Biodiversity Hotspots
APES
Name:
Per.:
Introduction
Many scientists believe that we are in the midst of another extinction crisis. Unlike such events of the
past, this extinction event is believed to be the sole responsibility of one species, humans. Our resource
consumption and use are altering the natural world at a rate with which it cannot keep up. Most living
things are not capable of adapting to an environment that is changing quickly, they are accustomed to
change taking place over generations throughout tens, hundreds and thousands of years.
Efforts are currently being made to slow the pace at which species loss is occurring today. However,
determining where and how to implement change is complicated. The vastness of the planet’s resources,
the world’s growing population, and varying economic and political conditions make it not only difficult
to assess biodiversity, but to implement conservation efforts to sustain it.
To make this process easier, a British ecologist named Norman Myers defined the concept of a
biodiversity hotspot to address the dilemma that conservationists face: what areas are the most
immediately important for conserving biodiversity? He classified areas that possess high degrees of
endemism and habitat loss as biodiversity hotspots. With such areas identified, it is then up to the
conservationists to determine which hotspots are most deserving of their efforts. They must not only
evaluate the biodiversity of a given hotspot, but compare the costs, benefits and practicality of
conservation in the area.
Purpose
This activity is designed for students to become familiar with the defining characteristics of biological
hotspots and research and present a given biological hotspot. Each student will produce one page that will
become part of a book.
Procedures
Use the Internet resource http://www.cepf.net/resources/hotspots/Pages/default.aspx to complete the
following procedures. Record all necessary information on a separate sheet of paper.
Background Information: Answer questions 1 &2 on a separate sheet of paper
1. What is a hotspot? What is an endemic species? Research and describe the two criteria that a
geographic area must meet in order to be considered a biodiversity hotspot.
2. For the California Floristic Province - the biodiversity hotspot closest to home, research and explain:
 how this area meets the biodiversity hotspot criteria
 what is being done to protect this particular area
Book Page: Follow the format below to prepare your 2-sided book page.
For the biodiversity hotspot you have been assigned research and present the following:
a) location of the hotspot
b) type of ecosystems found in the area
c) description & illustration of one endemic plant and one endemic animal species found in the area
d) general description of the socio-economic conditions in the area
e) human induced and/or natural reasons why species diversity is decreasing in the region
f) a specific endangered species within your region. Identify reasons for decline & efforts being done
for preservation. Include a photo
Presentation Format
Use the following template to organize the information you have researched for your assigned biodiversity
hotspot.
(a) Hotspot name and
location
……… ………
………… ……...
………………..
………………..
………………..
………………..
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(c) Illustration / photo
of endemic plant and
animal.
(d) general description of the
socio-economic conditions in
the area
………………..
………………..
………………..
………………..
………………..
……………..
………….
………….
………….
………….
Name
(b) type of ecosystems found
in the area.
(c) description of one endemic
plant and one endemic animal
(e) human induced and/or
natural reasons why
species diversity is
decreasing
(f) Description of one endangered species in region. Include photo, reasons for decline, and description of
efforts being made to preserve this species. USE THE BACK.