Last year I read a great deal about the South West corner of this continent... It made me very keen to go and see for myself some of what I was reading... like the fact that 80% of species are said to be found nowhere else in the world. I came across a wonderful book called 'Australian Seeds' which I posted on last year... and so many threads worth following up on.
When researching on this Australian Biodiversity hotspot today I found this overview at Conservation International.
Home to majestic trees that seem to stretch forever and wildlife such as kangaroos, the South West region is popular with nature enthusiasts including hikers. |
Map from ANU E Press article: ‘Plants That Perform For You’? From Floral Aesthetics to Floraesthesis in the Southwest of Western Australia |
Black solander, 2005, ink, graphite and spirit based ink on sugar paper. |
Gregory Pryor: Black Solander, 2005 |
Read more here:
Black Death: Species Extinction in WA
Author & Artist: Mr Gregory Pryor, featureTHE BIODIVERSITY HOTSPOTS - THE following text is from the Australian Government Department of Sustainability, Environment, Water, population and communities.
Read more here.
What is an international biodiversity hotspot and how were they identified?
Conservation International, a nonprofit environmental organisation based in Washington DC, has identified 25 international biodiversity hotspots, including the southwest of Australia.
These international hotspot areas were assessed according to their plant diversity, and had to contain at least 1500 endemic plant species to qualify. All of the regions identified had lost more than 70% of their original habitat.
Where are the international biodiversity hotspots?
25 international biodiversity hotspots have been identified. Hotspots have been identified in:
- North and Central America (3 hotspots)
- South America (5 hotspots)
- Europe and Central Asia (2 hotspots)
- Africa (5 hotspots)
- Mainland Asia (3 hotspots)
- Asia-Pacific (7 hotspots - including Southwest Australia)
- More information about the international hotspots is on the Hotspots by Region page of the Conservation International web site
6 comments:
and just think we own 36acres of that as conservation covenanted wetlands half way between Denmark and Walpole.
Well I must say... that sounds pretty amazing... what are you doing living at the other end of the country?
I'd love to go see that corner of this land!
S
Biodiversity hotspots...I like thinking about that. Fabulous tall trees and the word "damplands" draws me in. We've got damplands here with all the rain.
Good to hear from you Maggie.... much to think of around this topic I totally agree.
S
so so interesting Sophie, thank you for this wonderful information. I have skim-read it and will go back and read those links again more thoroughly. South of Gerladton where I live is an absolutely gorgeous part of the world - the Alexander Morrison National Park. I heard a friend say it is one of the most diverse areas of flora (in OZ or the world???) I drive through the heathlands often and in spring just marvel at the biodiversity. here's a little bit of info here: http://www.dec.wa.gov.au/component/option,com_hotproperty/task,view/id,115/Itemid,755/ I think I need to research that and see if it's true though ;) And yes, there's no need to argue about it - book yourself a ticket to the south west/mid west for august or sept ok!!!
I wasn't sure where you were based now Donna...I remember you had lived up north!
Beautiful part of the world ... I certainly will put it on the wish list... some of my family visited in November last year and had a brilliant time... it would be great to do it in spring.
I think "in the world" is correct... I read somewhere one of the ten top spots in the world.. and the geological history is hugely fascinating!
Have you seen that book Donna?
and have a wonderful show wont you!
S
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