From Australia to the Andes, we’re discovering new biodiversity hotspots worldwide

Places that support a wealth of species are known as “biodiversity hotspots”. South America’s tropical Andes region – which has the world’s largest variety of amphibian, bird and mammal species – and the coastal forests of eastern Australia are just two examples.

Our new study suggests biodiversity hotspots are emerging in new, and in some cases unexpected, locations.

Understanding where biodiversity hotspots are, and how they are changing, is vital for conservation.