Graphic courtesy of southernenvironment.org
Graphic courtesy of southernenvironment.org
Graphic courtesy of southernenvironment.org (© Jenkins et al., Proceedings of the National Academy of Sciences)

The Southeast United States was recently identified as a key area for national protection of species biodiversity by Proceedings of the National Academy of Sciences.

According to Southern Environment“researchers mapped the ranges of species within six groups: mammals, birds, reptiles, amphibians, freshwater fish, and trees, and then compared those ranges to existing protected lands. The data revealed a geographic mismatch. Protected lands are primarily in the western states, but biodiversity is greatest in the Southeast, where far less land is protected.”

The Southeast scored high  as a focal region for native biodiversity as it hosts the most endemic species in the country.

To read the complete study, click HERE.

Brendan O'Connor

Editor in Chief of Bungalower.com

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  1. It is hardly surprising the the southeast has the greatest species diversity, since it also has the highest primary productivity.