endemic Threatened Amphibians
Extinct Species
Human Population Density (people/km 2)
Area Protected (km 2)
Area Protected (km 2) in Categories I-IV*
36
1
32
27,361
8,900
Mesoamerica
 The Mesoamerican forests are the
third largest among the world's
hotspots.
 Endemic species include quetzals,
howler monkeys, and 17,000
plant species.
 Is also a corridor for many Neotropical
migrant bird species.
 The hotspot's montane forests are important
for amphibians, many endemic species of
which are in dramatic decline due to an
interaction between habitat loss, fungal
disease and climate change.
Mesoamerica
Hotspot Original Extent (km 2)
Hotspot Vegetation Remaining (km 2)
Endemic Plant Species
1,130,019
226,004
2,941
Endemic Threatened Birds
31
Endemic Threatened Mammals
29
Endemic Threatened Amphibians
Extinct Species
Human Population Density (people/km 2)
Area Protected (km 2)
Area Protected (km 2) in Categories I-IV*
232
7
72
142,103
63,902
Atlantic Forest
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Occurs in tropical South America
includes 20,000 plant species, and
40% are endemic.
Only 10 percent or less remains.
More than 24 Critically Endangered
vertebrate species including three
species of lion tamarins and six bird
species
Hotspot has almost 950 avian species with endemics such as
the red-billed curassow, the Brazilian merganser.
Sugarcane plantations and later, coffee plantations has
contributed to significant habitat destruction over the centuries
With massive urban growth of Rio de Janeiro and Sao Paulo
threaten what remains of this hotspot.
Atlantic Forest
Hotspot Original Extent (km 2)
Hotspot Vegetation Remaining (km 2)
Endemic Plant Species
1,233,875
99,944
8,000
Endemic Threatened Birds
55
Endemic Threatened Mammals
21
Endemic Threatened Amphibians
14
Extinct Species
Human Population Density (people/km 2)
1
87
Area Protected (km 2)
50,370
Area Protected (km 2) in Categories I-IV*
22,782
Cerrado
 Comprising 21% of Brazil
 Most extensive woodland-savanna
in South America.
 Has a pronounced dry season and
supports a unique array of droughtand fire- adapted plant species
 Numerous endemic bird species.
 Large mammals such as the giant anteater, giant
armadillo, jaguar and maned wolf still survive
despite rapid expansion of Brazil's agricultural
frontier, which focuses primarily on soy and corn.
 Ranching is another major threat to the region, as it
produces almost 40 million cattle a year.
Cerrado
Hotspot Original Extent (km 2)
Hotspot Vegetation Remaining (km 2)
Endemic Plant Species
Endemic Threatened Birds
2,031,990
438,910
4,400
10
Endemic Threatened Mammals
4
Endemic Threatened Amphibians
2
Extinct Species
0
Human Population Density (people/km 2)
Area Protected (km 2)
Area Protected (km 2) in Categories I-IV*
13
111,051
28,736
Chilean Winter Rainfall-Valdivian Forests
 Isolated by being bounded by the
Pacific Ocean, the Andes Mountains,
and the Atacama Desert.
 These forests have a rich endemic
flora and fauna.
 Protection from logging now exists.
 Rare fauna include Andean cat, the
mountain vizcacha, & Andean condor.
 Reptilian, amphibian, and freshwater
fish endemism is high.
 Threats include overgrazing, invasive species, &
urbanization.
Chilean Winter RainfallValdivian Forests
Hotspot Original Extent (km 2)
397,142
Hotspot Vegetation Remaining (km 2)
119,143
Endemic Plant Species
1,957
Endemic Threatened Birds
6
Endemic Threatened Mammals
5
Endemic Threatened Amphibians
Extinct Species
Human Population Density (people/km 2)
15
0
37
Area Protected (km 2)
50,745
Area Protected (km 2) in Categories I-IV*
44,388
Tumbes-Chocó-Magdalena
 Bordered by Mesoamerica in the
north, and to the east the Tropical
Andes hotspots.
 Endemic fauna include bare-necked
umbrella bird and the brightlycolored poison dart frogs, are
characteristic of the region.
