Biodiversity Hotspots to Know for AP Environmental Science

Biodiversity hotspots are regions with high species diversity and significant threats to their ecosystems. Understanding these areas, like the Amazon and Madagascar, is crucial for conservation efforts, climate regulation, and supporting indigenous communities, linking environmental science and sustainability.

1. Amazon Rainforest

   • Home to approximately 10% of the known species on Earth, making it one of the most biodiverse regions.
   • Plays a critical role in carbon storage, helping to mitigate climate change.
   • Faces significant threats from deforestation, agriculture, and mining, impacting both biodiversity and indigenous communities.

2. Madagascar

   • Over 90% of its wildlife is found nowhere else on Earth, including unique species like lemurs and baobab trees.
   • High levels of endemism make it a key area for conservation efforts.
   • Threatened by habitat loss due to slash-and-burn agriculture and illegal logging.

3. Coral Triangle

   • Contains the highest diversity of coral species in the world, supporting a vast array of marine life.
   • Critical for the livelihoods of millions of people who depend on fishing and tourism.
   • Vulnerable to climate change, overfishing, and pollution, which threaten coral health and marine ecosystems.

4. Mediterranean Basin

   • Known for its unique flora, with a high number of endemic plant species adapted to the Mediterranean climate.
   • Supports diverse ecosystems, including forests, scrublands, and coastal areas.
   • Faces pressures from urbanization, agriculture, and climate change, leading to habitat degradation.

5. Sundaland (Indonesia, Malaysia, Brunei)

   • Rich in biodiversity, including iconic species like orangutans and tigers.
   • Contains extensive tropical rainforests that are critical for global carbon cycling.
   • Threatened by deforestation for palm oil plantations and logging, impacting both wildlife and local communities.

6. Tropical Andes

   • Home to an incredible variety of ecosystems, from high-altitude grasslands to cloud forests.
   • Contains a high number of endemic species, particularly in plants and amphibians.
   • Faces threats from agriculture, mining, and climate change, which disrupts delicate ecosystems.

7. Congo Basin

   • The second-largest rainforest in the world, rich in biodiversity, including gorillas and forest elephants.
   • Plays a vital role in global carbon storage and climate regulation.
   • Threatened by logging, mining, and agricultural expansion, leading to habitat loss and fragmentation.

8. Caribbean Islands

   • Features unique ecosystems, including coral reefs and tropical forests, with many endemic species.
   • Important for tourism and fisheries, which are vital to local economies.
   • Vulnerable to climate change, hurricanes, and invasive species, which threaten biodiversity.

9. California Floristic Province

   • Known for its diverse plant species, including many endemics found nowhere else.
   • Supports a variety of ecosystems, from coastal wetlands to chaparral.
   • Faces threats from urban development, agriculture, and climate change, impacting native species.

10. Mesoamerica

    • Rich in biodiversity, with a high number of endemic species, particularly in tropical forests.
    • Important for cultural heritage and the livelihoods of indigenous peoples.
    • Threatened by deforestation, agriculture, and urbanization, leading to habitat loss.

11. Cape Floristic Region (South Africa)

    • Home to the fynbos biome, known for its high plant diversity and endemism.
    • Supports a variety of ecosystems, including mountains and coastal areas.
    • Faces threats from invasive species, urban development, and climate change.

12. Caucasus

    • Contains a rich diversity of flora and fauna, with many endemic species due to its varied climate and geography.
    • Important for biodiversity conservation and cultural heritage.
    • Threatened by habitat loss, climate change, and political instability in the region.

13. Western Ghats and Sri Lanka

    • Known for its high levels of endemism, particularly in plants and amphibians.
    • Important for biodiversity conservation and ecosystem services.
    • Faces threats from deforestation, agriculture, and urbanization, impacting wildlife habitats.

14. Indo-Burma

    • Rich in biodiversity, with many endemic species, particularly in forests and wetlands.
    • Important for the livelihoods of local communities and cultural heritage.
    • Threatened by habitat loss due to agriculture, logging, and infrastructure development.

15. Polynesia-Micronesia

    • Home to unique island ecosystems with high levels of endemism, including many bird and plant species.
    • Important for cultural heritage and traditional practices of indigenous peoples.
    • Faces threats from climate change, invasive species, and habitat destruction, impacting biodiversity.