Synopsis of Current Threats

The Indo-Myanmar (Indo-Burma) Hotspot is one of the most threatened hotspots globally: it ranks among the eight hotspots likely to lose most plants and vertebrates as a result of forest loss continuing at its current rate (Brooks et al. 2002). Throughout the hotspot, a combination of population growth, economic development, increasing consumption and integration into the global economy is placing increasing pressure on natural habitats and species populations. Partly because of the political situation, these forces are not currently as pronounced in Myanmar as in many other countries in the hotspot. However, it is highly unlikely that the country will avoid these forces indefinitely. Indeed, Myanmar is already becoming increasingly exposed to external economic forces, including demand for timber and wildlife products, while domestic policies are promoting land-use change on an extensive scale.