 The white-winged guan of Southern Ecuador and
extreme northern Peru is seriously threatened with
extinction.
 Urbanization, hunting (large birds and mammals),
and deforestation, especially mangroves are threats.
Tumbes-Chocó-Magdalena
Hotspot Original Extent (km 2)
Hotspot Vegetation Remaining (km 2)
Endemic Plant Species
Endemic Threatened Birds
274,597
65,903
2,750
21
Endemic Threatened Mammals
7
Endemic Threatened Amphibians
8
Extinct Species
4
Human Population Density (people/km 2)
51
Area Protected (km 2)
34,338
Area Protected (km 2) in Categories I-IV*
18,814
Tropical Andes
 Greatest biodiversity on Earth
 Contain about 1/6 of all plant spp.
in <1% of earth's surface
 Species with unusual life histories e.g.
Andean bromelilad 100 yrs to mature.
 The threatened yellow-eared parrot,
yellow-tailed woolly monkey and
spectacled bear are all endemic.
 Most species region for amphibians in the world
(664 spp), 450 of which are on the 2004 IUCN Red
List.
 A quarter of its habitat still remains, threats include:
mining, timber extraction, oil exploration, and
Tropical Andes
Hotspot Original Extent (km 2)
Hotspot Vegetation Remaining (km 2)
Endemic Plant Species
Endemic Threatened Birds
Endemic Threatened Mammals
Endemic Threatened Amphibians
Extinct Species
Human Population Density (people/km 2)
1,542,644
385,661
15,000
110
14
363
2
37
Area Protected (km 2)
246,871
Area Protected (km 2) in Categories I-IV*
121,650
Caucasus
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Includes desert, savanna, arid
woodland, and forests biomes
High levels of endemic plant species.
Mountainous landscapes have two
species of highly threatened Caucasian turs (mountain
goats).
Political turmoil provides lack of governmental regulation.
Forest clearing for fuel wood, illegal hunting and plant
collecting are serious threats
The intact areas only really exist in the higher mountain
regions
The plains experiencing the greatest levels of destruction.
Caucasus
Hotspot Original Extent (km 2)
532,658
Hotspot Vegetation Remaining (km 2)
143,818
Endemic Plant Species
1,600
Endemic Threatened Birds
0
Endemic Threatened Mammals
2
Endemic Threatened Amphibians
2
Extinct Species
0
Human Population Density (people/km 2)
68
Area Protected (km 2)
42,721
Area Protected (km 2) in Categories I-IV*
35,538
Irano-Anatolian
 Forms a natural Mountain
barrier between the
Mediterranean Basin and the
dry plateaus of Western Asia.
 Consists of mountains and
interior basins.
 Contain many centers of local endemism.
 Nearly 400 plant species are found only along the
Anatolian Diagonal, a floristic line that crosses Inner
Anatolia.
 Many of Turkey's 1,200 endemic species occur only
to the immediate east or west of the divide.
Irano-Anatolian
Hotspot Original Extent (km 2)
899,773
Hotspot Vegetation Remaining (km 2)
134,966
Endemic Plant Species
2,500
Endemic Threatened Birds
0
Endemic Threatened Mammals
3
Endemic Threatened Amphibians
2
Extinct Speciesâ?
0
Human Population Density (people/km 2)
58
Area Protected (km 2)
56,193
Area Protected (km 2) in Categories I-IV*
25,783
Mediterranean Basin
 The flora include 22,500
endemic vascular plant
species (4 x more in
the rest of Europe.
 Includes many endemic
reptile species.
 Threatened species are increasingly confined to
fragmented and isolated patches due to tourism/resort
developments
 The Mediterranean monk-seal, the barbary macaque
and the Iberian lynx, which is Critically Endangered,
are among the region's most threatened species.
Mediterranean Basin
Hotspot Original Extent (km 2)
2,085,292
Hotspot Vegetation Remaining (km 2)
98,009
Endemic Plant Species
11,700
Endemic Threatened Birds
9
Endemic Threatened Mammals
11
Endemic Threatened Amphibians
14
Extinct Species
Human Population Density (people/km 2)
5
111
Area Protected (km 2)
90,242
Area Protected (km 2) in Categories I-IV*
28,751
Mountains of Central Asia
 Comprising two of Asia's
major mountain ranges,
 Known to early Persians
as the "roof of the world."
