Biodiversity has been a cause of concern in today’s world.
With all the industrial development and emissions, the world has shifted its
focus primarily to restoring environment of the world. Biodiversity hotspots
are a term largely associated with the environment we live in and need to
conserve. The concept was put forth in 1988 by Norman Myers. A hotspot is
declared one if it contains at least 1500 species of vascular plants, and has
lost 70% of its original habitat. The
biodiversity hotspots possess a remarkable collection of flora and fauna and is
a heaven for people who enjoy travelling amidst the beauty of nature.
Today we look at countries which are the biodiversity hotspots of the world
where one can visit to experience the nature at its diverse best:
The island of Madagascar, officially known as the Republic
of Madagascar is located in the Indian ocean - isolated from the large
continent of Africa to the east is described as the hottest of the biodiversity
hotspots. Scientists estimate 90% of the plants and 85% of animals to be
endemic to Madagascar. This distinctive
ecology has led the scientists to refer to Madagascar as the eight continent. The
forests include lowland, subhumid, dry deciduous, spiny, woodland and mangroves.
Madagascar has hot rainy season and cool dry winters with
frequent cyclones. Avenue Of The Baobabs, Tsingy Of
Bemaraha, Ranomafana National Park, Zahamena National Park, Masoala National
Park, Isalo National Park, Ifaty and Tulear and Nosy Baroha are some of the
places to visit to experience the beauty of this country. September and October
are referred as the best time to visit the country.
#Phillipines
Republic of the Phillipines, is an island country in southeast
Asia. Phillipines comprises of 7641 islands and has eight different type of
forests – beach, polane, pine, molave, lower montane and upper montane, mossy
forest and mangroves. Out of approximately 165 mammal species found in this
country, over 61 per cent are endemic. Due to large amount of unexplored
forests and coastlines, the island province of Palawan is referred as the last
frontier. This unique biodiversity is supported by a large variety of ecosystems, landscapes and habitats, most of which are also greatly threatened by human activities. 
Some of the best places that you can visit in the Philippines are Manila, Cebu, Bohol, El Nido, Coron Island, Puerto Princesa, Mactan
Island, Tagaytay, Donsol, Vigan, Sagada, Moalboal, Batan Island, Siquijor, and
Boracay. The best season to visit Philippines is between
November and April and for the travelers who prefer less crowd the right time
for the same Is between May and November.
# Malaysia
Part of the Sundaland biodiversity hotspot, Malaysia has
come to its own term when it comes to a balanced mix of natural beauty and
coming of age modern facilities for travelers. Malaysia's endemic population
comprises almost 306 species of mammals, 742 species of birds, 567 species of
reptiles and over 15,000 plant species.
Malaysia is a promoter of tourism and tourism sector
accounts for third largest contributor to Malaysia’s GDP. Malaysia was fourteenth
most visited country in the world. Top destination includes Perhentian islands,
Taman Negara, Batu Caves, Langkawi, Penang Hill, Niah National Park, Kinbalu
Park, Putrajaya Lake and Taiping Lake Gardens.
The best time to visit Malaysia is between December to April.
#Brazil
The
Federative Republic of Brazil, is the most biologically diverse country in the
world In terms of species endemism. Brazil contains two biodiversity hotspots the Atlantic Forest and the Cerrado, six terrestrial biomes and three large marine ecosystems. Brazil’s biodiversity is expanding with over 700 new species discovered each
year. Brazil also has the largest stretch of mangroves in the world. Brazil is the largest country in South
America. Most of Brazil has tropical climate.
The wildlife of Brazil comprises
of natural occurring animals, plants, and fungi in the country. Brazil is also
home to 60% of the Amazon Rainforest, which accounts for approximately
one-tenth of all species in the world, at the same time Brazil is considered to
have the greatest biodiversity of any country in the planet. Few of the many
destinations include Foz do Iguacu, Copacabana Beach, Sugar loaf and carnaval,
Lagoa Bunita, Lagoa Azul, Furnaca waterfall and caves. Best time to visit
Brazil is between November and March.
#Bahamas
The Bahamas, officially called Commonwealth of the Bahamas
are part of the Caribbean island which is a major biodiversity hotspot is
located within Lucayan Archipelago of the West Indies in the Atlantic. The
Bahamas consists of more than 3000 islands. Wetlands comprise more than 40% of
the state and has over 1350 species of flower and ferns out of which 9% of
flora is endemic. Approximately 24 species of endemic fishes are also
present.
The climate is mostly tropical savannah. The Bahamas is one
of the richest countries in the Americas and travel and tourism is the major contributor.
Nassau, San Salvador Island, Inagua, Run Cay and Rose Island are some of the
major destinations to experience nature up and close. Best time to visit
Bahamas is between mid-December to mid-April.
# Cambodia
Officially the Kingdom of Cambodia, is in the southern part
of Southeast Asia. Cambodia’s
biodiversity is full of exotic flora and fauna and the forests of Cambodia are
the only place where species like Siamese crocodile and Asian elephants thrive.
Approximately as per records there are 212 mammal species, 536 bird species,
240 reptile species, and 850 freshwater fish species. Although deforestation is
on a higher side in the country, the World-Wide fund for nature (WWF)
recognizes six distinct terrestrial ecoregions in the country.
Cambodia’s climate is dominated by monsoons and summers are
humid. Tourist industry contributes the second highest source to GDP. Tonle
Sap, Krong Siem Reap, Phnom Penh, and Krong Kampot are the major tourist
destinations for nature lovers. The best time to visit Cambodia is between
months of November to April.
#Tanzania
Officially, the
United Republic of Tanzania is a country in East Africa within the African
great lakes region. Tanzania is the home
to 20 % of the species that belong to the African continent. The country is
home to 14,500 species and is among the top amongst the countries with highest
endemic species. The country hosts six out of 25 global biodiversity hotspot.
Tanzania also boasts of 21 National Parks within the country. Climate change is
a real cause of concern in this country; however it is still a great place to
experience nature at its closest.
Temperature in Tanzania ranges between 50 – 68 F and
generally is hot and dry (till 87 F) in summers. Tourism is one of the key contributors in the
country’s GDP. Some of the national
parks that are tourist attractions are Serengeti National Park, the Ngorongoro
Conservation Area, Tarangire National Park, Lake Manyara National Park, and
Mount Kilimanjaro.
And that was the list readers, do let me know of any topics you would want me to cover here.
Cheers,
Infometric4 !
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