Biodiversity Hotspots

Biodiversity Hotspots and Invasive Species

Why is this so important

-Let's review-

What is biodiversity?

So what is a Biodiverse Hotspot?

Multiple Select

A biodiverse hotspot is? (Please check all that apply)

• There are 36 recognize hotspots

• They contain 1500 species of vascular plants, also know as an endemic species

• They have lost at least 70% of its primary native vegetation

• Home to thousands of irreplaceable species

Biodiversity Global Hotspots

Hotspots in the United States

California and the North American Coastal Plain

Biodiversity and Invasive Species

What is an invasive species?

• A Non-native species

• The introduction of the species will cause economic or environmental harm

• Without limiting factors; spreads widely in a community

What does an invasive species look like?

• Brown Marmorated Stink Bugs

• First noted 1996 in Pennsylvania

• Came in on shipping material

• From China, Japan, and Eastern Asia

Stink Bug tracking, in 14 years it has covered almost all of the country

Multiple Select

What is the best method of stopping invasive species? (check all that apply)

• Education

• Inspection

• Prevention

• Great science teachers!

Top Seven Invasive Species for Virginia

• European Gypsy Moth

• Veined Rapa Whelk

• Chinese Mitten Crab

• Emerald Ash Borer

• Purple Loosestrife

• Phragmites

• Nutria