{"id":2776,"date":"2024-08-21T11:58:12","date_gmt":"2024-08-21T11:58:12","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.nextias.com\/blog\/?p=2776"},"modified":"2024-08-22T06:36:34","modified_gmt":"2024-08-22T06:36:34","slug":"biodiversity-hotspots","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.nextias.com\/blog\/biodiversity-hotspots\/","title":{"rendered":"Biodiversity Hotspots: Meaning, Criteria &amp; More"},"content":{"rendered":"\n<p><em><strong>Biodiversity Hotspots, or Biological Diversity Hotspots<\/strong>, are invaluable reservoirs of life on Earth, representing regions of immense ecological, genetic, and cultural importance. Their conservation is crucial for maintaining global biodiversity and ensuring the sustainability of ecosystem services that humanity relies on. This article aims to study in detail the concept of Biodiversity Hotspots (Biological Diversity Hotspots), its meaning, criteria, and the list of hotspots in India and the world.<\/em><\/p><div id=\"ez-toc-container\" class=\"ez-toc-v2_0_56_1 counter-hierarchy ez-toc-counter ez-toc-transparent ez-toc-container-direction\">\n<div class=\"ez-toc-title-container\">\n<span class=\"ez-toc-title-toggle\"><\/span><\/div>\n<nav><ul class='ez-toc-list ez-toc-list-level-1 ' ><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-2'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-1\" href=\"https:\/\/www.nextias.com\/blog\/biodiversity-hotspots\/#What_is_Biodiversity_Hotspot\" title=\"What is Biodiversity Hotspot?\">What is Biodiversity Hotspot?<\/a><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-2'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-2\" href=\"https:\/\/www.nextias.com\/blog\/biodiversity-hotspots\/#Evolution_of_Concept_of_Biodiversity_Hostspots\" title=\"Evolution of Concept of Biodiversity Hostspots\">Evolution of Concept of Biodiversity Hostspots<\/a><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-2'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-3\" href=\"https:\/\/www.nextias.com\/blog\/biodiversity-hotspots\/#Criteria_for_Qualification_as_Biodiversity_Hotspots\" title=\"Criteria for Qualification as Biodiversity Hotspots\">Criteria for Qualification as Biodiversity Hotspots<\/a><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-2'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-4\" href=\"https:\/\/www.nextias.com\/blog\/biodiversity-hotspots\/#Biodiversity_Hotspots_in_World\" title=\"Biodiversity Hotspots in World\">Biodiversity Hotspots in World<\/a><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-2'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-5\" href=\"https:\/\/www.nextias.com\/blog\/biodiversity-hotspots\/#Biodiversity_Hotspots_in_India\" title=\"Biodiversity Hotspots in India\">Biodiversity Hotspots in India<\/a><ul class='ez-toc-list-level-3'><li class='ez-toc-heading-level-3'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-6\" href=\"https:\/\/www.nextias.com\/blog\/biodiversity-hotspots\/#Eastern_Himalayas\" title=\"Eastern Himalayas\">Eastern Himalayas<\/a><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-3'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-7\" href=\"https:\/\/www.nextias.com\/blog\/biodiversity-hotspots\/#Western_Ghats_Sri_Lanka\" title=\"Western Ghats &amp; Sri Lanka\">Western Ghats &amp; Sri Lanka<\/a><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-3'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-8\" href=\"https:\/\/www.nextias.com\/blog\/biodiversity-hotspots\/#Indo-Burma\" title=\"Indo-Burma\">Indo-Burma<\/a><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-3'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-9\" href=\"https:\/\/www.nextias.com\/blog\/biodiversity-hotspots\/#Sundaland\" title=\"Sundaland\">Sundaland<\/a><\/li><\/ul><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-2'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-10\" href=\"https:\/\/www.nextias.com\/blog\/biodiversity-hotspots\/#Attributes_of_Indian_Hotspots_of_Biodiversity\" title=\"Attributes of Indian Hotspots of Biodiversity\">Attributes of Indian Hotspots of Biodiversity<\/a><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-2'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-11\" href=\"https:\/\/www.nextias.com\/blog\/biodiversity-hotspots\/#Threats_to_Biological_Diversity_Hotspots\" title=\"Threats to Biological Diversity Hotspots\">Threats to Biological Diversity Hotspots<\/a><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-2'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-12\" href=\"https:\/\/www.nextias.com\/blog\/biodiversity-hotspots\/#Conclusion\" title=\"Conclusion\">Conclusion<\/a><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-2'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-13\" href=\"https:\/\/www.nextias.com\/blog\/biodiversity-hotspots\/#Frequently_Asked_Question_FAQ\" title=\"Frequently Asked Question (FAQ)\">Frequently Asked Question (FAQ)<\/a><ul class='ez-toc-list-level-3'><li class='ez-toc-heading-level-3'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-14\" href=\"https:\/\/www.nextias.com\/blog\/biodiversity-hotspots\/#Who_coined_the_term_biodiversity_hotspot\" title=\"Who coined the term biodiversity hotspot?\">Who coined the term biodiversity hotspot?