Abstract Detail

The North American Coastal Plain: a Global Biodiversity Hotspot

Noss, Reed F [1], Platt, William [2].

Summary: The North American Coastal Plain: Global Biodiversity Hotspot #36.

Biodiversity hotspots are areas where conservation values are concentrated and often threatened; hence, they are priorities for conservation action. The presentations in this symposium have documented the biological richness of the North American Coastal Plain. For example, the region supports 6170 native vascular plant taxa, of which 1748 are endemic, and 1133 vertebrates, of which 203 are endemic. Moreover, the Coastal Plain has <5% of its primary vegetation remaining, which places it among the top global hotspots in terms of habitat loss. Nevertheless, systematic biases and ignorance have prevented the Coastal Plain from being recognized as a global hotspot. We now have the knowledge necessary to designate the North American Coastal Plain as Global Biodiversity Hotspot #36. Next steps include educating conservation organizations and the public about the hotspot status of the region, getting it identified and described on Conservation International’s Biodiversity Hotspots website, and working with scientists and conservationists to develop and implement a long-term plan for the protection, restoration, and management of this region to assure that its extraordinary biodiversity is maintained in perpetuity.

Broader Impacts:

1 - University of Central Florida, Department of Biology, 4000 Central Florida Blvd, Orlando, FL, 32816-2368, USA
2 - Louisiana State University, Department of Biological Sciences, 202 LSB, Baton Rouge, LA, 70803, USA, 225/578-6586

Keywords:
biodiversity hotspot
North American Coastal Plain
conservation planning.

Presentation Type: Symposium or Colloquium Presentation
Session: SY08
Location: Elmwood/Riverside Hilton
Date: Tuesday, July 30th, 2013
Time: 5:15 PM
Number: SY08009
Abstract ID:200
Candidate for Awards:None