New Biodiversity Hotspots
Himalaya

The first in a series of Bio Snapshots covering new biodiversity hotspots. Next week’s featured hotspot: Japan.

Hotspots are the most threatened biodiversity-rich regions in the world. Identifying hotspots focuses research and resources on the 34 areas of urgent conservation priority 

This month nine new hotspots were announced, including the Himalaya.

All hotspots have lost at least 70 percent of their vegetation and support many endemic species found nowhere else.

Himalaya Stats

Vegetation loss:                        75 percent
Endemic plant species:              3,160
Endemic animal species:            150
Notable species:                       tiger, snow leopard, Western tragopan pheasant, orchids

The Himalaya hotspot includes 9 of the world’s 10 highest mountains. The steep elevations create a stepladder of ecosystems shaped by local altitude, geology, and climate.

Image Credits:
Himalayan Range - NASA
Snow Leopard - U.S. Department of the Interior
Western Tragopan - John Corder-World Pheasant Association
Hardy Chinese Orchid - Larsen Twins Orchids

Map Information:
Hotspots - Conservation International
Global Images - NASA