 The hotspot's ecosystems
include glaciers to deserts
 Include a highly threatened type of walnut-fruit
forest, that contains ancestors of domestic fruit
varieties (storehouse of genetic diversity).
 The hotspot is also home to a rich variety of
ungulates, including the threatened argali wild
sheep.
Mountains of Central Asia
Hotspot Original Extent (km 2)
863,362
Hotspot Vegetation Remaining (km 2)
172,672
Endemic Plant Species
1,500
Endemic Threatened Birds
0
Endemic Threatened Mammals
3
Endemic Threatened Amphibians
1
Extinct Species
0
Human Population Density (people/km 2)
42
Area Protected (km 2)
59,563
Area Protected (km 2) in Categories I-IV*
58,605
Cape Floristic Region
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Evergreen fire-dependent shrublands
characterize the landscape
One of the world's five Mediterranean
hotspots.
Home to the greatest non-tropical
concentration of higher plant species
in the world,
Only hotspot that encompasses an entire floral kingdom, and
holds five of South Africa's 12 endemic plant families and 160
endemic genera.
The geometric tortoise, the Cape sugar-bird, and a number
of antelope species are characteristic species.
Cape Floristic Region
Hotspot Original Extent (km 2)
78,555
Hotspot Vegetation Remaining (km 2)
15,711
Endemic Plant Species
6,210
Endemic Threatened Birds
0
Endemic Threatened Mammals
1
Endemic Threatened Amphibians
7
Extinct Species
1
Human Population Density (people/km 2)
51
Area Protected (km 2)
10,859
Area Protected (km 2) in Categories I-IV*
10,154
Coastal Forests of Eastern Africa
 Small and fragmented, these forest
high levels of biodiversity.
 40,000 cultivated varieties of African
violet, (US $100 million global trade) are
derived from a few species of this hotspot
 Include a variety of primate species and
three endemic and highly threatened
monkey and two endemic bushbaby spp .
 The Tana River has two critically
threatened and endemic primates, the
Tana River red colobus and the Tana River mangabey.
 Agricultural expansion is the biggest threat.
 Poor soils, increasing populations, subsistence
agriculture and commercial farming consume
Coastal Forests of Eastern Africa
Hotspot Original Extent (km 2)
Hotspot Vegetation Remaining (km 2)
Endemic Plant Species
291,250
29,125
1,750
Endemic Threatened Birds
2
Endemic Threatened Mammals
6
Endemic Threatened Amphibians
4
Extinct Species
0
Human Population Density (people/km 2)
52
Area Protected (km 2)
50,889
Area Protected (km 2) in Categories I-IV*
11,343
Eastern Afromontane
 This hotspot is distributed along the
eastern edge of Africa, from Saudi
Arabia in the north to Zimbabwe.
Although fragmented, all patches
have a similar flora.
 The Albertine Rift harbors more
endemic mammals, birds, and amphibians than any other African region.
 A complex geological history has
resulted in the formation of a series of unique
freshwater lakes of immense fish diversity (e.g. 617
endemic fish species).
 Threats include agriculture, (bananas, beans, and tea)
Eastern Afromontane
Hotspot Original Extent (km 2)
Hotspot Vegetation Remaining (km 2)
Endemic Plant Species
1,017,806
106,870
2,356
Endemic Threatened Birds
35
Endemic Threatened Mammals
48
Endemic Threatened Amphibians
30
Extinct Species
Human Population Density (people/km 2)
Area Protected (km 2)
Area Protected (km 2) in Categories I-IV*
1
95
154,132
59,191
Guinean Forests of West Africa
 The lowland forests of West
Africa are home to more than
a quarter of Africa's mammals,
including more than 20 spp.
of primates.
 Logging, mining, hunting and
human population growth are placing extreme stress
on the forests, however, threatening species such as
the Jentink's duiker, pygmy hippopotamus, and
scattered populations of western chimpanzees.
