With dramatic variations in climate and topography, the Mountains of Southwest China Hotspot is arguably the most botanically rich temperate region in the world with an estimated 12,000 plant species, including 3,500 found nowhere else.

The golden monkey, giant panda, red panda, and a number of rare pheasants are among the threatened species found only in this hotspot. Dam construction, illegal hunting, overgrazing, and wood gathering are the primary threats to biodiversity in this region.

Stretching in an arc for nearly 3,200 kilometres through Myanmar, China, Pakistan, Nepal, Bhutan, and India, the Himalaya Hotspot is home to some of the world's highest peaks, including Mount Qomolangma.

The immense mountain range has resulted in a diversity of ecosystems. The hotspot is home to important populations of numerous large birds and mammals, including snow leopards, tonkin, snub-nosed monkeys, tigers, elephants, great one-horned rhinos, and water buffalo. Extensive clearing of forests and grasslands for cultivation, logging, and the collection of fuel wood and medicinal plants have left the region with only 25 per cent of its original habitat.
source:http://www.chinadaily.com.cn/cndy/2006-04/08/content_563219.htm
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