GEOGRAPHY

Most Biodiverse Ecosystems
This list features the most biodiverse ecosystems on Earth based on the average number of unique flora and fauna.
RANK | LOCATION | FLORA | FAUNA | DESCRIPTION |
1 | Amazon Rainforest | 16,000 | 2.5 million | The largest tropical rainforest, the Amazon is home to an incredible variety of plants and animals, including 427 mammal species, 1,300 bird species, and over 2.5 million insect species. |
2 | Madagascar | 14,000 | 200,000 | Known for its unique wildlife, over 90% of Madagascar's wildlife is found nowhere else on Earth, including lemurs and a variety of plant species. |
3 | Sundaland | 12,000 | 3,000 | Comprising the Malay Peninsula and surrounding islands, Sundaland is home to high levels of endemism, including species like orangutans and the Sumatran tiger. |
4 | Coral Triangle | 5,000 | 2,000 | Located in Southeast Asia, this marine area boasts the highest diversity of coral species and supports a vast array of fish and marine life. |
5 | Great Barrier Reef | 400 | 1,500 | The world's largest coral reef system, it supports a diverse range of marine life, including various species of corals, fish, and sea turtles. |
6 | California Floristic Province | 5,500 | 1,500 | A global biodiversity hotspot, this region is known for its unique plant species, including many that are found nowhere else, alongside diverse wildlife habitats. |
7 | Indo-Burma Region | 30,000 | 1,200 | Spanning several countries, this region has a rich variety of habitats, supporting an immense diversity of flora and fauna, including many endemic species. |
8 | Himalayas | 7,000 | 1,000 | The diverse climate and elevation range support a rich variety of flora, including numerous medicinal plants, and fauna such as the snow leopard and red panda. |
9 | Amazon Basin | 15,000 | 500 | This vast area has one of the highest levels of biodiversity on land and in freshwater ecosystems, with many endemic fish species. |
10 | Western Ghats, India | 7,402 | 139 | This mountain range is recognized for its unique biodiversity, with many species of flora and fauna endemic to the region, including various primates and reptiles. |
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