 Five Endemic Bird Areas lie partly or entirely within the
hotspot.
Guinean Forests of West Africa
Hotspot Original Extent (km 2)
Hotspot Vegetation Remaining (km 2)
Endemic Plant Species
620,314
93,047
1,800
Endemic Threatened Birds
31
Endemic Threatened Mammals
35
Endemic Threatened Amphibians
49
Extinct Species
Human Population Density (people/km 2)
Area Protected (km 2)
Area Protected (km 2) in Categories I-IV*
0
137
108,104
18,880
Horn of Africa
 Known for its biological diversity for
thousands of years.
 One of only two hotspots that is
entirely arid
 Possesses endemic, threatened
antelope, such as the beira, the
dibatag, and Speke‘s gazelle.
 Has more endemic reptiles than any other region in
Africa.
 Endemics include Somali wild ass and sacred baboon.
 Is one of the most degraded hotspots with only five
percent of its original habitat remaining.
 Overgrazing and charcoal harvesting are destructive
forces, but a lack of government control is problematic.
Horn of Africa
Hotspot Original Extent (km 2)
Hotspot Vegetation Remaining (km 2)
Endemic Plant Species
1,659,363
82,968
2,750
Endemic Threatened Birds
9
Endemic Threatened Mammals
8
Endemic Threatened Amphibians
1
Extinct Species
1
Human Population Density (people/km 2)
Area Protected (km 2)
Area Protected (km 2) in Categories I-IV*
23
145,322
51,229
Madagascar & Indian Ocean
Islands
 High endemism with eight plant,
four bird, and five primate families.
 Madagascar's more than 50 lemur
spp. are biodiversity highlights.
 A further 15 species are extinct due
to human influence.
 Contain a number of Critically
Endangered bird species.
 The Seychelles possess the only endemic family of
amphibians: the Sooglossidae
 The Aldabra giant tortoise, is a well known endemic.
Madagascar & Indian Ocean
Islands
Hotspot Original Extent (km 2)
600,461
Hotspot Vegetation Remaining (km 2)
60,046
Endemic Plant Species
11,600
Endemic Threatened Birds
57
Endemic Threatened Mammals
51
Endemic Threatened Amphibians
61
Extinct Species
45
Human Population Density (people/km 2)
32
Area Protected (km 2)
18,482
Area Protected (km 2) in Categories I-IV*
14,664
Maputaland-Pondoland-Albany
 Found along the east coast of southern
Africa below the Great Escarpment.
 An important center of plant endemism.
 Possess nearly 600 tree species
(highest of any temperate forest).
 Bird-of-paradise flower is a distinctive
hotspot endemic.
 Southern subspecies of white
rhinoceros rescued from extinction is
a well known African conservation success.
 Much of the once expansive grasslands and forests
where the large mammals occur is threatened from
Maputaland-Pondoland-Albany
Hotspot Original Extent (km 2)
Hotspot Vegetation Remaining (km 2)
Endemic Plant Species
274,136
67,163
1,900
Endemic Threatened Birds
0
Endemic Threatened Mammals
2
Endemic Threatened Amphibians
6
Extinct Species
0
Human Population Density (people/km 2)
70
Area Protected (km 2)
23,051
Area Protected (km 2) in Categories I-IV*
20,322
Succulent Karoo
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
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


Occurs in South Africa and Namibia
World's richest succulent flora
Exceptionally high levels of plant
endemism (69%) with some unique
forms like the tree-like succulent
called halfmens, and Aloes with
tree growth forms (Aloe pillansi)
Reptiles have high levels of
endemism (lizards and especially tortoises)
One of only two entirely arid ecosystems with hotspot status
Grazing, agriculture and mining, especially for diamonds and
heavy metals, threaten this fragile hotspot.
