Biodiversity: Biodiversity Hotspots
BIODIVERITY HOTSPOTS
WHAT ARE BIODIVERSITY HOTSPOTS?
Biodiversity hotspots are irreplaceable terrestrial habitats and their communities that are at high risk of extinction. Protecting these hotspots ensures that essential ecosystems and their communities continue to contribute to the function of Earth’s ecosystem services and processes that keep us and our planet healthy.
To be classed as a “biodiversity hotspot” the site must:
-
- Have at least 1,500 native vascular plants
- Have lost 70% of its native vegetation
As of 2016, thirty-six hotspots have been identified. Two billion people worldwide directly rely on the goods and services these ecosystems provide. Sadly, many are located in some of the poorest regions of the world.
(Video supports coming activity)
The activity does not have to be a Treasure Hunt, although the maps allude to a treasure hunt. If we refer to biodiversity itself as a “treasure,” or the components of biodiversity as “treasures,” I think the video works. OR, if we change it to an “Adventure” it still works. We’ll then change the wording in the video to reflect an “adventure” rather than a “treasure hunt.” In any case, the video needs to be accompanied by activity content, i.e. the rules, the steps, the goals, and the outcomes. When we’ve finalized the video, I’ll upload it as a YouTube so running the video doesn’t require a great deal of bandwidth (thus faster response times).
GO TO
GO BACK TO
FOR EDUCATORS-Lesson 3: GOALS, OBJECTIVES, RESOURCES, AND MORE
Copyright © New England Primate Conservancy 2022. You may freely use, copy and share these Learning Activities for educational purposes.
For questions or comments, e-mail us at [email protected].