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Biodiversity: What’s the Big Deal?

Have you heard the term “biodiversity” lately? It’s quite the buzzword, especially in Southern California and the Baja California Peninsula—this region is one of the most biodiverse places in the world. That means this place is home to an incredible variety of plants and animals, some found nowhere else on Earth.

But… why is all that variety important?

Biodiversity is a key ingredient for a healthy planet. The more variety, the more resilient an ecosystem can be.

It helps to think of life on our planet as one big piece of fabric, where each thread represents one species. If the fabric is densely packed with millions of fine threads, the fabric will be strong and resistant to anything that pokes or pulls at it.

Think of your sturdiest pair of denim jeans. If a few threads break, their neighbors might feel some strain, but the fabric remains durable and resilient. This is what it's like to have high biodiversity. Each species contributes to the resilience of its ecosystem.

Now imagine your most ragged, threadbare pair of jeans. They have holes. Threads are pulling apart at the seams. The hold-out strands are hanging on, but a deep squat could ruin the pants entirely.

An ecosystem that has lost its biodiversity is equally unstable and vulnerable to damage. Without the diverse wildlife that makes up our home planet, our collective denim jeans would be unable to support us. And there is no second pair—we must take care of what we've got.

Take Action with The Nat: Boost Biodiversity  

The Nat’s scientists are in the field, finding ways to protect the wildlife and habitats that make this region so biodiverse. And they’re in the museum, preserving our collection—an ecological record that helps us understand what we need to conserve.  

This work can’t be done alone. Here’s how you can join us.  

Get outside.  
The first step in protecting nature is learning to appreciate it. Spend time exploring and getting to know the great outdoors.
Plant native. 
Native plants are one of the best ways to support biodiversity: they provide wildlife with food and shelterHere are some tips to help you get growing.
Become a community scientist.  
Contribute to research by taking photos of wildlife and upload them to iNaturalist.org. Scientists at The Nat and around the world use these observations to support their conservation work.   
Use your voice for nature.  
Call, email, or write a letter to your representatives. Tell them you want them to protect public lands and address climate change. Find yours here.  
Get involved.  
Our work to preserve nature wouldn’t be possible without our volunteers, members, donors, and visitors. Learn how you can join us.  

Posted by The Nat.

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