Low population densities are some mitigation
Succulent Karoo
Hotspot Original Extent (km 2)
Hotspot Vegetation Remaining (km 2)
Endemic Plant Species
102,691
29,780
2,439
Endemic Threatened Birds
0
Endemic Threatened Mammals
1
Endemic Threatened Amphibians
1
Extinct Species
1
Human Population Density (people/km 2)
4
Area Protected (km 2)
2,567
Area Protected (km 2) in Categories I-IV*
1,890
East Melanesian Islands
 Once largely intact, the 1,600 East Melanesian Islands
are now a hotspot, due, sadly, to accelerating levels of
habitat loss, which has been caused chiefly by
excessive logging, mining, and unsustainable farming
practices. The region is one of the most geographically
complex areas on Earth. Isolation and adaptive
radiation have led to very high levels of endemism,
both within the whole hotspot and on single islands.
Notable endemic species include the majestic
Solomons sea-eagle and more than a dozen
threatened species of flying fox. The islands also
harbor a diverse group of vascular plants species,
including 3,000 endemics.
East Melanesian Islands
Hotspot Original Extent (km 2)
99,384
Hotspot Vegetation Remaining (km 2)
29,815
Endemic Plant Species
3,000
Endemic Threatened Birds
33
Endemic Threatened Mammals
20
Endemic Threatened Amphibians
5
Extinct Species
6
Human Population Density (people/km 2)
Area Protected (km 2)
Area Protected (km 2) in Categories I-IV*
13
5,677
0
Himalaya
 Contains the world's highest
mountains, including Mt.
Everest.
 These rise abruptly, resulting
in a diversity of ecosystems that range from alluvial
grasslands and subtropical broadleaf forests to
alpine meadows above the tree line.
 Vascular plants have even been recorded at more
than 6,000 meters. The hotspot is home to important
populations of numerous large birds and mammals,
including vultures, tigers, elephants, rhinos and wild
water buffalo.
Himalaya
Hotspot Original Extent (km 2)
741,706
Hotspot Vegetation Remaining (km 2)
185,427
Endemic Plant Species
3,160
Endemic Threatened Birds
8
Endemic Threatened Mammals
4
Endemic Threatened Amphibians
4
Extinct Species
0
Human Population Density (people/km 2)
Area Protected (km 2)
Area Protected (km 2) in Categories I-IV*
123
112,578
77,739
Indo-Burma
 Includes more than 2 million km² of
tropical Asia, Indo-Burma and its
biodiversity is still to bediscovered.
 Six large mammal species have
been discovered in the last 12 years:
large-antlered muntjac, Annamite
muntjac, grey-shanked douc, Annamite striped rabbit,
leaf deer, and saola.
 Contains many endemism freshwater turtle species,
most of which are threatened with extinction, due to
over-harvesting and habitat loss.
 Diverse avian biodiversity (1,300 spp.) including the
threatened white-eared night-heron, grey-crowned
Indo-Burma
Hotspot Original Extent (km 2)
Hotspot Vegetation Remaining (km 2)
Endemic Plant Species
2,373,057
118,653
7,000
Endemic Threatened Birds
18
Endemic Threatened Mammals
25
Endemic Threatened Amphibians
35
Extinct Species
Human Population Density (people/km 2)
1
134
Area Protected (km 2)
235,758
Area Protected (km 2) in Categories I-IV*
132,283
Japan (Island Archipelago)
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
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These islands stretch from the humid
subtropics in the south to the boreal
zone in the north
Include a wide variety of climates and
ecosystems.
A quarter of the vertebrate species in
this hotspot are endemic, including
the Critically Endangered Okinawa
woodpecker and the Japanese macaque (Snow Monkeys)
Exceptionally high diversity of amphibians three-quarters of
which are endemic
Urban development, invasive alien species such as the
Indian grey mongoose, the Siberian weasel, and the large
mouthed bass threaten local biodiversity.
Japan (Island Archipelago)
Hotspot Original Extent (km 2)
Hotspot Vegetation Remaining (km 2)
Endemic Plant Species
373,490
74,698
1,950
Endemic Threatened Birds
10
Endemic Threatened Mammals
21
Endemic Threatened Amphibians
19
Extinct Species
Human Population Density (people/km 2)
7
336
Area Protected (km 2)
62,025
Area Protected (km 2) in Categories I-IV*
21,918
Mountains of Southwest China
 Great variations in climate and
topography, this Mountainous
habitats has the most endemicrich temperate flora in the world.
