What are Biodiversity hotspots?

#xeko #conservation #hotspots #learning
In the current biodiversity crisis, determining what is the best way to allocate the limited resources available for conservation is very important. Where should conservation efforts be centered? The biodiversity hotspot approach, first suggested in a 2000 paper, says that efforts to stem biodiversity loss should focus on places called hotspots. Hotspots are areas that have been identified as having an unusual concentration of endemic species and are being destroyed at an alarming rate. Together the 25 hotspots have 44% of plant life endemic to them, along with 35% of terrestrial vertebrates, in 1.4% of the earths land surface. When compared directly the 5 hottest hotspots, those hotspots that are under the most threat and have the highest biodiversity are: #1 Madagascar, #2 the Philippines, #3 the islands of Indonesia, #4 Brazil’s atlantic forest, and #5 the carribbean. Though described as the silver bullet for conservation actions, there are a few issues with the hotspot approach. The biodiversity hotspot model essentially works to preserve as many species as possible in the smallest amount of area. It does not take into account many objectives of wildlife conservation beyond protecting biodiversity.

0:00 Xeko Cards
1:37 The Biodiversity Hotspot Approach to Conservation
4:00 Criticisms
5:30 Conclusion

Some parts of this video contain images of the card game Xeko invented by Amy Tucker.
Sources
Myers, Norman; Mittermeier, Russell A.; Mittermeier, Cristina G.; da Fonseca, Gustavo A. B.; Kent, Jennifer (2000). "Biodiversity hotspots for conservation priorities" (PDF). Nature. 403 (6772): 853–858. Bibcode:2000Natur.403..853M. doi:10.1038/35002501. ISSN 0028-0836. PMID 10706275.
Kareiva, P. and M. Marvier (2003) Conserving Biodiversity Coldspots, American Scientist, 91, 344-351.
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[TheWildlifeBrothers]

Biodiversity hotspots are definitely regions worth conserving not only by their definition as a hotspot, but also because of the overlap with other goals of conservation, such as the ecosystem services that they do provide. However, you make a great point that many important and beautiful ecosystems would be left out and at risk of destruction simply because they don’t meet an arbitrary definition, and that is one reason why we need many diverse approaches to protect the planet’s biodiversity. Great job as always John, this is a fantastic overview.
- Harrison and Evan

[BioBush]

Oooh, this is challenging. I feel like we're all taught to protect the Great Barrier Reef or the Amazon Rainforest specifically because of their biodiversity. So you pointing out that there are other measures like ecosystem services or less diverse but important habitats is well taken. I'm not swayed from a lifetime of "save the hotspots" education yet, but I am now AWARE that it is one option among several, instead of the unconscious adoption of "save the hotspots". I like these environmental philosophy videos! Thank you for sharing your thoughts!

[maryrosekent]

4:35 is a Greater Sage-Grouse lek. I’ve had the pleasure of three separate Audubon treks to the lek with the wonderful Dave Quady. In order to not disturb the birds, we have to arrive before the birds gather, which means showing up in the dark and then leaving after the majority of birds have flown off. Generally it’s brutally cold, but well worth it. Then we all go out for breakfast together.