Posted by New Delhi: The world is full of biodiverse places, and a stunning array of ecosystems characterises them. These ecosystems support rich flora and fauna and boast habitats that range from lush tropical rainforests to pristine coral reefs—several factors like climate, topography, and evolutionary isolation fuel biodiverse regions. For example, Brazil’s vast size, diverse climate, and unique geographical features contribute to its exceptional biodiversity. There are countries in the world with the highest biodiversity, and Brazil tops the list. Let us look at the countries with the highest biodiversity worldwide.
List of most biodiverse countries in the world
Brazil
Indonesia
Colombia
China
Mexico
Australia
Peru
India
Ecuador
Brazil
Brazil’s different climate zones and environmental conditions help it become the most biodiverse country globally. Brazil is home to over 20 per cent of the world’s biological varieties, and the country’s biodiversity continues to grow. Every year, new species are discovered. The species that survive in the Brazilian forest are tayras, rheas, tapirs, capuchins, maned wolves, tamarins, armadillos and bush dogs. The Amazon rainforest has Brazil nut trees, myriad palms, brazilwood enlaced with creepers, rosewood, water lilies, orchids, and the wild rubber tree.
Indonesia
Indonesia contains thousands of islands and boasts the third-largest rainforest in the world and the well-known Coral Triangle. Some endangered species, like Sumatran tigers, rhinos, and orangutans, can be found in Indonesia. Other rare and exciting animals are walking and tree-climbing mudskipper fish, Mahakam dolphins, and the Komodo dragons. The largest flower, the Rafflesia Arnoldi, or the Corps flower, weighing 15 pounds, is found here.
Colombia
In Colombia, one can travel from the desert to the alpine tundra while traversing rainforests, rivers, and the ocean. The country has more bird and orchid species than any other in the world. Unique animals like the Colombian Titi monkey, the Andean cock-of-the-rock, the pink dolphin, the mountain tapir, the blue anole, and the pirarucu can be found in this country. Colombia is a blooming country with thousands of flowers like roses, orchids and carnations.
China
China’s diverse landscapes are 14 per cent of the world’s animals and 10 per cent of the plants. Many species are on the verge of extinction, and there is overuse and unregulated exploitation of biological resources. The giant panda is unique and the most famous rare animal in China. You can find the metasequoia, Cathay silver fir, Chinese cypress, golden larch, eucommia, dove tree, and camptothecin acuminata in China.
Mexico
Mexico, a mega-diverse country, has over 10 per cent of the world’s species, and the country is third in terms of the diversity of mammals and second among reptiles. A lot of endemic species exist in Mexico, like the vaquita, the Cozumel raccoon, the blue-crowned motmot, the volcano rabbit, the axolotl, the Mexican agouti, or the black-throated magpie-jay. One can also see some native Mexican plants like the Mexican Sunflower, Laelia Orchid, Pineapple Sage, Mexican Honeysuckle, Poinsettia, Mexican Marigold, etc.
Australia
Home to several different ecosystems, Australia’s geographical location habitats many unique species that cannot be found elsewhere on this planet. Many plants and animals face severe threats because of deforestation. Endemic animals in this country are the common ringtail possum, Kangaroo, and Arma Wallaby, among others. Gum trees (Eucalyptus) are rare plants, banksias, bottlebrushes, waratahs, kangaroo paws, and spider flowers.
Peru
Peru, which has the second-largest Amazon forest on the planet, accounts for 70 per cent of all biodiversity on Earth. Over 70 per cent of Peru’s 122 threatened species are protected, and many endemic animals and native plant species can be found there.
India
India has 2.4 per cent of the world’s land area, and 7 to 8 per cent of all species exist there. In India, there are endemic animals like the Asiatic lion, Kashmir stag, lion-tailed macaque, purple frog, sangai deer, and Nilgiri tahr. Some of the country’s most prominent rare plant species are also available.
Ecuador
Due to its advantageous location in the Neotropics, Ecuador is a rich tropical area with the most flora species per area compared to other countries in South America (the country is not very big). Ecuador has 7 per cent of the mammal species recognised worldwide and 18 per cent of all discovered birds worldwide.