Our blue globe has come a long way, from a molten collection of elements and the geological formation of continents to the diverse flora and fauna that live among us today. Seventy percent of the world’s biologic diversity lives in the following 10 countries. Each continent and its respective nations serve as guardians for the biodiversity.
Americas
Brazil
Brazil has more biodiversity than any country in the world. According to Sustainability, Brazil has the most highly populated species, such as mammals, reptiles, and fish. The number of species that live in trees and bushes numbers over 50,000. Brazil has a vast inland swamp called Pantanal. Furthermore, this country has the greatest number of ecosystems, both terrestrial and aquatic. Brazil is a native ecosystem within the ecosystem.
Mexico
Mexico has a wide range of environments, and as such is home to many unique plants, mammals, reptiles, and birds. What separates Mexico from other countries is its favorable climate and environmental conditions. This Meso-American area has forests, mountains, deserts, and rainforests. In addition, this great country has one of the best coasts and a spectacular sea, the Gulf of California.
United States
The United States has a high rate of biodiversity due to its freshwater and marine ecosystems. Over the last few decades, the United States has grown its biodiversity by a wide margin. According to Sustainability, the U.S. has almost protected areas, which house deserts, glaciers, canyons, forests, and plains.
Ecuador
Ecuador has more species per area than any other country within South America. Besides, the nation has numerous new bird discoveries; the number of bird species that exist here is 1,655, alongside 382 mammal species. Ecuador is one of the most species-rich tropical regions in the world, even though its land mass is smaller than the state of Arizona.
Africa
Madagascar
Madagascar boasts such a high biodiversity that more than 70 percent of its resident species are unique to the island. It has a high biodiversity rate thanks to its many animals, such as lemurs, mongooses, foxes, chameleons, and bats. Over the last few decades, it has been said that 75 percent of Madagascar's forests have disappeared. This considerable margin is impinging on the wild animals’ habitats.
South Africa
South Africa is one of the most ethnically diverse countries in the world. It possesses 10 percent of some of the globe's most well-known species of birds, fish, and plants, and 6 percent of reptiles and mammals. Even though Africa has the greatest number of animal inhabitants, it suffers from extreme rates of poaching and hunting. In addition, wide swaths of deforestation are occurring. This clearing of extensive areas of trees and food supplies is destroying the life-sustaining homes of high numbers of wildlife.
Asia
China
China is known for its diverse habitats, especially its tropical rainforests. Home to an incredible variety of animal habitats from the Gobi desert to the Yunnan rainforests, this country ranks high in bird life, plants, and fish.
India
Another country with abundant wildlife species is India. According to Mongabay, India is ranked high when it comes to reptiles and birds. Also, this country is known for having animal habitats for lions, tigers, rhinos, and elephants. Its sprawling land mass comprises a wide variety of ecosystems.
Indonesia
The Indian and Pacific oceans border this Southeast Asian country. Comprised of more than 17,000 islands, this archipelago is filled with ecosystems within land and sea. Bird Life International reports 1625 different bird species living in the same areas where bears, elephants, tigers, rhinoceros and orangutans call home. Indonesia has the third largest rainforest, the Coral Triangle, and the most mammals.
Australia
Known for its tropical and Outback habitats, Australia ranks high in reptiles and fish. The Reptile Database and Fish Base report that Australia leads the world in these two classifications. Australia’s distinct regional environments from dry deserts to tropical rainforests and the Great Barrier Reef account for the development of multiple numbers of species.
Every country on each continent has pockets of intense biodiversity and biologic habitats. In this regard, having various species, animals, and vegetation presents us the responsibility to preserve and conserve. In order to maintain and keep these ecosystems intact, we need to be respectful of our planet’s co-habitants.
Cover image credit: PedroCampos / iStock