Biodiversity Hotspots
CALIFORNIA FLORISTIC PROVINCE
The California Floristic Province is a zone of Mediterranean-type climate and has the high levels of plant endemism characteristic of these regions.
CARIBBEAN ISLANDS
The Caribbean Islands support exceptionally diverse ecosystems, ranging from montane cloud forests to cactus scrublands, which have been devastated by deforestation and encroachment.
MADREAN PINE-OAK WOODLANDS
Encompassing Mexico’s main mountain chains, and isolated mountaintop islands in Baja California and the southern United States, the Madrean Pine-Oak Woodlands is an area of rugged mountainous terrain, high relief, and deep canyons.
MESOAMERICA
The Mesoamerican forests are the third largest among the world’s hotspots. Their spectacular endemic species include quetzals, howler monkeys, and 17,000 plant species.
High-Biodiversity Wilderness Areas
This arid, mostly desert region covering northern Mexico and the southwestern United States contains more unique species than any other desert on the planet, including the majority of all known cactus species.