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
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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
TheFederative 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 Bahamasare 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, theUnited 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 !
