Key Threats |
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The Biome The five regions of the Mediterranean Biome share natural beauty, ideal climates – and many of the same major threats to biodiversity. These include urban expansion, tourism-related development, altered fire patterns, invasive alien species, climate change, and pollution. |
California/Baja California
© Tim Lesle Population growth, tourism, and agricultural expansion are decimating many of this region’s wetland and woodland ecosystems. Invasive alien plant species, substantially altered fire regimes and air pollution are causing additional stress to native habitats. |
Australia
© Emma Underwood / TNC The large-scale clearing of woodland, shrubland and mallee vegetation for wheat cultivation has endangered many rare plants in this region, leaving less than three percent of native vegetation. Soil salinization and the spread of the “dieback” pathogen compound the situation. |
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Mediterranean Basin
© Basak Avcioglu Increased population, the abandonment of rural areas, and burgeoning coastal tourism enterprises are changing the landscape in the northern Mediterranean Basin, while over-exploitation of forests and the conversion of vegetation into grasslands for livestock are fragmenting natural habitats in the southern Mediterranean Basin. |
South Africa
© Guy Preston Invasive alien plants interfere with natural watershed processes and the legacy of conversion of vegetation to high-intensity agriculture has left fragmented natural habitats. Remaining habitats are threatened by urban development around Cape Town, Port Elizabeth and along the Garden Route. |
Chile
© Phil Rundel Dramatic population growth, new plantations and vineyards are resulting in the loss of native woodlands. Pollution and erosion from mining and uncontrolled fires caused by human activity also put these fragile ecosystems at risk. |
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