<\/a><\/li><\/ul><\/li><\/ul><\/nav><\/div>\n\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading has-text-color has-link-color wp-elements-0617c9d61a12d7491eed80fa2b6ca42e\" style=\"color:#015aa7\"><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"What_is_Biodiversity_Hotspot\"><\/span><strong>What is Biodiversity Hotspot?<\/strong><span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h2>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li><strong>Biodiversity Hotspots<\/strong> refer to biogeographic regions that are both a significant reservoir of <a href=\"https:\/\/www.nextias.com\/blog\/biodiversity\/\" data-type=\"link\" data-id=\"https:\/\/www.nextias.com\/blog\/biodiversity\/\"><strong>biodiversity<\/strong><\/a> and are threatened with destruction.\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li>In other words, they are regions that are both rich in biodiversity and significantly threatened by human activities.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>These areas are critical for conservation efforts due to their high levels of endemic species, which are species found nowhere else on Earth.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading has-text-color has-link-color wp-elements-f583afaa8bef8bb0f3cd35e4410c4acd\" style=\"color:#015aa7\"><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"Evolution_of_Concept_of_Biodiversity_Hostspots\"><\/span><strong>Evolution of Concept of Biodiversity Hostspots<\/strong><span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h2>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li><strong>1988:<\/strong> Biodiversity Hotspot as an idea was first developed by Norman Myers in 1988.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><strong>1989:<\/strong> Conservation International (CI) adopted Myers\u2019 hotspots as its institutional blueprint in 1989.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><strong>1999:<\/strong> In 1999, Conservation International (CI) carried out a thorough global assessment that established quantitative criteria for designating hotspots of biological diversity.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading has-text-color has-link-color wp-elements-99bd8415790a7d18cf91fbf8a1dfbe2d\" style=\"color:#015aa7\"><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"Criteria_for_Qualification_as_Biodiversity_Hotspots\"><\/span><strong>Criteria for Qualification as Biodiversity Hotspots<\/strong><span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p>To <strong>qualify as a biodiversity hotspot<\/strong>, a region must fulfil the following two strict criteria:<\/p>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li><strong>Endemism:<\/strong> It must have at least 1,500 vascular plants as endemics (> 0.5% of the world\u2019s total) \u2014 i.e. it must have a high percentage of plant species found nowhere else on the planet\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li>A hotspot, in other words, is irreplaceable.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><strong>Threat Level:<\/strong> It must have lost 70% or more of its original natural vegetation\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li>In other words, it must have only 30% or less of its original natural vegetation.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading has-text-color has-link-color wp-elements-87dfd3a98956f1ff5df0cb83e70202c5\" style=\"color:#015aa7\"><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"Biodiversity_Hotspots_in_World\"><\/span><strong>Biodiversity Hotspots in World<\/strong><span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h2>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li>Currently, there are 36 biodiversity hotspots in the world.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Most of them occur in tropical forests.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>They represent just 2.3% of Earth\u2019s land surface.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>They contain around 50% of the world\u2019s endemic plant species and 43% of all terrestrial vertebrates.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-image\">\n<figure class=\"aligncenter size-full\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"840\" height=\"447\" src=\"https:\/\/wp-images.nextias.com\/cdn-cgi\/image\/format=auto\/blog\/uploads\/2023\/10\/biodiversity-hotspots-in-world.png\" alt=\"biodiversity hotspots in world\" class=\"wp-image-10514\" srcset=\"https:\/\/wp-images.nextias.com\/cdn-cgi\/image\/format=auto\/blog\/uploads\/2023\/10\/biodiversity-hotspots-in-world.png 840w, https:\/\/wp-images.nextias.com\/cdn-cgi\/image\/format=auto\/blog\/uploads\/2023\/10\/biodiversity-hotspots-in-world-460x245.png 460w, https:\/\/wp-images.nextias.com\/cdn-cgi\/image\/format=auto\/blog\/uploads\/2023\/10\/biodiversity-hotspots-in-world-768x409.png 768w, https:\/\/wp-images.nextias.com\/cdn-cgi\/image\/format=auto\/blog\/uploads\/2023\/10\/biodiversity-hotspots-in-world-696x370.png 696w, https:\/\/wp-images.nextias.com\/cdn-cgi\/image\/format=auto\/blog\/uploads\/2023\/10\/biodiversity-hotspots-in-world-789x420.png 789w, https:\/\/wp-images.nextias.com\/cdn-cgi\/image\/format=auto\/blog\/uploads\/2023\/10\/biodiversity-hotspots-in-world-150x80.png 150w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 840px) 100vw, 840px\" \/><\/figure>\n<\/div>\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading has-text-color has-link-color wp-elements-1b11f4d4679514d136d040b2431f6993\" style=\"color:#015aa7\"><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"Biodiversity_Hotspots_in_India\"><\/span><strong>Biodiversity Hotspots in India<\/strong><span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p>There are <strong>4 biodiversity hotspots in India<\/strong>, as mentioned below.