Today, human beings face one of the greatest challenges in all of history: avoiding the loss of biodiversity. Large fires, illegal logging and land exploitation threaten to wipe out the most wonderful places on the planet. For this reason we want recognize the countries with the greatest biodiversity in the world and their natural value.
It must be taken into account that these megadiverse places, as he called them Russell Mittermeier in 1997, they are not exceptionally large. Actually, what makes these countries part of the group with the greatest biodiversity in the world is that they have an immense variety of species in their territory.
These 12 countries, although they occupy less than 10% of the earth’s surface, have other characteristics that make them niches of life. For example, they have at least 5,000 endemic plant species, marine ecosystems, and a wide variety of species that deserve to be conserved.
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The 12 most biodiverse countries in the world
Brazil
This country is home to 20% of the fresh water on the entire planet. It has wetlands, forests, fields and savannahs in which close to 44,000 different plant species flourish.
Australia
The 2019 fires made it clear that losing a place as diverse as Australia is a possibility. For the first time, the world observed the fragility of a space that is home to between 660,000 species of fauna and 700,000 flora, in addition to having the largest barrier reef in the world.
China
This economic giant is also home to incredible natural spaces. One of its most famous destinations is Zhangjiajie, whose landscapes are revealed in the Avatar movie. More than 1,200 species of birds live here, as well as Tibetan antelopes and southern tigers.
Colombia
Sailing towards the American continent, a little to the south, is Colombia. This country contains nothing more and nothing less than 10% of the world’s biodiversity. In an area of 1.1 million square kilometers, amphibians and birds soar through the Andes or travel through the Amazon.
Ecuador
The Galapagos Islands and numerous volcanoes join a small part of the Amazon jungle, creating the best habitat for thousands of species of flora and fauna. This country is a small natural treasure that protects macaws, toucans, sloths and more.
USA
National parks rise to highlight the biodiversity of the American country. With a great variety of ecosystems such as tropical forests and deserts, species such as the puma, the raccoon or the bald eagle take refuge among the most attractive parks in the world.
Philippines
About 7,000 paradise islands with volcanoes and rice fields make up the Philippine archipelago. The second largest coral reef in the world is joined by whales, thresher sharks and other animals that make this place a huge attraction.
India
Secretly, India is home to two of the world’s «hottest» biodiversity hotspots. These areas are recognized for concentrating the largest number of species in their soils and landscapes. The Western Ghats or mountainous areas where the tropical jungles and the Himalayas meet are home to the extraordinary Bengal tigers or the Nilgiri monkey.
Indonesia
This archipelago with some 17,000 islands spread over the western and eastern parts boasts a vast biodiversity of fauna. The dunes, mangroves, reefs and beaches preserve thousands of species that, unfortunately, are in danger of extinction due to the wildlife trade.
Madagascar
This island is a paradise of endemic flora and fauna. Lemurs are some of its most popular creatures, although there are also tortoises and chameleons. If a place fits perfectly on this list, it is Madagascar.
Mexico
Deserts, tropical jungles, beaches, mangroves, temperate forests, etc. Wherever you look at it, Mexico is a natural niche. The most abundant wildlife on the planet is found here, plus the Gulf of California is home to 40% of the world’s marine mammal species.
Democratic Republic of Congo
Africa also has some paradises that protect different species of flora and fauna. In the Congo River basin, for example, the okapi and the pygmy chimpanzee live, covered by the forest fringes. There is also the Virunga Mountains National Park, which keeps mountain gorillas under protection.
James Corwin
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