Earth's Ecological Treasures

Biodiversity hotspots represent Earth's most biologically rich yet threatened terrestrial regions, characterized by exceptional concentrations of endemic species facing extraordinary habitat loss. First identified by ecologist Norman Myers in 1988, these hotspots collectively cover just 2.3% of Earth's land surface but contain over 50% of the world's plant species and 42% of terrestrial vertebrates as endemics. To qualify as a hotspot, a region must contain at least 1,500 endemic plant species (0.5% of the world's total) and have lost at least 70% of its original habitat. The concept revolutionized conservation strategy by identifying priority areas where limited resources could achieve maximum impact, focusing on regions like Madagascar, the tropical Andes, and the Mediterranean Basin where unique evolutionary history combines with severe anthropogenic threats. Shutdown123