Ecoregions, hotspots and Key areas

Question 1

What are Hotspots?

Answer 1

• Must contain at least 1,500 vascular endemic plants.
• It has lost 70% of its primary vegetation.
• Comprise of 1.4% of the earth’s surface.
• Contain 45% of all known plant spp and 35% of vertebrate spp.

Question 2

Where are hotspots typically>

Answer 2

In humid tropics.

Question 3

What is a key biodiversity area?

Answer 3

A site that contributes significantly to the global persistence of biodiversity.

Question 4

What are the threshold criteria?

Answer 4

• Threatened biodiversity - Holds species at risk of extinction or ecosystem at risk.
• Geographically restricted biodiversity - Holds species endemic to a specific area.

-Ecological integrity - Remain unaffected ecologically by human influence.

• Biological integrity - Hold sig—the proportion of species population during one or more life stages (e.g. nesting).

Question 5

What is irreplaceability?

Answer 5

This is when a theory complements, rather than replicates biodiversity of other sites.
- Based on important bird areas (IBA) extended to other taxa.
Recognized by IUCN.

Question 6

What is Spatial Conservation prioritization?

Answer 6

This uses quantitative spatial analysis to identify locations for conservation investments. This uses various statistical tools and algorithms.
Data includes:
- Threats
- Costs of conservation action
- Budget availability
- Social factors determining the feasibility of actions.