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li><strong>The Eastern Himalayas,<\/strong><\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><strong>Western Ghats &amp; Sri Lanka,<\/strong><\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><strong>Indo-Burma, and<\/strong><\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><strong>Sundaland.<\/strong><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading has-text-color has-link-color wp-elements-ca8c7752e00dbd3522292f0763978cf5\" style=\"color:#ff6a00\"><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"Eastern_Himalayas\"><\/span><strong>Eastern Himalayas<\/strong><span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p>This region includes parts of Nepal, Bhutan, and northeastern India, harbouring species like the red panda and the snow leopard.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading has-text-color has-link-color wp-elements-1526a0788b2d9935537adc184eab7797\" style=\"color:#ff6a00\"><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"Western_Ghats_Sri_Lanka\"><\/span><strong>Western Ghats &amp; Sri Lanka<\/strong><span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p>Stretching along the western coast, this region is known for its unique flora and fauna, including endangered species like the Nilgiri Tahr and Lion-tailed Macaque.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading has-text-color has-link-color wp-elements-75c8ab565fba9a382aca073eee18b25f\" style=\"color:#ff6a00\"><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"Indo-Burma\"><\/span><strong>Indo-Burma<\/strong><span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p>Extending across northeast India, Myanmar, and parts of Southeast Asia, it is rich in amphibians, birds, and reptiles.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading has-text-color has-link-color wp-elements-d6451eba3ac0934e8faf95a62eb8dcc2\" style=\"color:#ff6a00\"><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"Sundaland\"><\/span><strong>Sundaland<\/strong><span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p>Including the Nicobar Islands, this region is known for its marine biodiversity and unique terrestrial species.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading has-text-color has-link-color wp-elements-4cbe58c6874a998911367213f7396ba8\" style=\"color:#015aa7\"><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"Attributes_of_Indian_Hotspots_of_Biodiversity\"><\/span><strong>Attributes of Indian Hotspots of Biodiversity<\/strong><span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h2>\n\n\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-table\"><table class=\"has-background has-fixed-layout\" style=\"background-color:#ebecf0\"><tbody><tr><td><strong>Attributes<\/strong><\/td><td colspan=\"4\"><strong>Hotspots<\/strong><\/td><\/tr><tr><td><\/td><td><strong>Himalaya<\/strong><\/td><td><strong>Indo-Burma<\/strong><\/td><td><strong>W. Ghats &amp; Sri Lanka<\/strong><\/td><td><strong>Sundaland<\/strong><\/td><\/tr><tr><td><strong>Hotspot original extent (km<sup>2<\/sup>)<\/strong><\/td><td>741,706<\/td><td>2,373,057<\/td><td>189,611<\/td><td>1501,063<\/td><\/tr><tr><td><strong>Hotspot vegetation remaining (km<sup>2<\/sup>)<\/strong><\/td><td>185,427<\/td><td>118,653<\/td><td>43,611<\/td><td>10,0571<\/td><\/tr><tr><td><strong>Endemic plant species<\/strong><\/td><td>3160<\/td><td>7,000<\/td><td>3,049<\/td><td>15,000<\/td><\/tr><tr><td><strong>Endemic threatened birds<\/strong><\/td><td>8<\/td><td>18<\/td><td>10<\/td><td>43<\/td><\/tr><tr><td><strong>Endemic threatened mammals<\/strong><\/td><td>4<\/td><td>25<\/td><td>14<\/td><td>60<\/td><\/tr><tr><td><strong>Endemic threatened amphibians<\/strong><\/td><td>4<\/td><td>35<\/td><td>87<\/td><td>59<\/td><\/tr><tr><td><strong>Extinct species*<\/strong><\/td><td>0<\/td><td>1<\/td><td>20<\/td><td>4<\/td><\/tr><tr><td><strong>Human population density (people\/km<sup>2<\/sup>)<\/strong><\/td><td>123<\/td><td>134<\/td><td>261<\/td><td>153<\/td><\/tr><tr><td><strong>Area protected (km<sup>2<\/sup>)<\/strong><\/td><td>112.578<\/td><td>235,758<\/td><td>26,130<\/td><td>179,723<\/td><\/tr><tr><td><strong>Area protected (km<sup>2<\/sup>) in categories I-IV**<\/strong><\/td><td>77,739<\/td><td>132,283<\/td><td>21,259<\/td><td>77,408<\/td><\/tr><tr><td colspan=\"5\"><strong>*Recorded extinction since 1500., **Categories l-IV afford higher levels of protection.