Colombia is one of the most biodiverse countries on the planet, classified as a biodiversity hotspot due to its high species richness and levels of endemism (Myers et al., 2000). But beyond the widely documented areas, there are regions known as "black spots"—territories that are poorly explored scientifically and are under threat from human activities. These areas hold crucial potential for discovering new species and expanding scientific knowledge on biodiversity.

What is a "Hotspot"?

The concept of a hotspot was introduced by ecologist Norman Myers, who identified regions with exceptional biodiversity but facing significant threats (Myers et al., 2000, Nature). Colombia is home to several of these hotspots, where natural richness meets the urgent need for conservation.

What are Biodiversity "Black Spots"?

Unlike hotspots, black spots are areas that likely host high biological diversity but have been poorly studied. The lack of data is due to their inaccessibility or geopolitical conditions that have limited research. These regions represent both a warning and an opportunity for science and conservation.

Notable Examples in Colombia:

• Chocó Biogeographic Region
One of the wettest and most biodiverse ecosystems in the world. Researchers like Carlos Perafán and Yesenia Valencia (2022) have documented new species of tarantulas in the Pacific Botanical Garden in Bahía Solano (Scitech Daily). This area still hides numerous invertebrate and endemic species waiting to be discovered.

• Serranía de los Churumbelos
Located between the Andes and the Amazon, it has become a biodiversity frontier. Estimates from the ProAves Foundation and other environmental NGOs suggest a higher-than-average density of bird, amphibian, and reptile species.

• Serranía de la Macarena
Studies such as those by Castellanos et al. (2021) indicate that this region is a biological crossroads between the Amazon, Orinoquía, and the Andes, with over 2,400 plant species and a rich array of endemic fauna (New Phytologist, Wiley Online Library).

• Munchique National Natural Park
With variable altitudes that allow for a great diversity of habitats, more than 500 bird species and 182 mammal species have been recorded (National Natural Parks of Colombia Database).

• Serranía del Perijá
Due to decades of armed conflict, this region was inaccessible for years. The study by Dávalos et al. (2022, IOP Science) highlights that after its recent opening, several endemic bird and mammal species have been documented.

Key References:

- Myers, N. et al. (2000). Biodiversity hotspots for conservation priorities. Nature, 403(6772), 853–858.

- Dávalos, L.M. et al. (2022). Colombia's unexplored biodiversity black spots. Environmental Research Letters. DOI: 10.1088/1748-9326/ac98da

- Castellanos, R. et al. (2021). Amazonian biodiversity transitions in Colombia. New Phytologist, Wiley. DOI: 10.1111/nph.20024

- Perafán, C., Valencia, Y. (2022). New tarantula species in Chocó. Scitech Daily.

- National Natural Parks of Colombia (PNN), Munchique Park Technical Sheet.

Biodiversity "black spots" represent both a challenge and an opportunity: their conservation not only enriches scientific knowledge but also strengthens national environmental strategies. At Terrasos, we foster partnerships that promote the research, protection, and restoration of these unique territories.

Learn more about our initiatives at terrasos.co