Biodiversity hotspots are regions that support a significant amount of Earth's species diversity, making them crucial for the preservation of global biodiversity. These areas are important because they contain a high number of unique species that are often endemic, meaning they are found nowhere else in the world. By protecting biodiversity hotspots, we can safeguard these species from extinction and maintain the overall health of ecosystems. Additionally, biodiversity hotspots provide essential ecosystem services such as clean air and water, nutrient cycling, and climate regulation, making them vital for human well-being as well.