The planet is home to fascinating ecosystems and landscapes that researchers are just beginning to understand. Biodiversity is a key component of healthy wildlife, habitat, and ecosystem functions across the world.
Here, we’ve outlined five locations on the planet known for their high biodiversity indexes, making them hotspots for research, and are perfect locations to prioritize conservation and protection.
Biodiversity is a combination of the words “biological” and “diversity.” This term is used to encompass all life on Earth on every level. From fungi and bacteria to large animal species, biodiversity is the total of all living things.
Biodiversity can be measured and tracked. It can also be conserved and protected, or damaged and weakened. Each corner of the planet holds a unique biodiversity, with microbes, animals, and plants that have evolved specifically to that area.
Scientists continue to study biodiversity across the globe to better understand its role in evolution, biological systems, and the full function it plays in nature. What we do know is that biodiversity is essential to life as we know it.
Systems in nature are fragile, complex, and sway in a delicate balance that makes life possible. Biodiversity is a central function in pollination, water purification, climate regulation, reproduction, seed dispersal, and overall healthy ecosystems.
In a spiritual sense, biodiversity helps to preserve the beauty of the planet that we all enjoy. It keeps operations in perfect harmony, and allows us to connect with nature in the ways we do. However, biodiversity across the globe is threatened by climate change and drastic temperature fluctuations, pollution, development, poaching, and a lack of environmental regulations to mitigate such impacts.
With much of the planet touched by human disturbances, there are still wild, vast expanses of wilderness on Earth that have been scientifically recognized as the most biodiverse places on the globe. These areas receive little interaction with humans, and are abundant with wildlife species and plants; many of which can only survive in these unique, biodiverse places.
The Amazon Rainforest is world famous for its vast nature, unique wildlife species, and strange plants. This rainforest attracts scientists and conservationists from across the globe looking to gather data and samples to uncover answers about the rainforest’s mysterious systems.
The space of the Amazon Rainforest is impressive; twice the size of India, covering more than 6.7 million kilometers. It is the largest existing tropical rainforest in the world. Due to its climate and large area, the Amazon Rainforest is a powerhouse of biodiversity.
The Amazon Rainforest is home to 427 mammal species, 1,300 bird species, 378 species of reptiles, and more than 400 species of amphibians. A total of 15% of all bird populations and over 10% of butterflies species migrate to and from the Amazon Rainforest. The area as a whole accounts for 10% of the biodiversity on the planet, making it a priceless and irreplaceable asset to life as we know it.
All rainforests, but especially the Amazon, act as carbon sequestration systems that clean the air and protect the planet from dramatic temperature shifts. As the threats of climate change continue to grow, rainforests should be protected from development, logging, and natural disasters at all costs.
Located in the country of Costa Rica, South America, lies a unique forest called Monteverde. This forest is tropical and found between a mountain range and a cover of dense clouds. Intersections of clouds and mountains, forests of this nature are called cloud forests. Monteverde is considered a cloud forest, sitting roughly 1,500 meters (5000 feet) above sea level between the Tilarán mountain range.
The biodiversity of this area comes from its major seasons that provide unique habitat and opportunity for plant growth. Montverde’s seasons include the rainy season from May through November, the windy-misty season from late November through January, when the dry season begins from January to April. The rainy season that transitions into the windy-misty season in November brings high wind gusts and mist into the mountain range, creating a hazy cloud cover that lasts until January, when the dry season begins and cloud formations fade.
The unique seasonal transitions in Monteverde provide impressive habitat. It is estimated that 50% of Costa Rica’s biodiversity can be found within the area of Monteverde. This accounts for 2.5% of global biodiversity.
The Galapagos Islands lie in the Pacific Ocean off the coast of the country, Ecuador, in South America. These islands are home to only 25,000 year round residents as of 2010 data. However, the area welcomes over 150,000 visitors each year. These islands host crystal clear waters and stunning landscapes.
What makes the Galapagos so remarkable is its wildlife. Most of the wildlife species found in the Galapagos are endemic, meaning they are found nowhere else on Earth. Nearly 80% of Galapagos land birds, 97% of reptiles and land mammals are endemic to the area. Key species for the area include the Galapagos tortoise, marine iguana, and Galapagos penguin.
Over 80% of the Galapagos are protected lands, meaning no human development can occur, to protect its biodiversity. Researchers continue to monitor the Galapagos to ensure populations of wildlife, as many species found there are not only endemic, but are globally recognized as endangered species.
The state of Alaska in the United States is the largest (425.8 million acres) and least populated of the states. Due to its large size and low population density, Alaska is one of the last places in the United States with untouched wilderness and completely intact habitat.
Alaska is one of the last states with healthy fisheries that are naturally managed, and contains 60% of the United State’s remaining wetland systems. Wetlands are important for filtration of water, heavy metals, and sediments. They also provide key habitat for many aquatic species.
When it comes to biodiversity, Alaska’s is nearly pristine. More than 32 carnivore species call Alaska home, more than any other state. Over 1,0000 vertebrate species are found there. The Copper River Delta in Alaska allows over 5 millions bird species to rest and feed during their journey to arctic breeding areas. It is the last place in the United States where caribou roam in over 32 documented heards, totalling a population of 900,000 individuals.
Since Alaska is so undisturbed by human interaction, Alaska has avoided listing endangered species. Across the United States, more than 400 species are listed as endangered or threatened, where only 20 are listed the same way in Alaska.
Researchers flock to Alaska to study its natural and untouched systems. Wildlife populations are studied to see how they interact with the land and with each other. Thousands of tourists venture to Alaska each year to witness its landscapes and wildlife for themselves.
While generally small in size compared to other biodiverse areas on the planet, the Ecuador Cloud Forest is a brilliant example of biodiversity at work. For its small size, these forests contain 20% of the world’s bird species and 17% of the world’s plant diversity. Of the 1,500 species of birds in cloud forests, more than 50 are endemic; meaning they live nowhere else recorded on the planet.
The ecosystems in Ecuadors’ Cloud Forest are delicate, and provide habitat to many endangered species, including the jaguar and puma; the largest land carnivores in the area. In general, cloud forests are rare; covering only 2.5% of the globe. Due to deforestation, these cloud forests are under threat, including all of the plant and wildlife species that live there.
What is Biodiversity? Why Is It Important? | AMNH
17 Most Biodiverse Places on Earth – Matador Network
The Most Biodiverse Places in the World – Original Travel
Wildlife in the Amazon Forest.
Alaska’s Species Information, Alaska Department of Fish and Game.
Ecuador Cloud Forest – Past Project – Rainforest Rescue.