<\/strong><\/td><\/tr><\/tbody><\/table><\/figure>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading has-text-color has-link-color wp-elements-d3b29ec398b6579928cb64845a38baa0\" style=\"color:#015aa7\"><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"Threats_to_Biological_Diversity_Hotspots\"><\/span><strong>Threats to Biological Diversity Hotspots<\/strong><span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p>Despite their ecological significance, these hotspots of biodiversity face numerous threats, as described below:<\/p>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li><strong>Habitat Destruction:<\/strong> Deforestation, urbanisation, and agricultural expansion lead to the loss of critical habitats.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><strong>Climate Change:<\/strong> Altered temperature and precipitation patterns affect species distributions and <a href=\"https:\/\/www.nextias.com\/blog\/ecosystem\/\" data-type=\"link\" data-id=\"https:\/\/www.nextias.com\/blog\/ecosystem\/\"><strong>ecosystem<\/strong><\/a> dynamics.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><strong>Pollution:<\/strong> Industrial activities, pesticide use, and plastic waste severely impact biodiversity.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><strong>Invasive Species:<\/strong> Non-native species can outcompete, prey on, or bring diseases to native species, disrupting the ecosystem balance.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><strong>Overexploitation:<\/strong> Unsustainable hunting, fishing, and logging deplete species populations and degrade habitats.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading has-text-color has-link-color wp-elements-d0adc4bd9eb2e9b9b187dc32f0e06642\" style=\"color:#015aa7\"><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"Conclusion\"><\/span><strong>Conclusion<\/strong><span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p><strong>Biodiversity hotspots or Biological Diversity Hotspots<\/strong> hold ecological, genetic, and cultural importance. Conserving these areas is essential for preserving global biodiversity and sustaining crucial ecosystem services. Addressing the threats and implementing effective conservation strategies can safeguard these crucial natural treasures.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading has-text-color has-link-color wp-elements-b04ddb1535628ea923d834d7faf1cac9\" style=\"color:#015aa7\"><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"Frequently_Asked_Question_FAQ\"><\/span><strong>Frequently Asked Question (FAQ)<\/strong><span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h2>\n\n\n<div id=\"rank-math-faq\" class=\"rank-math-block\">\n<div class=\"rank-math-list \">\n<div id=\"faq-question-1724243878883\" class=\"rank-math-list-item\">\n<h3 class=\"rank-math-question \"><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"Who_coined_the_term_biodiversity_hotspot\"><\/span>Who coined the term biodiversity hotspot?<span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h3>\n<div class=\"rank-math-answer \">\n\n<p>The term <strong>&#8220;biodiversity hotspot&#8221;<\/strong> was coined by Norman Myers in 1988.<\/p>\n\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"<p>Biodiversity Hotspots, or Biological Diversity Hotspots, are invaluable reservoirs of life on Earth, representing regions of immense ecological, genetic, and cultural importance.<\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":9,"featured_media":10515,"comment_status":"open","ping_status":"open","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"footnotes":""},"categories":[65],"tags":[72],"class_list":["post-2776","post","type-post","status-publish","format-standard","has-post-thumbnail","hentry","category-environment-and-ecology","tag-gs-3"],"_links":{"self":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.nextias.com\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/2776","targetHints":{"allow":["GET"]}}],"collection":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.nextias.com\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts"}],"about":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.nextias.com\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/types\/post"}],"author":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.nextias.com\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/users\/9"}],"replies":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.nextias.com\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/comments?post=2776"}],"version-history":[{"count":7,"href":"https:\/\/www.nextias.com\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/2776\/revisions"}],"predecessor-version":[{"id":10550,"href":"https:\/\/www.nextias.com\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/2776\/revisions\/10550"}],"wp:featuredmedia":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.nextias.com\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media\/10515"}],"wp:attachment":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.nextias.com\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media?parent=2776"}],"wp:term":[{"taxonomy":"category","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.nextias.com\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/categories?post=2776"},{"taxonomy":"post_tag","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.nextias.com\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/tags?post=2776"}],"curies":[{"name":"wp","href":"https:\/\/api.w.org\/{rel}","templated":true}]}}