Why Landscape with Locally Native Plants. (2015, August 24). Retrieved November 23, 2015, from http://backtonatives.org/2015/08/24/why-natives/
This article has a lot of very important information about why California is such an important place for biodiversity. There is a particularly large number of endemic species in the state, especially in Southern California which is considered a biodiversity “hotspot”, one of 25 across the globe. The article also is directed towards encouraging California citizens to grow native plant species in their gardens to prevent biodiversity loss. The importance of preserving these areas, especially the hotspots, cannot be overstated: according to the article, over 60% of the world’s species live in these hotspots, even though they only cover 1.45% of the world’s surface.
I really think these statistics are crucial to understanding why biodiversity loss is a top priority in our state. California’s species play an important role in the balance of our environment, and not only in just our state. I also think it is very important for individual citizens to do what they can to help avoid this potential crisis, instead of leaving it to organizations or lawmakers. We can each play a part in the health of our state, which is an idea that we must all understand.
I had no idea that California was a hotspot for biodiversity. I wonder how this biodiversity has been affected by the drought and will be affected by the (possible) El Nino.
Very interesting idea! Do you think that environmental issues are lessened or accentuated by biodiversity?
I think that the statistics are very interesting. Its very interesting that Southern California is a hotspot for biodiversity but it’s also scary that we are losing it too. what are other ways to raise our biodiversity?