Limestone karsts, the Asia’s islands of biodiversity are under threat from mining

Dec 04

Limestone karsts, the Asia’s islands of biodiversity are under threat from mining

As mongabay reports some researchers have devised a scientific methodology for prioritizing conservation of limestone karsts. These limestone karsts are biologically-rich outcroppings found in Southeast Asia and other parts of the world. Reuben Clements of WWF-Malaysia reported that larger karsts support greater numbers of endemic snails - a proxy for biological uniqueness among other species - making them a priority for protection. This is according data from 43 karsts across Peninsular Malaysia and Sabah.

Larger areas tend to have greater habitat diversity, which enables them so support a higher number of unique species. said Clements, species conservation manager for WWF-Malaysia.

Read the whole story at mongabay.