 The golden monkey, giant panda,
red panda, and a number of
pheasants are threatened endemics.
 Illegal hunting, overgrazing and firewood collection are
primary threats to biodiversity
 The construction of the Three Gorges Dam on the
Yangtze River is the largest ever and has impacted
and will continue to heavily threaten this hotspot’s
biodiversity.
Mountains of Southwest China
Hotspot Original Extent (km 2)
Hotspot Vegetation Remaining (km 2)
Endemic Plant Species
262,446
20,996
3,500
Endemic Threatened Birds
2
Endemic Threatened Mammals
3
Endemic Threatened Amphibians
3
Extinct Species
0
Human Population Density (people/km 2)
Area Protected (km 2)
Area Protected (km 2) in Categories I-IV*
32
14,034
4,273
New Caledonia
 Only the size of New Jersey
this South Pacific island
includes five endemic plant
families.
 It possess the world's only
parasitic conifer and nearly
two-thirds off the world's species
of Araucaria trees, all of which are endemic.
 Nickel mining, forest destruction and invasive
species threaten native fauna such as the kagu, an
Endangered bird with a distinctive crest that is the
only surviving member of its family.
New Caledonia
Hotspot Original Extent (km 2)
18,972
Hotspot Vegetation Remaining (km 2)
5,122
Endemic Plant Species
2,432
Endemic Threatened Birds
7
Endemic Threatened Mammals
3
Endemic Threatened Amphibians
0
Extinct Species
1
Human Population Density (people/km 2)
Area Protected (km 2)
Area Protected (km 2) in Categories I-IV*
11
4,192
497
New Zealand
 A mountainous archipelago
dominated by temperate rainforests.
 Fauna is mostly endemic e.g. kiwi.
 Mammals (2 bat spp.), amphibians,
and reptiles all endemic.
 Within 700 years of being occupied
by humans 50 bird spp. have
become extinct.
 Invasive species is the most serious threat to the
flora and fauna.
 Habitat destruction, through deforestation and
wetland drainage, is also a key problem.
New Zealand
Hotspot Original Extent (km 2)
Hotspot Vegetation Remaining (km 2)
Endemic Plant Species
Endemic Threatened Birds
270,197
59,443
1,865
63
Endemic Threatened Mammals
3
Endemic Threatened Amphibians
4
Extinct Species
23
Human Population Density (people/km 2)
14
Area Protected (km 2)
74,260
Area Protected (km 2) in Categories I-IV*
59,794
Philippines
 An archipelago of more than
7 100 islands of immense biodiversity
 Endemic species restricted to forest
fragments with only 7% remaining.
 Has over 6,000 plant species and
many
birds species e.g. Cebu flower pecker,
Philippine cockatoo, Visayan wrinkled
hornbill, and huge Philippine eagle.
 Amphibian endemism unusually high with unique
species e.g. panther flying frog.
 One of the most endangered areas.
 Historically logged for timber products, forests now
being cleared for farming needs and
developments.
Philippines
Hotspot Original Extent (km 2)
Hotspot Vegetation Remaining (km 2)
Endemic Plant Species
297,179
20,803
6,091
Endemic Threatened Birds
56
Endemic Threatened Mammals
47
Endemic Threatened Amphibians
48
Extinct Species
Human Population Density (people/km 2)
2
273
Area Protected (km 2)
32,404
Area Protected (km 2) in Categories I-IV*
18,060
Polynesia-Micronesia
 Comprising 4,500 islands
stretched across the
southern Pacific Ocean.
 Is the epicenter of the
current global extinction
crisis.
 Within 200 years of the
first Europeans 25 bird species have gone extinct
 Extinctions due to introduced invasive species and
over-hunting.
