Biodiversity or biological diversity refers to the degree of variation in various life forms in a given ecosystem. Biodiversity is the essence of nature and essential for our existence as it impacts the overall health of the ecosystem.

The greater the diversity in biological forms, the better the health of the ecosystem. Biodiversity can be seen prominently in tropical climates where many diverse species of micro organisms, plants, animals and birds are to be found. Polar Regions on the other hand can support fewer species and therefore are poorer in biodiversity.

As human development advances, biodiversity is on the decline. This biodiversity loss is mainly because of the destruction of animal and bird habitat. Destruction of forests, wetlands, water bodies by human activity result in biodiversity loss over time. The loss of biological diversity is also due to excessive pollution, population explosion and climatic changes. This results in many species of plants and animals to become endangered or extinct.

Biodiversity conservation has thus become a global concern. These conservation strategies involve the preservation of the land and water bodies, controlling the destruction of forests, restricting pollution levels in the rivers and the seas, maintaining the natural habitat of the animals and birds, the preservation of the native species of the land and introduction of missing or endangered species. Often gene banks are created where diverse genetic material is collected. This is then introduced into the natural habitat as and when appropriate.

A biodiversity hotspot is a designated region which has a rich and diverse reservoir of biodiversity and varied natural ecology and which is in danger of biodiversity loss due to humans. There are two stages to identify an area for hotspot biodiversity. First, the area has to be a large one and must contain a large number of endemic species; that is local species that cannot be found out of this particular hotspot. For an area to be called a biodiversity hotspot, the region must have at least 1500 of endemic vascular plants. Secondly, the environment experts have to decide that the area is a future threat to biodiversity and have already lost seventy percent of its primary vegetation. If both the requirements are fulfilled, then the area is demarcated as a hotspot biodiversity. Currently, there are twenty five regions in the world which have been marked as biodiversity hotspots and there are nine other possible areas.

The identification of these hotspot areas is essential for helping these endemic species to find a safe and protected habitat. To keep the biodiversity of the hotspots intact, we need the help of biodiversity conservation. The conservation plans would not only involve the efforts of the local authorities but also proper planning and implementation from the government.

The Dancing Star Foundation is a non-profit organisation based in the U.S. It is currently engaged in environmental and animal welfare activities, including biodiversity conversion on a global scale. The Dancing Star Foundation is actively involved with the government, with ecologists, biologists and also educators around the world. Their efforts include restoration of the ecology, protection of the endangered species and habitat protection among many others.

For more information visit us @ http://www.biodiversityconservationsource.com