Biodiversity hotspots refers to a geographic region within a reservoir or biodiversity that is receiving threats from humans. It is described in terms of the number of species inhabiting the region, the number of species exclusive to the region and with the kind of threat faced. Australia has 15 biodiversity hotspots, of which 10 are located in South-Western Australia. These hot spots are discussed below:
Fitzgerald River Ravensthorpe:
Uniqueness: It has a diverse landscape that is made of rugged hills, coastal land, plains, cliffs and ranges.
Species present: It is home to 1800 species of flowering plants. More than 70 varieties of orchids are seen in this region, of which many are not found anywhere else in the world. It is also home for hundreds of birds and animals; of which some are not found elsewhere.
Threats: The major threats to this habitat are weed pressure, land fragmentation, extensive grazing, the rising water table, salinity and fungal (Phytophthora cinnamomi) damage to vegetation.
(Environment.gov.au, 2016)
Busselton Augusta
Uniqueness: It has a diverse landscape with heathland and scrubland along the cost and thick forest made of tall trees in the heavy rainfall regions of the inland.
Species present: It is home to hundreds of species of birds and animals. Carnaby’s Black cockatoo, chuditch, brush tailed phascogale are rare species of animals exclusive to this region. The region has many caves that host many aquatic invertebrates.
Threats: These species are threatened by changes in groundwater.
(Environment.gov.au, 2016)
Central and Eastern Avon Wheat Belt:
Uniqueness: It has a woodland ecosystem with a mild temperature and high rainfall.
Species present: These woodlands are home to many endangered animals, birds and plants. Among these, ground dwelling spiders and endemic plants like Acacias, Eucalyptus, Grevillea and Hakeas in particular are threatened by habitat destruction.
Threats: Changes in soil salinity and pollution from the nearby industries are the causes of habitat destruction.
(Environment.gov.au, 2016)
Mount Lesueur Eneabba:
Uniqueness: The land is extremely fertile and suited for agriculture. The region is famous for its richness of wild flower.
Species present: It has more than 250 species of indigenous flora. The region is replete with reptiles like snakes and lizards. It is home to the threatened Dibbler and small marsupials. Threats: Indiscriminate gracing by livestock and the rabbits in the region are causing destruction of this habitat. In addition, sediments deposited by rivers that flow in the area is also responsible for vegetation loss in certain region.
(Environment.gov.au, 2016)
Geraldton to Shark Bay, Sand plains (Western Australia):
Uniqueness: It has a semi-arid climate. The sand plain has the richest diversity of flora in the land.
Species present: The sand plains in the hotspot are home to rare plants and reptiles. Australian Carpet python is a species that is exclusive to this region, and is threatened by habitat destruction.
Threats: Pastoralism, grazing pressure are the main reasons for habitat destruction and land degradation.
(Environment.gov.au, 2016)
Carnarvon Basin (Western Australia)
Uniqueness: The region is rich in natural gas and petroleum resources The flat plain in the region are made of hummock grassland. Other dominant vegetation in the region is Acacia. Species present: The land near the shore is made of many offshore islands, caves and sinkhole that is home to turtles, cave dwelling aquatic animals and invertebrates. Grazing by sheep and rabbits are the main reason for the damage caused to the habitat.
Threats: The lakes, mangroves, creeks and coastal flats in this region are threatened by rising salinity in the region.
(Environment.gov.au, 2016)
Hamersley-Pilbara
Uniqueness: It is made of coastal land and inland plains. It has highest number of aboriginal settlement.
Species present: Little Red Atechinus and Pebble mound mouse are seen in this region. The arid climate favors many endemic reptiles like geckos and goanna species. The coastal land is the home to turtles, seabird and western chestnut mousse.
Threats: Sheep and goat grazing are identified as habitat threats.
Conclusion: Disturbance to ecosystem in the hotspot, can affect the diversity of plants, animals, and microorganisms that occupy this region. Humans are directly or indirectly dependent on nature for: our health, wellbeing and sustenance and thus have to protect these hot spots.
References:
Environment.gov.au, (2016). Australia's 15 National Biodiversity Hotspots - Biodiversity hotspots. Retrieved 1 February 2016, from http://www.environment.gov.au/biodiversity/ conservation/hotspots/national-biodiversity-hotspots#hotspot6
