1. Describe the location of the hotspot and type of ecosystems found there and description of at least one endemic plant species and one animal species found there.
The biodiversity hotspot that I have choose is Polynesia-Micronesia.Includes 4,500 islands stretched across the southern Pacific Oceans. Other principle vegetation associations include mangroves, coastal wetlands, tropical rainforests, cloud forests, savannas, open woodlands, and shrub lands.
Fiji Tree Frog is one endemic amphibian species.
Degeneriaceae, is endemic plant family species to Fiji, and includes a single tree species, Degeneria vitiensis, which is of considerable scientific interest because of its unique primitive floral characters.
2. Explain how this hotspot meets the criteria of a biodiversity hotspot. See http://www.biodiversityhotspots.org/xp/hotspots/hotspotsscience/Pages/hotspots_defined.aspx or another site.
This is the epicenter of the current global extinction crisis.A wide range of ecosystems are found throughout this hotspot. There are 12 principal vegetation biomes, the most widespread of which is strand vegetation, consisting of salt-tolerant plants found along the shores of most Pacific Islands
3. Give a general description of the region’s socio-economic conditions
Because of their small size and lack of terrestrial resources, most hotspot states have relatively limited opportunities for development and are highly dependent on aid and remittances. In general, the atoll states are the most economically vulnerable because of their small, dispersed land masses and limited terrestrial resource bases, while it is the larger, volcanic island countries such as Palau, FSM, Fiji, Samoa, and Tonga that lead in terms of economic diversification and potential.
4. State the human induced and/or natural reasons why species biodiversity has decreased in that region. The need for a Pacific-wide regional environmental agency to coordinate effort was first formally recognized in 1969 .It was not until 1982 that a formal agreement established.In many Pacific islands, there is no natural lowland vegetation left, because the land is under such demand from human populations, which are growing by one to three percent a year.
5. What is being done to protect this particular area?CEPF in the Polynesia-Micronesia Hotspot, a prioritization of the key biodiversity areas was undertaken.
6. Is it important to be concerned with species extinction? State two reasons why or why not. Yes
The over harvesting of birds and bats can be particularly harmful, since these species often act as pollinators and seed dispersers for native plant species. Another threat is fire, which is often used to clear land. Sea level rise due to global warming is a major concern, as low-lying atolls, including Tokelau, Tuvalu, Kiribati, and the Marshall Islands, are at risk of disappearing completely under rising waters. Natural phenomena such as cyclones and floods can also extirpate isolated populations.
7. Name one endangered or threatened species in your region. See the US Fish and Wildlife
American Bald eagles
Web site http://www.fws.gov/.
8. Do you think you as an individual should be concerned with the loss of biodiversity in biodiversity hotspots located far away from where you live? Explain your reasoning.
Yes, because were all under the same stratosphere.We all should be concerned and are concerted effort over generations will impact the change.And the fact that I want to go there someday and scuba dive in the tunnels. I hope it stays pristine
