7 Things To Know About Biodiversity in Southeast Asia
While ASEAN region occupies only 3% of planet's total land, it has most amazing and diverse wildlife on the planet
Biodiversity and Ethnic Groups 21 (2022) by Phan Quoc DungASEAN Centre for Biodiversity
1. 1,200+ ethnic groups live in Southeast Asia
An estimated 2/3 of the total 450 million population of Indigenous Peoples and local communities worldwide live in Asia. More than 660 million people depend on the region’s biodiversity for their livelihoods and welfare.
Corals by TOPPX2ASEAN Centre for Biodiversity
2. More coral reefs than anywhere else in the world
ASEAN countries are home to the most biodiverse coral reefs on Earth, over 600 species of reef-building coral live here, ⅓ of the world’s coral reef species. That's more than anywhere else in the world!
Orangutans (2015) by Gunung Leuser National ParkASEAN Centre for Biodiversity
3. The only place to observe orangutan in the wild
Witness and marvel at wild orangutans residing in the jungle of Gunung Leuser National Park.
Rafflesia species by Mount Makiling Forest ReserveASEAN Centre for Biodiversity
4. Home to the largest flower on Earth
The corpse flower, also known as Rafflesia arnoldii or giant padma, is the largest individual flower on Earth. It can grow up to 3 feet wide and weigh up to 20 pounds. The flower has a strong and unpleasant odor of decaying flesh, which it uses to attract pollinating flies.
Common Redshanks (Tringa tetanus) by David LiASEAN Centre for Biodiversity
5. A great region to go cuckoo
Approximately 20% of the world's bird species can be found in the region. Visit Khao Sok National Park in Thailand or Sungei Buloh Wetland Reserve in Singapore for a great bird watching experience.
Mangroves in Sungei Buloh Wetland Reserve (2013) by Sungei Buloh Wetland ReserveASEAN Centre for Biodiversity
6. Home to almost half of the planet's mangroves
Mangrove trees are instrumental in mitigating the effects of climate change and have the capacity to absorb and store carbon dioxide, effectively stopping greenhouse gasses from entering the atmosphere.
Experience biodiversity (2018) by Danny OcampoASEAN Centre for Biodiversity
7. Home to 1/3 of world's coastal and marine habitats
Approximately 20% of the world's human population live within 30 km of the sea. Visit Kepulauan Seribu National Park in Indonesia and Bai Tu Long in Vietnam to learn more coastal and marine life.
Pollution 5 (2022) by Aung Chan TharASEAN Centre for Biodiversity
But this incredible biodiversity is under threat. Habitat loss, climate change, and illegal wildlife trade are all taking their toll. The ASEAN Center for Biodiversity is a response to this challenge. It is important to raise awareness of the region's biodiversity and inspire people to take action to protect it.
