Biodiversity data in the Hindu Kush Himalaya from the GBIF database

Global biodiversity is in crisis. We are losing one species every 10 minutes. But unlike earlier mass extinctions, this one is driven by human activity. This aspect of the triple planetary crisis – biodiversity loss – is accelerated by the other two: pollution and climate change.

The Hindu Kush Himalaya is a hotspot of unique biodiversity on Earth. However, we lack sufficient and up-to-date information on the status of biodiversity in the region.

We cannot conserve biodiversity until we know what species there are and how many. Here, we present a snapshot from the GBIF database, which provides open access biodiversity data from around the world. This data is crucial for assessing extinction risks, identifying key biodiversity areas, and monitoring invasive species. Additionally, we highlight the gaps we are dealing with in biodiversity conservation. Closing these gaps is essential for effective conservation efforts.