 The spectacular endemic honeycreepers and other
forest birds of the Hawaiian Islands are especially
Polynesia-Micronesia
Hotspot Original Extent (km 2)
47,239
Hotspot Vegetation Remaining (km 2)
10,015
Endemic Plant Species
Endemic Threatened Birds
3,074
90
Endemic Threatened Mammals
8
Endemic Threatened Amphibians
1
Extinct Species
43
Human Population Density (people/km 2)
59
Area Protected (km 2)
2,436
Area Protected (km 2) in Categories I-IV*
2,088
Southwest Australia
 This hot spot includes forest, woodlands, shrublands, and heaths
characterized by high plant and
reptile endemism.
 Numbat, honey possum, and the redcapped parrot are unique vertebrate
species.
 Due to dry and hot conditions the
western swamp turtle hibernates for two-thirds of
year and may be the world’s most threatened
freshwater turtle species, conservation efforts are
improving the situation.
 habitat loss through agricultural expansion,
accentuated by extensive fertilizer use contribute to
declining biodiversity
Southwest Australia
Hotspot Original Extent (km 2)
356,717
Hotspot Vegetation Remaining (km 2)
107,015
Endemic Plant Species
2,948
Endemic Threatened Birds
3
Endemic Threatened Mammals
6
Endemic Threatened Amphibians
3
Extinct Species
2
Human Population Density (people/km 2)
5
Area Protected (km 2)
38,379
Area Protected (km 2) in Categories I-IV*
38,258
Sundaland
 The spectacular flora of this
hotspot are succumbing to the
growth of industrial forestry and
international animal trade that claims tigers,
monkeys, and turtle species for
food and medicine in other countries.
 Populations of the orangutan,
found only in this hotspot, are
in dramatic decline.
 The last refuges of two Southeast Asia rhino species
are also found on the islands of Java and Sumatra.
 Forest use for rubber, oil palm, and pulp production
are detrimental forces facing biodiversity in the
Sundaland
Hotspot Original Extent (km 2)
Hotspot Vegetation Remaining (km 2)
Endemic Plant Species
1,501,063
100,571
15,000
Endemic Threatened Birds
43
Endemic Threatened Mammals
60
Endemic Threatened Amphibians
59
Extinct Species
Human Population Density (people/km 2)
Area Protected (km 2)
Area Protected (km 2) in Categories I-IV*
4
153
179,723
77,408
Wallacea
 The flora and fauna of Wallacea
are so varied that every island in
this hotspot needs protection
 The hotspot is second only to the
Tropical Andes in terms of bird
endemism despite its relatively
small land area.
 The world's largest lizard, the Komodo dragon, is
restricted to the islands of Komodo, Padar, Rinca, and
Flores.
 Forests are being cleared at increasing rates due to
escalating populations.
 Deforestation was caused by the government
sponsored program, which moved people from
overcrowded islands to remote, sparsely inhabited
Wallacea
Hotspot Original Extent (km 2)
Hotspot Vegetation Remaining (km 2)
Endemic Plant Species
338,494
50,774
1,500
Endemic Threatened Birds
49
Endemic Threatened Mammals
44
Endemic Threatened Amphibians
7
Extinct Species
3
Human Population Density (people/km 2)
81
Area Protected (km 2)
24,387
Area Protected (km 2) in Categories I-IV*
19,702
Western
Ghats
and
Sri
Lanka
 Population pressure on forests due to
demands for timber/agricultural land.
 In Sri Lanka, only 1.5 percent of the original
forest remains.
 Remaining forests are heavily fragmented.
 Edges of protected areas have illegal
activities of farmers, loggers, and poachers.
 Annual monsoons with high mountain
regions, contribute to numerous plant,
reptile, and amphibian endemics.
 Sir Lanka alone may have as many as 140
endemic species of amphibians.
 Contains populations of Asian elephants, Indian
tigers, and the Endangered lion-tailed macaques .
 Freshwater fish endemism is extremely high as
well, with over 140 native species.
Western Ghats and Sri Lanka
Hotspot Original Extent (km 2)
Hotspot Vegetation Remaining (km 2)
Endemic Plant Species
189,611
43,611
3,049
Endemic Threatened Birds
10
Endemic Threatened Mammals
14
Endemic Threatened Amphibians
87
Extinct Species
20
Human Population Density (people/km 2)
261
Area Protected (km 2)
26,130
Area Protected (km 2) in Categories I-IV
21,259