The Most Biodiverse Places On Earth
Our planet is teeming with an incredible variety of life, but this biodiversity is not spread evenly. Certain regions—known as biodiversity hotspots—are home to a remarkable concentration of species and ecosystems. In fact, there are 36 recognised biodiverse hotspots, and to qualify as one, an area must meet two specific criteria set by the Critical Ecosystem Partnership Fund (CEPF), a joint global body committed to protecting biodiversity. These are: To
contain at least 1,500 species of vascular plants found nowhere else on Earth (known as “endemic” species); To
have lost at least 70 percent of its primary native vegetation.
These biodiverse areas have fascinated scientists and explorers for centuries. Perhaps the most famous example is Charles Darwin, who visited the Galápagos Islands in 1835. His observations of the islands’ unique species played a key role in developing his theory of evolution by natural selection, making the Galápagos a perfect place to start.
Galápagos Islands and Darwin
These volcanic islands, which are part of Ecuador, exist off its coast and comprise only 5.3% of the Earth’s land area, yet they house an incredible 20% of the world’s biodiversity. The Galápagos Islands also have high levels of endemism, meaning many species are found nowhere else on Earth. Latest estimates suggest that over 80% of land birds and 97% of reptiles and land mammals here are endemic. Many species remain undiscovered!
Madagascar and the Indian Ocean Islands
This isn’t just a place famous because of the popular kids’ movie, Madagascar, it’s renowned for its exceptional biodiversity. Located off the southeastern coast of Africa and separated from the mainland by the Mozambique Channel, Madagascar boasts many endemic species, just like the Galápagos. It’s the fourth-largest island in the world (after Greenland, New Guinea, and Borneo) and hosts 12,000 species of vascular plants (for comparison, the UK has around 2,500), 1,000 species of orchids (the UK has around 57), and 278 species of amphibians (the UK has only 7). If you’re a fan of frogs, orchids, or plants, this is the place to be!
Amazon Rainforest – The Biodiverse Lungs of the Earth
The Amazon is one of the most iconic wildernesses in the world, frequently featured in movies and documentaries—and for good reasons. Covering 40% of South America, it’s home to one-third of all species on the planet, including 2,000 bird species. Known as the “Lungs of the Earth,” it plays a critical role in processing carbon dioxide into oxygen through its 40,000 plant species.
Monteverde Cloud Forest – Costa Rica
Costa Rica may be familiar to you as it referenced in the novel and film “Jurassic Park,” but while it’s incredibly biodiverse, it lacks the dinosaurs! The Monteverde Cloud Forest is unique because its treetop canopy is constantly immersed in low-hanging clouds, which slow evaporation and create a rare, moisture-rich environment. This environment supports a massive amount of biodiversity, especially among epiphytes like lichens, orchids, and bromeliads, which grow on other plants without harming them.
Indonesia spawned Wallace’s Theory of Evolution
Shifting from South America to Southeast Asia, Indonesia is another exceptionally biodiverse region. This archipelago of over 17,000 islands combines both terrestrial and marine ecosystems. It contains part of the third-largest rainforest in the world and is home to extensive coral reefs. Indonesia boasts the most mammal species of any country, the second-highest number of fish species, and the third-highest number of bird species. The lesser known but still pioneering Alfred Wallace developed his own theory of evolution whilst exploring the Indonesia Archipelago at the same time as Charles Darwin was doing so in the Galapagos islands.
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I am a practising HR consultant working with several start-ups on an ongoing and ad-hoc basis in the London and M4 area, and am a Chartered Member of the Chartered Institute of Personnel and Development or CIPD. I am the Director of thecareercafe.co.uk; thecareercafe.co.uk is a resource for start-ups and small business. It includes a blog containing career advice, small business advice articles, HR software reviews, and contains great resources such as HR Productivity Apps.
