megadiverse

Adjective

megadiverse (not comparable)

1. Exhibiting great diversity, especially great biodiversity.
   • High rates of conversion [of natural habitats to agriculture] have clear implications for biodiversity loss. Of special concern are rates of conversion in the so-called megadiverse states: areas identified as being of high species endemism.1994, David Pearce, Dominic Moran, “Saving Biodiversity: An Overview of the Causal Factors”, in The Economic Value of Biodiversity, London: Earthscan Publications, published 1997, →ISBN, page 19
   • Mexico is one of the 12 megadiverse countries. While 1.3% of the land in the world, it hosts about 12% of the known terrestrial biota with very high endemicity.2003, “Nature and Biodiversity Management”, in OECD Environmental Performance Reviews: Mexico, Paris: Organisation for Economic Co-operation and Development, →ISBN, box 5.2 (A Megadiverse Country)...