How Many Countries in the World have Megabiodiversity?

How Many Countries in the World have Megabiodiversity?

Edited By Team Careers360 | Updated on Mar 17, 2023 03:23 PM IST

17 Countries with High Biodiversity

A group of nations that are home to the vast majority of species on the globe and a significant number of endemic species are considered Mega Biodiversity Countries. In 1998, Conservation International classified 17 nations as having megadiverse biodiversity. Most of them are situated in tropical or subtropical areas, either entirely or partially. Megadiversity refers to a large amount of biodiversity. Endemism at the level of species, genera, and families serves as the primary criterion for megadiverse nations.

Examples:

  1. Australia: For endemic diseases, Australia is ranked first in the world. There are between 600,000 and 700,000 species of plants and animals in the country. The kangaroo, the dingo, and the koala are three particularly well-known endemic species. The Banksia nutans, a little shrub with small pink to rusty brown blooms, and the Hakea flower, clusters with pointed leaves, are two lesser-known species.

  1. Brazil: The most significant wetland, forests, open fields, savannahs, and rainforests are all found in Brazil, which also has 20% of the world's pure water.

  1. China: There are 1,244 bird species in China, which is among the highest numbers in the world. Some 667 endemic vertebrate species include giant pandas, South China tigers, and Tibetan antelopes.

  1. Colombia: Nearly 10% of the world's biodiversity is contained within the borders of this South American nation. With 314 distinct types of ecosystems, Colombia has the second-highest number of plant and amphibian species.

  1. Democratic Republic of the Congo: The Democratic Republic of the Congo is home to a broad diversity of flora and animals and contains half of all freshwater in Africa. The okapi and the pygmy chimpanzee, often known as the bonobo, are endemic and can be found across the Congo River Basin and in the northern and northeastern regions.

  1. Ecuador: The smallest nation on this list is Ecuador. Within its boundaries are the self-contained, extraordinarily biodiverse Galapagos Islands.

  1. India: The Western Ghats and the Eastern Himalayas, two of the world's biodiversity hotspots, are located in India.

  2. Only in Indonesia do you find the Proboscis Monkey, Bawean Deer, and Rock Island Snake-necked Turtle. There are over 17,000 islands in this country's archipelago. The number of bird species in Indonesia is second only to that of Brazil.

  1. Madagascar: Most of the plants and animals that may be found in Madagascar are endemic. Madagascar has earned a place on the megadiverse list due to its diverse ecosystems.

  1. Malaysia: The region possesses a long coastline and is covered with rainforests, providing a home for various species. Due to its extensive rainforest coverage, Malaysia also has 14,500 plant species growing there.

  1. Mexico: Some of the most diverse fauna on earth can be found on Mexico's beaches, rainforests, scrublands, temperate forests, and mangroves. The second-highest number of ecosystems are found in Mexico. Reptiles and amphibians also exhibit a significant degree of endemicity.

  1. Papua New Guinea: Some of the world's most unique plants and animals may be seen in this region.This island country is home to the world's third-largest rainforest. Giant rats, tree-climbing kangaroos, and carnivorous mice are a few examples of endemic species.

  1. Peru: The Andes mountains, the Pacific coast, and the Amazon rainforest comprise Peru's several geographical areas. Although there aren't any plants on the desert coast, there are over 13,000 plant species in the hills and rainforest.

  1. Another island country, the Philippines, is home to a diverse range of native plants and animals. The island has more than 9,250 vernacular plants, 33% of which are endemic, yet, interestingly, there isn't a single plant family that is unique to the island.

  1. South Africa: There are 135 different species of frogs, of which 110 are endemic. From the long-nosed Golden Mole to the Riverine Rabbit, the southernmost tip of Africa is home to many endemic species.

  1. United States: The United States is home to a wide variety of plants and animals and has a wide range of ecosystems, from softwoods to deserts. The Channel Islands Spotted Skunk is one of several endemic species. Almost 90% of the biodiversity is also endemic. Furthermore, the nation is home to more than 17,000 different plant species.

17. Venezuela: Situated in a tropical region. Due to the temperature, about 21,000 plant species can grow in this optimal growth habitat. Amazingly, this South American country also has 8,000 endemic animal species. There are only native species of the Sira Poison Frog, Sucre Spiny Rat, and Fiery Squirrel in the region.

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