ABSTRACT
Biophysically, the Latin America and the Caribbean (LAC) region are exceptionally diverse. It supports 11 of Earth's 14 terrestrial biomes, including wet and dry habitats; tropical, temperate, and desert systems; and forests, shrublands, and grasslands. This chapter discusses that terrestrial and freshwater biodiversity in LAC is highly threatened in many regions. Invasive species form an increasing threat to LAC marine biodiversity. The chapter reviews International Union of Concerned Scientists (IUCN) data to shed light on which threats are most prominent in the region. It explains major threats one by one, focusing on identifying the activities and phenomena that spur them. The chapter explores habitat loss and degradation in the context of terrestrial ecosystems and in the context of freshwater systems. Global climate change and the atmospheric accumulation of human-generated greenhouse gases are substantial threat to marine biodiversity in LAC. The leading threats to coastal and marine biodiversity in LAC are overexploitation of biological resources; habitat loss and degradation; and pollution.
